SafePlants

Corkwood: A Botanical Overview

The name "Corkwood" is applied to several different plants. This overview explores some of them and their associated information.

Considerations for Pets

• Some corkwood species are shrubs.

Considerations for Children

• Some corkwood species are shrubs.

Scientific Names and Common Names

• Common Name: Corkwood
• Scientific Names:
  • Annona glabra
  • Commiphora angolensis (also known as Sand Corkwood)
  • Leitneria floridana
  • Duboisia myoporoides (also referred to as Corkwood Tree)
  • Hakea lorea

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Leitneria floridana:
  • Family: Leitneriaceae
  • Group: Dicot
  • Previously Used Scientific Name: Myrica
  • Synonym: Leitneria eocenica

Distribution and Habitat

• Annona glabra: Found in the West Indies.
• Commiphora angolensis: Primarily grows in Angola and Namibia.
• Leitneria floridana: Native to wet regions of the southeastern United States and has a scattered distribution, including areas in southeast Mississippi.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Corkwood trees are sometimes described as having light or corky wood.
• Leitneria floridana is a deciduous shrub or small tree with light green leaves and woolly catkins. It produces a drupaceous fruit.
• Hakea lorea is a small, gnarled tree with thick, corky bark and long, narrow leaves.

Traditional and Historical Uses

• Corkwood Tree has been studied for its potential benefits including contraindications, adverse reactions, toxicology, pharmacology and historical usage.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Duboisia, one species of Corkwood, has alkaloids that can cause clinical hyoscine poisoning.

Resources and Further Information

• WebMD provides patient medical information for Corkwood Tree.
• Encyclopedia.com offers articles, videos, and information on corkwood.
• A Dictionary of Plant Sciences provides a definition of corkwood.