Family: Meliaceae
Author: Aubl.
Bibliography: Hist. Pl. Guiane 1: 32 (1775)
Year: 1775
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Carapa
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. America
Description
Crabwood, scientifically known as Carapa guianensis, is a notable species within the Meliaceae family. This tropical American tree has been recognized and described in botanical literature since as early as 1775, with its first documented mention in the “Histoire des Plantes de la Guiane Françoise” by Jean Baptiste Christophore Fusée Aublet, commonly cited as Aubl.
Thriving predominantly in the tropical regions of America, Crabwood is a testament to the rich biodiversity and intricate ecosystems of these areas. The tree is distinguished by its robust and durable wood, which has made it a valuable resource for various uses, including traditional craftsmanship and modern applications. Beyond its timber, Crabwood also produces seeds from which oil can be extracted, popularly known for its medicinal and cosmetic properties.
Crabwood is more than just a practical resource; it plays a crucial role in its native habitats. The tree’s presence supports a variety of fauna, providing both sustenance and shelter within the vibrant tropical forests. Furthermore, as part of the Meliaceae family, Crabwood shares taxonomic ties with other economically and ecologically important plants, underscoring its significance in botanical studies and conservation efforts.
In summary, Carapa guianensis, widely known as Crabwood, is a plant species that not only supports an array of ecological functions but also offers valuable resources and insight into the richness of tropical American flora.
Common Names
Deu: läuseholz
Por: andiroba
Spa: andiroba, cedro
Swe: carapa
Eng: crabwood
En: Crabwood, Bullet wood, Crab oil
Nl: Krappa
Fr: Carapa
De: Läuseholz
Pt: Andiroba
Pt-br: Andiroba-saruba, Carapa, Iandiroba, Iandirova, Nandiroba
Es: Andiroba, Cedro, Bateo, Caobilla, Cedro Bateo, Cedro Macho, Palo de Agua
Sv: Carapa
Synonyms
- Persoonia guareoides (Willd.)
- Carapa macrocarpa (Ducke)
- Xylocarpus carapa (Spreng.)
- Guarea mucronulata (C.DC.)
- Granatum guianense ((Aubl.) Kuntze)
- Carapa latifolia (Willd. ex C.DC.)
- Xylocarpus guineensis ((Aubl.) M.Roem.)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Peru (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Sep 1, 1999 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Apr 23, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Feb 13, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 13, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Gabriel Gabriel Caldas (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Feb 13, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Feb 13, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 13, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (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/3190513)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:45059-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carapa guianensis Aubl.)