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byrsonima
Scientific Name: Byrsonima
Family: Malpighiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Byrsonima: A Tropical Genus
Byrsonima is a genus belonging to the Malpighiaceae family, also known as the acerola family, within the order Malpighiales. The genus comprises approximately 130 species of trees, shrubs, and subshrubs native to tropical America.
Considerations for Pets
- Fruits and Seeds: The text mentions the fruit, and some people make wine, jams, and salsa's from the fruit.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Byrsonima H. B. K.
- Family: Malpighiaceae
- Lectotype: B. spicata (Cav.) DC. (designated by Small, 1910)
- Synonyms: Alcoceratothrix Nied.
Species Examples
- Byrsonima crassifolia
- Byrsonima panamensis
- Byrsonima pulchra
- Byrsonima rhopalifolia
- Byrsonima spruceane
- Byrsonima microphylla
- Byrsonima cydoniifolia
- Byrsonima basiloba
- Byrsonima pachyphylla
- Byrsonima aff. variabilis
- Byrsonima coccolobifolia
- Byrsonima lucida
- Byrsonima crassa
- Byrsonima verbascifolia
- Byrsonima intermedia
- Byrsonima spicata
Distribution and Habitat
- Species of the Byrsonima genus are widely distributed around the neotropical zone.
- Byrsonima crassifolia is native to tropical America and found from Veracruz in Mexico to Central and South America.
- Byrsonima lucida is originally found in open pinelands and coastal hammocks.
- Pinelands of Florida are specifically mentioned.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Byrsonima crassifolia is described as a slow-growing large shrub or tree, reaching 10-20 meters in height. It varies in form from round-topped and spreading to narrow and compact.
- Byrsonima lucida grows as a medium shrub.
Traditional Uses and Properties
- The fruits of several Byrsonima species have been consumed by indigenous people of Central and northern South America.
- Species of the Byrsonima genus are frequently used in folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal and respiratory issues.
- Byrsonima crassifolia has been used medicinally.
- Byrsonima intermedia has medicinal properties.
- Research indicates that Byrsonima crassifolia fruit and seed may have antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antiglycation effects.
- Byrsonima coccolobifolia leaf and stem extracts were studied for possible leishmanicidal compounds.
- Byrsonima verbascifolia is a fruit-bearing plant of great medicinal importance.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Byrsonima crassifolia fruits can be infested by Lonchaeidae (Diptera).
- Lepidopteran caterpillars feed on Byrsonima crassa, Byrsonima verbascifolia, and another unspecified Byrsonima species in Central Brazil.
Quirky Facts
- Byrsonima crassifolia, specifically its fruit (Nance), is listed as the primary food of Seven Macaw, a false sun deity in Mayan mythology.
Common Names
- Byrsonima crassifolia: Nance, Nancy Tree, Golden Spoon.
- Byrsonima lucida: Guanaberry, Locust Berry, Candle Berry, Plum Berry, Goose Berry.
Resources and Further Information
- Atlas of Florida Plants.
- Tropical Plant Database.
- IUCN Red List: Byrsonima ophiticola. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.1998.RLTS.T30908A9586777.en