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elaeocarpus
Scientific Name: Elaeocarpus
Family: Elaeocarpaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Elaeocarpus: An Overview
The genus Elaeocarpus encompasses a diverse group of tropical and subtropical evergreen trees and shrubs, valued for their ornamental qualities and, in some cases, their cultural significance.
Considerations for Pets
* Several species are commonly found in home gardens as ornamentals.
* Elaeocarpus ganitrus seeds are traditionally used for prayer beads.
Considerations for Children
* Elaeocarpus ganitrus seeds are traditionally used for prayer beads.
Scientific Name and Common Names
* Scientific Name: Elaeocarpus
* Common Names: Japanese Blueberry (for Elaeocarpus decipiens), Minyon Quandong (for Elaeocarpus sedentarius), Woodland Elaeocarpus (for Elaeocarpus sylvestris), Indian Olive or Jolpai (for Elaeocarpus floribundus), Blue Marble Tree or Yoga (for Elaeocarpus joga)
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
* Genus: Elaeocarpus
* Family: Elaeocarpaceae
* Synonyms:
* For Elaeocarpus angustifolius: Elaeocarpus grandiflorus, E. bancroftii, E. grandis, E. sphaericus.
* Elaeocarpus variablis: Elaeocarpus glandulosus Wall. ex Merr. non E. tectorius (L.) Poir., E. oblongus Gaertn.
Distribution and Habitat
* The genus is distributed across tropical and subtropical regions, including:
* Madagascar
* Asia
* The Pacific Islands
* India (for Elaeocarpus floribundus)
* Vietnam (for Elaeocarpus floribundus)
* Peninsular Malaysia (for Elaeocarpus floribundus)
* Indonesia (Borneo) (for Elaeocarpus floribundus)
* The Philippines (Palawan) (for Elaeocarpus floribundus)
* Australia (for Elaeocarpus sedentarius and Elaeocarpus reticulatus)
* New Zealand (for Elaeocarpus dentatus and Elaeocarpus hookerianus)
* Pohnpei and Kosrae (for Elaeocarpus carolinensis)
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
* Evergreen trees and shrubs.
* Some species are large trees, reaching heights of 35-40 meters (Elaeocarpus carolinensis).
* Elaeocarpus reticulatus is described as a tall shrub or small tree.
* Elaeocarpus decipiens exhibits a compact form and elegant branching.
* Foliage can be deep green, with reddish/pink new growth.
* Flowers are often bell-shaped, white to pink, and sometimes fragrant.
Quirky Facts
* The seeds of Elaeocarpus ganitrus are traditionally used for prayer beads in Hinduism and Buddhism and are referred to as Rudraksha.
* The name Elaeocarpus is derived from the Greek words "elaia" (the olive tree) and "carpos" (a fruit). The species name reticulatus refers to the net-like pattern of veins on the leaves.
* Some suggest that certain species may become fashionable alternatives to *Magnolia grandiflora* 'Little Gem' for screening and hedging.
* *Elaeocarpus hookerianus* is named after Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, a world-famous botanist.
Further Information
* Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture.
* New Zealand Flora.
* A Dictionary of Plant Sciences dictionary (Encyclopedia.com).