No images found for this plant ID: 24708.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "24708" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
lecythis
Scientific Name: Lecythis
Family: Lecythidaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Lecythis: A Genus of Majestic Trees
Lecythis is a genus of impressive woody plants belonging to the Lecythidaceae family. Known for their significant size and interesting fruits, these trees are primarily found in Central and South America.
Considerations for Pets
- Some species, like Lecythis ollaria, can accumulate selenium, and the nuts may be poisonous depending on soil content.
Considerations for Children
- The woody fruit capsules, such as those of Lecythis pisonis, contain large seeds (nuts).
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Lecythis Loefl.
- Family: Lecythidaceae
- Lecythis marcgraaviana was previously considered a synonym of L. pisonis.
- Synonyms include: Lecythis ampullaria Miers, Lecythis armilensis Pittier, and Lecythis bogotensis Miers.
Common Names
- Sapucaia
- Paradise Nut
- Monkey Pot, or Olla del Mono (applied to multiple related species)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Central America and South America.
- Specific locations include the Guianas, Suriname, Venezuela, Ecuador, Honduras, Brazil, and humid northern forests of South America.
- Lecythis ampla's range extends throughout Central America along the Atlantic watershed, from southern Nicaragua.
- Often found in the Amazon and Atlantic forests.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Generally large, deciduous trees, growing up to 30 meters tall.
- Can also be found as a shrub.
- Some species, such as Lecythis minor, are small trees reaching 10-20 feet.
- Have woody operculate capsular fruit.
- Lecythis ollaria is a deciduous tree with reddish-yellow bark.
Ecological Role
- Can be a climax species, useful in the restoration of degraded areas.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Lecythis pisonis is pollinated by Xylocopa frontalis (a carpenter bee).
- Neotropical soldier flies (Stratiomyidae) have been reared from Lecythis poiteaui.
Traditional Uses
- The edible seeds of some species are gathered from the wild for local use.
- Lecythis pisonis is used in folk medicine against pruritus, muscle pain, and gastric ulcer.
Quirky Facts
- The genus name Lecythis is the type genus of the Lecythidaceae family.
- Some species are known to accumulate selenium in their tissues.
- Some believe that Lecythis pisonis might have cytotoxic activity.
Resources and Further Information
- The Plant List includes 178 scientific plant names for the genus Lecythis.
- Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN).
- World Checklist of Selected Plant Families at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- ARKive (for photos and facts).
- IUCN Red List assessment for Lecythis prancei.