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Guiana brosimum

Scientific Name: Brosimum guianense

Family: Moraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Brosimum guianense: The Guiana Brosimum

Brosimum guianense, commonly known as Guiana Brosimum, is a fascinating tree species with a variety of uses and a wide distribution in South America. Let's explore its classification, habitat, and interesting properties.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Brosimum guianense (Aubl.) Huber
  • Common Name: Guiana Brosimum
  • Family: Moraceae (Mulberry Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms:
    • Brosimum aubletii Poepp. & Endl.
    • Alicastrum guianense (Aubl.) Kuntze
    • Brosimum discolor Schott
    • Brosimum lecointei Ducke
    • Brosimum lemeei (Benoist)

Distribution and Habitat

Brosimum guianense is found in South America, specifically in:

  • The Guianas (Guyana, French Guiana, and Suriname)
  • Brazil
  • Venezuela
  • Peru
  • Colombia
  • Ecuador
  • Also found as far north as South Mexico and Panama

It's worth noting that individual trees in the Guianas are highly sought after for their figured snakewood.

Uses

  • Seed: In French Guiana, the seeds are pulverized.
  • Latex: The latex of Brosimum species is used medicinally and can be considered toxic in some instances.
  • Wood: Known as snakewood.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant produces latex, which can be found in the bark and other parts of the tree.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant produces latex, which can be found in the bark and other parts of the tree.

Quirky Facts

  • The wood of Brosimum guianense is known as snakewood and is highly prized for its unique figured appearance.
  • The latex of some Brosimum species is used to produce a drug, highlighting the complex chemical properties within the genus.

Related Species

Other notable species within the Brosimum genus include:

  • Brosimum alicastrum
  • Brosimum utile
  • Brosimum rubescens (Bloodwood)
  • Brosimum acutifolium
  • Brosimum galactodendron

Further Information

For more information, consult the following resources:

  • Discover Life
  • Plantillustrations.org
  • ResearchGate