SafePlants

Weinmannia: A Diverse Genus of Trees and Shrubs

The genus Weinmannia encompasses a wide variety of trees and shrubs belonging to the family Cunoniaceae. With approximately 150 species, it stands as the largest and most widespread genus within its family.

Considerations for Pets

• Some species of Weinmannia are trees or shrubs, which might present a potential hazard if ingested by pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Weinmannia
• Family: Cunoniaceae
• Weinmannia belongs to the major group Angiosperms (Flowering plants).
• The genus was established by Linnaeus in 1759 with the naming of Weinmannia pinnata from a Caribbean island.
• Examples of Species: *Weinmannia apurimacensis, Weinmannia arguta, Weinmannia auriculata, Weinmannia auriculifera, Weinmannia baccariniana* (and many more). The provided text lists 81 accepted species

Distribution and Habitat

Weinmannia species are predominantly found in the Southern Hemisphere. Specific locations mentioned include:

• Chile and Argentina (Weinmannia trichosperma)
• Mauritius and Réunion (Weinmannia tinctoria)
• Ecuador (Weinmannia loxensis)
• Fiji (Weinmannia spiraeoides - though this species is now extinct)
• French Polynesia (Weinmannia rapensis)
• Madagascar (Weinmannia rutenbergii)
• New Caledonia
• Colombia (Weinmannia tomentosa)

Habitats vary but include laurel forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.

Morphological Characteristics

• Weinmannia species are typically trees or shrubs, with some reaching considerable heights (e.g., up to 100 ft in native forests).
• Leaves are often opposite and mostly simple.
• Flowers are often arranged in racemose inflorescences.
• Weinmannia trichosperma has fern-like leaves.
• Weinmannia racemosa exhibits rich burgundy red foliage, particularly when young or on new growth.

Common Names

• Weinmannia racemosa: k&#257mahi
• Weinmannia silvicola: Towai, Tawhero
• Weinmannia trichosperma: Tineo, Palo Santo
• Weinmannia pinnata: bastard briziletto
• Weinmannia pubescens: Encenillo, Encenillo crespo, Carbonero
• Weinmannia tinctoria: Tan rouge

Ecological Role

• Weinmannia is a woody genus widely distributed.
• In New Zealand, Weinmannia racemosa (kamahi) is associated with Metrosideros umbellata (rata) in forests prone to canopy dieback.

Quirky Facts

• The genus Weinmannia is named after Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (1683-1741), a German apothecary and botanist.

Further Information

• An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand (originally published in 1966) contains information on Weinmannia racemosa (Kamahi).