SafePlants

Colubrina cubensis

Also known as Cuban Nakedwood, this plant is part of the diverse flora found in specific regions. Read on to learn more about its classification, distribution, and other interesting facts.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• The text mentions common names like "snakewood," suggesting a potential resemblance to snakes that might pique the curiosity of pets or children.
• The term "nakedwood" implies the absence of bark covering on at least a portion of the plant, which could be a point of interest (or potential hazard depending on texture and smallness) for children or pets that chew or ingest plant matter.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Colubrina cubensis (Jacq.) Brongn.
• Rank: Species
• Family: Rhamnaceae
• Synonyms: Cuba colubrina, Cuban nakedwood
• Varieties: Colubrina cubensis var. floridana M.C. Johnst.

Common Names

• Cuban Nakedwood
• Nakedwood
• Snakewood
• Greenheart
• Hogplum

Distribution and Habitat

• Colubrina cubensis is found in southern Florida, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Cuba.
• Specifically, it is noted in Miami-Dade County and Collier and Lee counties in Florida.
• The variety Colubrina cubensis var. floridana is native to Florida.
• It is described as a relatively rare edge tree of rockland hammocks on the mainland, or a shrub.
• It can be found in coastal berm, coastal strand, and pine areas.

Ecological Role

• In Florida, it is listed as an endangered species.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions the Cuban Nakedwood in conjunction with tree snails, pileated woodpeckers, solution holes, and an endemic morning-glory relative, pineland clustervine, suggesting it is part of a broader ecological community.

Further Information

• Discover Life has a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Colubrina cubensis.
• ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is referenced as a related resource.