SafePlants

Schoepfia

The genus Schoepfia comprises a small group of flowering plants.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Schoepfia
• Family: Schoepfiaceae (traditionally placed in Olacaceae)
• Major Group: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)
• Synonyms:
  • Diplocalyx chrysophylloides A. Richard (basionym for Schoepfia chrysophylloides)
  • Olax evrardii Gagnep.
  • Schoepfia acuminata Wallich ex Candolle
  • Schoepfia miersii
• Taxonomic Serial Number: 27844

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to America and Asia.
• Specific locations mentioned include:
  • Puerto Rico (Schoepfia arenaria is endemic)
  • Jamaica (Schoepfia harrisii and Schoepfia multiflora are endemic)
  • Baja California Sur (Schoepfia californica)
  • Southern Florida (native habitat of the schoepfia fruit fly)
  • Sonora, Mexico (Schoepfia schreberi)
  • Grenada (Schoepfia chrysophylloides)

Morphological Characteristics

• Can be shrubs or trees, ranging from 3-15 meters tall.
• Bark is light brown and flaky in some species.
• Branchlets are terete and slender.
• Petioles are rugulose, measuring 5-8 x 1 mm.
• Blades are firmly chartaceous to.
• Schoepfia arenaria is a shrub or small tree about 20 feet tall with several trunks of up to 4 inches in diameter rising from its base.

Ecological Role

• Some species exhibit root parasitism.
• Host to fruit/seed-infesting insects.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The schoepfia fruit fly (Anastrepha interrupta) is associated with this plant.
• Subject of study regarding host use and resource sharing by fruit/seed-infesting insects.
• Occurs with Maytenus phyllanthoides in Baja California Sur.

Further Information

• ARKive provides photos and facts about Schoepfia.
• IUCN Red List of Threatened Species includes assessments for some species.
• Flora of the West Indies database (version 2007) provides information.
• Discover Life provides information on biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.