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Crateva tapia

Scientific Name: Crateva tapia

Family: Capparaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Crataeva tapia: The "Manzana de playa"

Crataeva tapia, also known as "Manzana de playa" (Spanish for "beach apple") and "garlic-pear," is a species of shrub or tree. It is the sole member of the monotypic genus Crataeva.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions the presence of lectins in the bark, which are carbohydrate-binding proteins.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant produces fruit, referred to as "fruta de anta" (fruit of the tapir) in Tupi Guarani, suggesting that animals consume the fruit.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Crataeva tapia L.
  • Common Names: "Manzana de playa" (Spanish), "garlic-pear". Other local names include k'olo'ma'ax, yuuy, kis, kook che&#39 (Maya).
  • Family: Capparaceae (Mustards and Allies, Order Brassicales - though this designation may be inactive)
  • Genus: Crataeva (monotypic, meaning it contains only this species)
  • Synonyms:
    • Cleome arborea (various authors, some considered illegitimate)
    • Crateva tapia L.
    • Crateva glauca Lundell
    • Crataeva tapia Linn. ssp. odora (Jacob.) Almeida syn. C. religiosa var. nurvala Hook. f.

Distribution and Habitat

  • The plant is found in Brazil, where it is known for its use in traditional medicine.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Crataeva tapia is described as a branched tree or shrub.

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

  • In Brazil, Crataeva tapia is popularly used for diabetes treatment.
  • The plant has been reported to possess several medicinal uses.
  • Crataeva tapia bark lectin has been evaluated for antitumor activity, as well as anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Quirky Facts

  • The name "tapi" or "trapi" comes from the Tupi Guarani language and means "fruit of the tapir," indicating that tapirs are known to eat the fruit.
  • The Margaret Flockton Award 2010 recognized an illustration of Crataeva tapia by Edmundo Saavedra (Mexico).

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The cabbage caterpillar Ascia monuste orseis has been reported to cause damage to Crataeva tapia.

Further Information

  • The Plant List
  • IPNI (International Plant Names Index)
  • Australian Plant Name Index
  • NYBG Virtual Herbarium (New York Botanical Garden)
  • National Museum of Natural History Collection