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atamisquea

Scientific Name: Atamisquea

Family: Capparaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Atamisquea emarginata

Atamisquea emarginata, with the accepted scientific name Atamisquea emarginata Miers ex Hook. & Arn., is also known by the common names palo-zorillo, palo hediondo, atamisqui, mata negra, and mata gusanos. Another common name is Vomitbush. The synonym name is Capparis atamisquea Kuntze.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant's common name, "Vomitbush," may be indicative of potential gastrointestinal upset if ingested.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is described as having stems branched at right angles and branchlets with lepidote scales. Contact with the scales or sharp branch angles may cause skin irritation or scratches.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Capparidaceae (Caper family)
  • Kingdom: (Implied: Plantae, based on the text)
  • Genus: Atamisquea Miers ex Hook. & Arn.
  • Species: Atamisquea emarginata
  • Synonym: Capparis atamisquea Kuntze

Distribution and Habitat

Atamisquea emarginata is native to southern South America. The plant's presence in the United States is of unknown origin with regular occurrences.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a shrub or multi-trunked tree, growing between 1 to 8 meters in height.
  • Stems are branched at right angles.
  • Branchlets have lepidote scales.
  • Leaves have a petiole of 1-1.2 mm and a blade of 1-3(-5) mm.

Ecological Role

  • The plant interacts with the insect Heteropsylla texana (Psyllidae), which feeds on it (phytophagy).

Quirky Facts

  • One of the common names, "palo hediondo," translates to "stinky stick," suggesting a noticeable odor associated with the plant.
  • Another common name, "mata gusanos," means "worm killer," which indicates the plant might have traditional uses related to pest control.
  • Research has been conducted on the essential oil of Atamisquea emarginata and its antiseptic properties.
  • The plant exhibits movement-assisted dichogamy, a reproductive strategy where the male and female parts of the flower mature at different times, aided by movement, to promote cross-pollination.

Further Information

  • The Plant List: Provides accepted species names.
  • IPNI (International Plant Names Index): A database of plant names.
  • Australian Plant Name Index
  • NYBG Virtual Herbarium
  • Tropicos
  • ASU Vascular Plant Herbarium
  • Discover Life
  • Biodiversity Heritage Library