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Brosimum: A Diverse Genus in the Mulberry Family
The genus Brosimum belongs to the mulberry family, Moraceae, encompassing trees, shrubs, and lianas native to the tropical regions of the Americas.
Considerations for Pets
- Some species, like Brosimum alicastrum, have bark that contains a white, sticky latex.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Brosimum
- Family: Moraceae (Mulberry family)
- Synonyms and Alternative Names:
- For Brosimum rubescens: B. paraense
- Alicastrum guianense (Aubl.) Kuntze
- Brosimum aubletii Poepp. & Endl.
- Brosimum discolor Schott
- Brosimum lecointei Ducke
- Brosimum lemeei (Benoist)
- Alicastrum brownei Kuntze
- Brosimum uleanum Mildbr.
- Helicostylis bolivarensis Pittier
- Piratinera alicastrum (Sw.) Baill.
- Helicostylis ojoche K. Schum. ex Pittier
- Piratinera terrabana (Pittier) Lundell
Common Names
- Brosimum alicastrum: Breadnut, Maya Nut, Ramon Tree
- Brosimum rubescens: Bloodwood, Satine
- Brosimum guianense: Snakewood, Letterwood
- Brosimum acutifolium: Murure, Ahua Jonra, Amap Doce, Bois Mondan, Burur, Congona, Leche-Caspi, Manichi, Mercuio-vegetal, Mercurio Vegetal
Distribution and Habitat
- Brosimum species are native to the tropical regions of the Americas, ranging from southern Mexico through Central America and into South America, as well as the West Indies.
- Brosimum rubescens is found in the Amazon and Atlantic rainforests, as well as the Central Brazilian savanna.
Morphological Characteristics
- Brosimum alicastrum is a large, evergreen tropical tree, reaching heights of 20-40 meters with trunk diameters of 1-1.5 meters. Its bark is thin and contains a white, sticky latex. It has simple leaves.
- Brosimum guianense is a large tree, growing up to 45 meters tall.
- Brosimum rubescens is a large-sized canopy tree.
Traditional Uses
- The Breadnut (Brosimum alicastrum) was used by the Maya. The fruit can be boiled with salt-fish, pork, beef, or pickle for consumption. The protein-rich seeds and leaves may be used for food and forage.
- In the Amazon region, indigenous and local people apply macerated bark of Brosimum guinanensis as a cataplasm to snakebites.
Quirky Facts
- One look at a highly figured piece of Brosimum guianense, and it's easy to see why it's called Snakewood: the dramatic specks and splotches bear a resemblance to snakeskin.
Ecological Role
- Brosimum alicastrum is primarily a tropical tree that belongs to the Moraceae family. The fruit of this tree is popularly known as Maya nut. This tree is one of the .
Further Information
- Raintree Online Plant Database: Provides in-depth referenced information on Brosimum acutifolium (Tamamuri, Murur) and Brosimopsis acutifolia.
- DELTA database: Generates information on Brosimum rubescens.
- Encyclopedia.com: Offers Brosimum information from A Dictionary of Plant Sciences.
- ARKive: Provides photos and facts on Brosimum.
- Discover Life: Biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Brosimum
- GRIN (Germplasm Resources Information Network)