Family: Celastraceae
Author: Loes.
Bibliography: H. G. A. Engler & K. A. E. Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. 3(5):207. 1892
Year: 1893
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Gymnosporia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & S. Africa, Arabian Pen.
Description
The Confetti tree, scientifically named Gymnosporia senegalensis, is a fascinating and resilient member of the Celastraceae family. Described by the eminent botanists H. G. A. Engler and K. A. E. Prantl in their 1892 work “Nat. Pflanzenfam.,” this plant has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for generations.
Gymnosporia senegalensis, commonly known as the Confetti tree due to its charming appearance, thrives predominantly in Tropical and Southern Africa as well as the Arabian Peninsula. Its ability to adapt to various climates within these regions speaks to its hardiness and versatility. The species tends to flourish in areas that offer well-drained soils and plenty of sunshine, though it can also survive less forgiving conditions.
The physical structure of the Confetti tree is notable, typically sporting a bushy appearance with small, bright leaves that create a dappled effect, reminiscent of scattered confetti—hence its common name. It can reach modest heights, making it a striking yet unobtrusive addition to its environment. The tree’s branches bear small, spiky projections which might not be immediately inviting, yet they play an essential role in the plant’s survival, offering protection against herbivorous animals.
One of the distinguishing features of Gymnosporia senegalensis is its flowering pattern. The tree produces small, white to pale green flowers that contribute to its delicate, confetti-like aesthetic. Following the flowering period, the tree produces diminutive, capsule-like fruits that are integral to its reproductive cycle.
Ecologically, the Confetti tree holds significant importance. It provides shelter and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds and insects. Moreover, due to its dense foliage and branching, it plays a role in preventing soil erosion—a valuable attribute in the often harsh environments it inhabits.
In summary, Gymnosporia senegalensis, or the Confetti tree, is a resilient and elegant species that embellishes the landscapes of Tropical and Southern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Its unique appearance and remarkable adaptability underscore its ecological significance and enduring appeal.
Common Names
En: Confetti tree, Isihlangu, Red spike-thorn, Red spikethorn
Af: Lemoendoring, Rooi pendoring, Rooipendoring
Fi: Afrikankelasti
Sn: Chivhunabadza, Chizhuzhu, Mugaranjiva, Mukokoba, Musosaguva, Musosawafa, Musukameno, Mutotova, Mutsotsova
Synonyms
- Gymnosporia benguelensis (Loes.)
- Gymnosporia baumii (Loes.)
- Gymnosporia montana ((Roth) Benth.)
- Gymnosporia intermedia (Chiov.)
- Celastrus senegalensis (Lam.)
- Maytenus senegalensis ((Lam.) Exell)
Distribution
- Afghanistan (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Angola (native)
- Benin (native)
- Botswana (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Burundi (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Canary Is. (native)
- Caprivi Strip (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Congo (native)
- Djibouti (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Gambia (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Guinea-Bissau (native)
- India (native)
- Iran (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Kenya (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Malawi (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mauritania (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Namibia (native)
- Niger (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Oman (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Rwanda (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sierra Leone (native)
- Somalia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Swaziland (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Togo (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Western Sahara (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
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 Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Leaf
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Fruit
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken May 1, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Habit
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Flower
Taken Dec 7, 2019 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 7, 2019 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2022 by Aman Mahla (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3793847)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:161441-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes.)