Family: Moraceae
Author: (Lour.) Corner
Bibliography: Gard. Bull. Singapore 19: 239 (1962)
Year: 1962
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Maclura
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to New Caledonia
Description
Cockspurthorn (Maclura cochinchinensis)
Overview:
Cockspurthorn, scientifically known as Maclura cochinchinensis, is a fascinating and robust member of the Moraceae family. This resilient plant is indigenous to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and extends its presence all the way to New Caledonia. It thrives in these warm climates, making it a notable species within its native range.
Description:
Maclura cochinchinensis is distinguished by its tough, spiny branches, which is a characteristic feature that grants it the common name of Cockspurthorn. The plant is a woody climber or shrub, capable of reaching substantial heights, often forming dense thickets that can pose a challenge to navigators. Its spines are sharp and resilient, effectively deterring herbivores and offering protection to the plant.
Habitat and Distribution:
Cockspurthorn is well-adapted to a variety of ecological niches within its extensive range. It can be found across diverse habitats in tropical and subtropical Asia, stretching to the distant lands of New Caledonia. This broad distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability and resilience in different environmental conditions.
Ecological Importance:
The plant plays a significant role in its ecosystem. It provides habitat and protection for various wildlife. Additionally, the dense thickets formed by Maclura cochinchinensis contribute to soil stability and prevent erosion, making it an important component of the local flora.
Uses and Economic Importance:
Historically, certain parts of the Cockspurthorn have been utilized in traditional medicine, though these uses are not as prominent today. Its robust nature makes it a candidate for use in ornamental gardening and hedging. The spiny branches serve as a natural barrier, offering an eco-friendly option for fencing.
Conclusion:
Maclura cochinchinensis (Cockspurthorn) stands out as a resilient and protective plant within the Moraceae family. Its significant presence from tropical Asia to New Caledonia underlines its adaptability and ecological importance. It is a valuable species in its native habitats, contributing both to biodiversity and environmental stability.
For more in-depth information, the plant has been documented in resources such as the Gard. Bull. Singapore 19: 239 (1962) by (Lour.) Corner. This provides a comprehensive overview of its characteristics and ecological significance.
Common Names
En: Cockspurthorn
Zh: Gou ji, 刺格, 柘樹
Id: Sisir/kaliage
Fa: ماکلورا کوشینشیننسیس
Zh-tw: 大丁癀, 枸棘, 葨芝, 黃金桂
Th: แกแล
Vi: Vàng lồ
Synonyms
- Morus tinctoria (Blanco)
- Cudrania thorelii (Gagnep.)
- Maclura gerontogea (Siebold & Zucc.)
- Cudrania rectispina (Hance)
- Cudrania rumphii (Thwaites)
- Cudrania sumatrana (Miq.)
- Trophis fruticosa (Hook. & Arn.)
- Maclura cochinchinensis var. pubescens ((Trécul) Corner)
- Morus calcar-galli (A.Cunn. ex Loudon)
- Plecospermum cuneifolium (Thwaites)
- Maclura amboinensis var. paucinervia (Corner)
- Cudrania pubescens (Trécul)
- Maclura pubescens ((Trécul) Z.K.Zhou & M.G.Gilbert)
- Morus cudranus (Buch.-Ham. ex Wall.)
- Maclura cochinchinensis var. gerontogea ((Siebold & Zucc.) H.Ohashi)
- Vanieria cochinchinensis (Lour.)
- Vanieria fruticosa ((Roxb.) Chun)
- Maclura cochinchinensis var. bancroftii ((F.M.Bailey) Corner)
- Vanieria pubescens ((Trécul) Chun)
- Cudrania cambodiana (Gagnep.)
- Maclura timorensis (Blume)
- Vanieria alternifolia (Stokes)
- Cudrania javanensis var. bancroftii (F.M.Bailey)
- Maclura amboinensis (Blume)
- Cudrania cochinchinensis var. gerontogea ((Siebold & Zucc.) Kudô & Masam.)
- Maclura thorelii ((Gagnep.) Corner)
- Maclura calcar-galli (Lodd. ex Voigt)
- Procris cochinchinensis (Spreng.)
- Cudrania jinghongensis (S.S.Chang)
- Cudrania javanensis (Trécul)
- Vanieria cochinchinensis var. gerontogea ((Siebold & Zucc.) Nakai)
- Plecospermum spinosum var. javanensis (Trécul)
- Cudrania obovata (Trécul)
- Cudrania acuminata (Miq.)
- Cudrania integra (F.T.Wang & Tang)
- Cudrania amboinensis ((Blume) Miq.)
- Cudrania cochinchinensis ((Lour.) Yakuro Kudo & Masam.)
- Cudrania fruticosa ((Roxb.) Wight ex Kurz)
- Cudrania grandifolia (Merr.)
Distribution
- Assam (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Borneo (native)
- Cambodia (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Christmas I. (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Hainan (native)
- Japan (native)
- Jawa (native)
- Laos (native)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Maluku (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Nepal (native)
- New Caledonia (native)
- New Guinea (native)
- New South Wales (native)
- Nicobar Is. (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Queensland (native)
- Sri Lanka (native)
- Sulawesi (native)
- Sumatera (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Oct 12, 2021 by aria salan (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 10, 2022 by Mike Furlong (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 16, 2021 by aria salan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 28, 2021 by j b (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 12, 2021 by Tobias Kennett (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Feb 5, 2021 by Claude Hervais (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 4, 2010 by Endemia – Benoît Henry (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Bernard Suprin (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 29, 2022 by Raymond Hare (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 28, 2021 by j b (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Karl (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Karl (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Bernard Suprin (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Gildas Gateblé (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Antoine Olivier (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Oct 14, 2020 by j b (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Julien Barrault (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Julien Barrault (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Gildas Gateblé (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Gildas Gateblé (cc-by-nc)
© 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
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:584314-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Maclura cochinchinensis (Lour.) Corner)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7262552)