Family: Myristicaceae
Author: Aubl.
Bibliography: Hist. Pl. Guiane: 904 (1775)
Year: 1775
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Virola
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & S. Trop. America
Description
Red ucuuba, scientifically known as Virola sebifera, is a notable member of the Myristicaceae family, which includes a diverse range of tropical flora. This species has played a significant role in the botanical history of Central and South Tropical America due to its distinctive characteristics and usages among indigenous populations and local communities.
The historical documentation of Red ucuuba can be traced back to 1775 when it was described in “Hist. Pl. Guiane: 904” by the botanist Aubl. Its formal classification and detailed botanical description have since made it a subject of interest for both historical botanists and modern-day plant researchers.
Red ucuuba thrives in the lush, warm climates typical of Central and South American tropical regions. Its geographical distribution highlights its adaptability and significance within these environments. This tree stands out not only for its ecological role but also for its economic and cultural implications.
Traditionally, various parts of the Red ucuuba, including its resin and bark, have been utilized by indigenous tribes for medicinal purposes and in traditional ceremonies. The tree’s bark extracts have been incorporated into treatments for a range of ailments, showcasing the plant’s integral role in native herbal medicine. Additionally, the seed fat extracted from the tree is valuable in the production of candles, soaps, and other cosmetic products, owing to its rich, waxy texture.
Ecologically, Virola sebifera contributes to the biodiversity of tropical forests. The tree provides habitat and nourishment for various forest-dwelling species, playing a part in the complex interdependencies within these ecosystems.
In summary, Red ucuuba (Virola sebifera) presents an interesting intersection of ecological importance, traditional use, and historical value. Its presence in Central and South Tropical America underscores the rich botanical variety and cultural heritage of these regions. As research continues, the multifaceted qualities of Red ucuuba offer promising avenues for further scientific exploration and practical applications.
Common Names
Por: bicuyba-preta, ucuuba-punã, ucuúba, ucuúba-preta
Eng: red ucuuba, virola-nut
En: Red ucuuba, Virola-nut, Virola
Fr: Yayamadou
De: Talgmuskatnussbaum
Fa: ویرلا سبیفرا
Pt: Bicuyba-preta, Ucuuba-punã, Ucuúba, Ucuúba-preta
Pt-br: Árvore-de-cera, Bicuiba, Bicuiba-vermelha
Es: Chalviande, Cumala, Cotón, Fruta Dorada, Miguelario
Synonyms
- Virola sebifera var. curvinervia (Warb.)
- Palala mocoa ((Poepp. ex A.DC.) Kuntze)
- Myristica sebifera ((Aubl.) Sw.)
- Palala panamensis ((Hemsl.) Kuntze)
- Virola warburgii (Pittier)
- Myristica virola (Raeusch.)
- Myristica mocoa (Poepp. ex A.DC.)
- Virola venezuelensis (Warb.)
- Palala sebifera ((Aubl.) Kuntze)
- Virola panamensis ((Hemsl.) Warb.)
- Myristica sebifera var. cordifolia (A.DC.)
- Virola mycetis (Pulle)
- Myristica sebifera var. curvinervia (A.DC.)
- Myristica panamensis (Hemsl.)
- Virola peruviana var. tomentosa (Warb.)
- Virola boliviensis (Warb.)
- Virola mocoa ((Poepp. ex A.DC.) Warb.)
Distribution
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Peru (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Venezuela (native)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Patrícia Bertochi (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 25, 2013 by C. Geniez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2013 by C. Geniez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2013 by C. Geniez (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 20, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2022 by Giacomo Sellan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2022 by Giacomo Sellan (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Nov 19, 2009 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 19, 2009 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 19, 2009 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 19, 2009 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
© 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.
Habit
Taken Feb 14, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 14, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Feb 14, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 14, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 14, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 14, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 14, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3152846)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:267199-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Virola sebifera Aubl.)