Family: Phyllanthaceae
Author: L.f.
Bibliography: Suppl. Pl.: 428 (1782)
Year: 1782
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Margaritaria
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to Trop. America
Description
The plant commonly known as the Bastard hogberry, scientifically referred to as Margaritaria nobilis, is a distinguished member of the Phyllanthaceae family. This resilient species can be found thriving from Mexico across to tropical regions of America, reflecting its adaptability to warm climates.
The Bastard hogberry has captivated botanists and horticulturists alike, given its intrinsic botanical characteristics and its ecological value in its native habitats. It was first described in the Supplementum Plantarum in 1782 by L.f., marking its formal introduction into the scientific literature and contributing to our understanding of tropical flora.
Characteristically, Margaritaria nobilis can display a variety of morphological forms depending on its environmental conditions. In the wild, it typically assumes a robust, shrubby growth habit with lush, verdant foliage that forms dense clusters. Its leaves are often elliptical, with a lustrous finish that highlights its vibrant green color, contributing significantly to the aesthetic and shade in forested undergrowths.
Flowering in this species is notably modest yet critical for its reproductive cycle, featuring small, unassuming flowers that are often overlooked compared to the more flamboyant flora. These flowers eventually give rise to the plant’s fruit—the prized “hogberries.” The fruiting stage is particularly important for local wildlife, providing a food source for various bird species and mammals, thus playing a vital role in the local ecosystem.
In traditional practices among indigenous cultures, parts of Margaritaria nobilis have been utilized for medicinal purposes, demonstrating the plant’s integral role beyond its ecological presence. Contemporary research continues to explore these uses, seeking potential benefits and applications derived from this versatile plant.
Overall, Margaritaria nobilis stands out not only for its botanical significance but also for its integration into the rich tapestry of Tropical America’s biodiversity. Its endurance and relatively low maintenance requirements make it an interesting subject for both conservation efforts and further scientific inquiry.
Common Names
Eng: bastard hogberry, goose berry
Por: botãozinho, cabelo-de-cotia, café-bravo, fruto-de-jacamin
En: Bastard hogberry, Goose Berry
Pt: Botãozinho, Cabelo-de-cotia, Café-bravo, Fruto-de-jacamin
Synonyms
- Cicca chinensis (Baill.)
- Phyllanthus nobilis ((L.f.) Müll.Arg.)
- Margaritaria nobilis var. antillana ((A.Juss.) Stehlé & Quentin)
- Cicca surinamensis (Miq.)
- Margaritaria nobilis var. hypomalaca ((Standl.) Dugand)
- Cicca pavoniana (Baill.)
- Phyllanthus sinicus (Müll.Arg.)
- Margaritaria adelioides (Rich. ex Baill.)
- Phyllanthus ibonensis (Rusby)
- Margaritaria alternifolia (L.)
- Phyllanthus nobilis var. brasiliensis (Müll.Arg.)
- Cicca antillana var. pedicellaris (Griseb.)
- Phyllanthus antillanus var. concolor (Müll.Arg.)
- Phyllanthus antillanus var. pedicellaris (Müll.Arg.)
- Phyllanthus antillanus var. hypomalacus ((Standl.) Lundell)
- Phyllanthus nobilis var. genuinus (Müll.Arg.)
- Phyllanthus nobilis var. guyanensis (Müll.Arg.)
- Phyllanthus pseudonobilis (Rusby)
- Phyllanthus antillanus ((A.Juss.) Müll.Arg.)
- Phyllanthus nobilis var. peruvianus (Müll.Arg.)
- Phyllanthus nobilis var. riedelianus (Müll.Arg.)
- Cicca sinica (Baill.)
- Phyllanthus nobilis var. panamensis (Müll.Arg.)
- Phyllanthus nobilis var. pavonianus ((Baill.) Müll.Arg.)
- Phyllanthus nobilis var. hypomalacus (Standl.)
- Phyllanthus nobilis var. martii (Müll.Arg.)
- Phyllanthus heteromorphus (Rusby)
- Phyllanthus nobilis var. antillanus ((A.Juss.) Müll.Arg.)
- Diasperus antillanus ((A.Juss.) Kuntze)
- Cicca antillana (A.Juss.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Cayman Is. (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Galápagos (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Southwest Caribbean (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jul 30, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 29, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 29, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 29, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 29, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Other
Taken Aug 26, 2009 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 27, 2011 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 27, 2011 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 27, 2011 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 27, 2011 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 15, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 3, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 3, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 15, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 30, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Aug 3, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 29, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Apr 15, 2013 by C. Geniez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 2013 by C. Geniez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 2013 by C. Geniez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 2013 by C. Geniez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 2013 by C. Geniez (cc-by-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.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5383279)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:352077-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Margaritaria nobilis L.f.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub, Tree