Family: Olacaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. pl. 2:1193. 1753
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ximenia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Tropics & Subtropics, Queensland
Description
Tallowwood, scientifically known as Ximenia americana and cataloged in the literature by L. in 1753, is a fascinating and versatile species belonging to the Olacaceae family. This resilient and adaptive plant thrives in the diverse climates of the tropics and subtropics, with a notable presence in Queensland, Australia.
Adapted to a variety of ecological niches, Tallowwood is distinguished by its robust nature and capacity to flourish in both dry and moist environments. The plant typically presents as either a shrub or a small tree, recognizable by its dense foliage and sturdy branches. The glossy, green leaves of the Tallowwood are not only visually appealing but also provide essential shade and habitat for local wildlife.
One of the most captivating aspects of Ximenia americana is its vibrant, yellowish to orange fruits. These fruits are not merely ornamental; they possess significant economic and nutritional value. Traditionally, the fruits have been used in various culinary applications, ranging from fresh consumption to inclusion in preserves and beverages. The seeds of the fruit are also notable, often being processed to extract an oil rich in nutritional benefits.
In addition to its edible qualities, Tallowwood holds substantial medicinal value. Indigenous communities and traditional medicine practitioners have long utilized various parts of the plant to treat an array of ailments. Its leaves, bark, and roots are known for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties, making Tallowwood a valuable resource in natural health remedies.
Ecologically, Ximenia americana plays a pivotal role in its habitat. It serves as a vital food source for various bird species and insects, contributing to the biodiversity and stability of its ecosystem. Furthermore, the plant’s hardiness makes it an excellent candidate for reforestation and land rehabilitation projects, aiding in soil stabilization and the prevention of erosion.
In summary, Tallowwood or Ximenia americana is much more than a tropical and subtropical flora. It is a multifaceted species with profound ecological, nutritional, and medicinal importance. Its ability to adapt and thrive in different environmental conditions underscores its significance, especially in regions like Queensland, where it continues to prosper and support diverse forms of life.
Common Names
Msa: rukam laut
Eng: false sandalwood, tallow wood, tallownut, tallowwood, yellow-plum
Swe: talgnöt
En: Tallowwood, Tallownut, False sandalwood, Yellow-plum, Tallow wood, Hog plum, Blue sourplum, Spanish Plum, Tallow-wood, Wild Plum, Yellow sanders, Buol, False santalwood, Monkey plum, Mountain plum, Seaside plum, Tallow nut, Tallowwood plum, Wild lime, Wild olive
Zh: Hai tan mu
Fr: Citron de la mer, Citronnier de la mer, Heymassoliépineux, Macaby, Prune-épine, Prunier canaque, Prunier de mer
Ms: Rukam laut
Pt: Ameixa, Ameixeria do campo, Espinha de maicha
Es: Alabaricoque, Albaria, Cagalero, Manzanillo, Pata, Yana, Albarillo, Caimito de monte, Chocomico, Espino de brujo, Guayabo del diablo, Jocomico, Limoncillo, Manzana guayaba, Membrillo de monte, Pepenance, Tigrito, Tocote de monte
Sv: Talgnöt
Synonyms
- Ximenia gabonensis (Baill. ex Laness.)
- Ximenia fluminensis (M.Roem.)
- Ximenia americana f. inermis ((Aubl.) Engl.)
- Heymassoli spinosa (Aubl.)
- Ximenia spinosa ((Aubl.) Lam. ex Forsyth f.)
- Heymassoli inermis (Aubl.)
- Ximenia americana var. microphylla (Welw. ex Oliv.)
- Ximenia americana var. argentinensis (DeFilipps)
- Ximenia inermis (L.)
- Ximenia montana (Macfad.)
- Ximenia americana var. inermis (Hochst.)
- Ximenia laurina (Delile)
- Ximenia aculeata (Crantz)
- Ximenia loranthifolia (Span.)
- Ziziphus littorea (Teijsm. ex Hassk.)
- Ximenia multiflora (Jacq.)
- Ximenia oblonga (Lam. ex Hemsl.)
- Ximenia subscandens (Griff.)
- Ximenia verrucosa (M.Roem.)
- Ximenia americana var. elliptica (Valeton)
- Ximenia americana var. oblonga (DC.)
- Ximenia americana var. sphaerica (Chiov.)
- Ximenia arborescens (Tussac ex Walp.)
- Ximenia russeliana (Wall.)
- Ximenia americana var. oxypyrena (Chiov.)
- Ximenia exarmata (F.Muell.)
- Ximenia rogersii (Burtt Davy)
- Ximenia americana var. ovata (DC.)
- Ximenia elliptica (G.Forst.)
Distribution
- Andaman Is. (native)
- Angola (native)
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Belize (native)
- Benin (native)
- Bismarck Archipelago (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Borneo (native)
- Botswana (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Cape Verde (native)
- Caprivi Strip (native)
- Caroline Is. (native)
- Cayman Is. (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Christmas I. (native)
- Cocos (Keeling) Is. (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Congo (native)
- Cook Is. (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Djibouti (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Fiji (native)
- Florida (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Gambia (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Guinea-Bissau (native)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Hainan (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- India (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Jawa (native)
- Kenya (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
- Liberia (native)
- Line Is. (native)
- Malawi (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Mali (native)
- Maluku (native)
- Marianas (native)
- Marshall Is. (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Namibia (native)
- Netherlands Antilles (native)
- New Caledonia (native)
- New Guinea (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Nicobar Is. (native)
- Niger (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Niue (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Queensland (native)
- Samoa (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sierra Leone (native)
- Society Is. (native)
- Solomon Is. (native)
- Somalia (native)
- Sri Lanka (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Sulawesi (native)
- Sumatera (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Swaziland (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Togo (native)
- Tokelau-Manihiki (native)
- Tonga (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Tuamotu (native)
- Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
- Tuvalu (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Vanuatu (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Wallis-Futuna Is. (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- Chagos Archipelago (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2022 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2020 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gibran Morales C. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken Feb 28, 2021 by Leigh Winowiecki (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2021 by les plantes Aime (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 25, 2021 by Malivert Alice (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2020 by bimbi bimbi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 11, 2021 by ibou badji (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 20, 2007 by EOL − Alex Popovkin (cc-by)
Taken Jan 25, 2014 by Endemia – Gildas Gâteblé (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 4, 2009 by EOL − Ria Tan (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 10, 2022 by Shea EmerD (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2022 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 1, 2014 by Endemia – Benoît Henry (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 1, 2014 by Endemia – Benoît Henry (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 16, 2020 by bimbi bimbi (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jan 12, 2010 by EOL − Alex Popovkin (cc-by)
Taken Jan 12, 2010 by EOL − Alex Popovkin (cc-by)
Taken Nov 19, 2006 by Endemia – Julien Barrault (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Marco Schmidt (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken May 12, 2016 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2889811)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:316341-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ximenia americana L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Shrub, Tree