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ximenia

Scientific Name: Ximenia

Family: Olacaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Ximenia americana: A Versatile Tropical Plant

Ximenia americana, commonly known as tallow wood, yellow plum, or sea lemon, is a fascinating plant with a variety of uses and interesting characteristics. This page explores its taxonomy, distribution, uses, and other notable features.

Considerations for Pets

  • Ximenia americana is described as a "spiny shrub" in some sources, suggesting the potential presence of thorns.

Considerations for Children

  • Ximenia americana is described as a "spiny shrub" in some sources, suggesting the potential presence of thorns.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Ximenia americana
  • Common Names: Tallow wood, yellow plum, sea lemon, s plum, wild plum, seaside plum, monkey plums (for the oil source).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Ximenia
  • Family: Olacaceae
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms:
    • Ximenia inermis L.
    • Ximenia rogersii Burtt Davy
    • Amyris arborescens P. Browne
    • Heymassoli inermis Aubl.
    • Heymassoli spinosa Aubl.
    • Pimecaria odorata Raf.
    • Ximenia aculeata Crantz
    • Ximenia arborescens
    • Ximenia exarmata F. Muell.
  • The genus Ximenia is named after Francisco Ximnez (or Ximenez), a Spanish priest.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the tropics.
  • Found in woodlands and savannahs.
  • Distributed across Southern Africa.
  • Also found in Africa and the Middle East.
  • Grows in open country, savannahs, gallery forests, along coastal areas, and in the understorey of forests.
  • A locally endemic shrub or treelet confined to the coastal areas between Puerto Padre and Playa Herradura in north-east Cuba.

Morphological Characteristics

  • A small, sprawling tree or shrub.
  • Can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall.
  • Bark is rough and dark-grey.
  • Leaves are oval or elliptical.
  • Ximenia americana is a seashore treelet or shrub, with thorns in its leaf-axils.

Uses

  • The fruit is edible.
  • Ximenia oil, extracted from the seed kernel, has traditional African and cosmetic uses.
  • Ximenia oil is used in exfoliating scrubs and other skin care products for its softening and moisturizing properties.
  • Traditionally used medicinally in West Africa.

Quirky Facts

  • Ximenia americana has around three dozen names.
  • The oil is sometimes called monkey plums or wild plums.
  • Ximenia is root-parasitic.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The plant is described as root-parasitic.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Ximenia.