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elaeocarpus
Scientific Name: Elaeocarpus carolinensis
Family: Elaeocarpaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
About the Genus Elaeocarpus
Elaeocarpus is a genus encompassing approximately 350 species of tropical and subtropical evergreen trees and shrubs.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Elaeocarpaceae
- Major Group: Angiosperms (Flowering Plants)
- Synonyms: Depending on the species, synonyms may include Elaeocarpus grandiflorus, E. bancroftii, E. grandis, E. sphaericus, Elaeocarpus glandulosus, Elaeocarpus oblongus, and Elaeocarpus variabilis.
Distribution and Habitat
- The genus is widely distributed in warm regions, from Madagascar in the west through tropical and subtropical Asia and the Pacific Islands.
- Specific species are native to Australia, New Zealand, India, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and East Asia.
Morphological Characteristics
- Elaeocarpus species are generally evergreen trees and shrubs.
- Some species grow to be large trees, reaching heights of 35-40 meters (100-130 feet) or even up to 50 meters.
- They often have bronze-red new growth.
- Leaves can be simple or 1-foliolate.
Specific Species Highlights
- Elaeocarpus ganitrus: The seeds of this large evergreen broad-leaved tree are traditionally used for prayer beads in Hinduism and Buddhism. The dried bead obtained from the ripe fruit is known as Rudraksha.
- Elaeocarpus sedentarius (Minyon Quandong): An endangered, mid-sized rainforest tree found in Australia.
- Elaeocarpus sylvestris (Woodland Elaeocarpus): A tree species within the genus.
- Elaeocarpus reticulatus (Blueberry Ash): A hardy plant with dense green foliage and pink, aniseed-scented flowers. It is suitable for various horticultural situations.
- Elaeocarpus decipiens (Japanese Blueberry): A broad-leaved evergreen from East Asia known for its compact form, lush growth, and elegant branching.
- Elaeocarpus hookerianus (P?k?k?): A native forest tree of New Zealand that is cold-tolerant.
- Elaeocarpus floribundus (Indian Olive/Jolpai): Found from India to Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Vernacular Names
- Japanese Blueberry (Elaeocarpus decipiens)
- Indian Olive (Elaeocarpus floribundus)
- Jolpai (Elaeocarpus floribundus)
- Blue Marble Tree (Elaeocarpus joga)
- Yoga (Elaeocarpus joga)
- P?k?k? (Elaeocarpus hookerianus)
Ecological Role
- Some suggest certain Elaeocarpus species may become fashionable for screening and hedging, potentially replacing other commonly used plants.
Nomenclature Details
- The name Elaeocarpus is derived from the Greek words "elaia" (olive tree) and "carpos" (fruit). The specific epithet "reticulatus" refers to the net-like pattern of veins on the leaves.
Resources
- Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service: https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/
- Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/
- Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/