Family: Lauraceae
Author: (Sw.) Kosterm.
Bibliography: Meded. Bot. Mus. Herb. Rijks Univ. Utrecht 42: 588 (1937)
Year: 1937
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Licaria
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. America to NW. Venezuela and Bolivia, S. Florida to Caribbean
Description
The Pepperleaf sweetwood, scientifically known as Licaria triandra, is a versatile and intriguing species belonging to the Lauraceae family. The species was documented in the publication “Mededelingen van het Botanisch Museum en Herbarium van de Rijksuniversiteit te Utrecht” (Volume 42, page 588) in 1937 by the botanist (Sw.) Kosterm.
This plant species can be found across a broad geographical range, extending from Central America to Northwestern Venezuela and Bolivia. Its presence also spans the southeastern regions of Florida and into the lush environments of the Caribbean. The adaptability of Licaria triandra to various tropical and subtropical climates highlights its resilience and ecological significance.
The Pepperleaf sweetwood thrives in a variety of forest habitats, contributing to the biodiversity and structural complexity of the forests it inhabits. Considering its extensive range, Licaria triandra plays an essential role in providing habitat and food for diverse wildlife, supporting the intricate web of life in these ecosystems.
Botanically, Licaria triandra is characterized by its fragrant, pepper-like leaves, which are a distinguishing feature and the reason behind its common name. These aromatic leaves contribute not only to the sensory appeal of the species but also to its potential uses in traditional practices and natural remedies.
In summary, the Pepperleaf sweetwood is a noteworthy species within the Lauraceae family, celebrated for its wide distribution across the Americas and the Caribbean, its ecological significance, and its characteristic aromatic foliage.
Common Names
Eng: florida licaria, pepperleaf sweetwood
En: Pepperleaf sweetwood, Florida licaria
Zh: 墨西哥月桂
Fa: برگ بوی مکزیکی
Synonyms
- Litsea schaffneri (Bartlett)
- Misanteca juergensenii (Mez)
- Misanteca pittieri (Mez)
- Misanteca jamaicensis (Lundell)
- Endiandra viridis (J.Presl)
- Misanteca triandra ((Sw.) Mez)
- Misanteca tikalana (Lundell)
- Licaria reclinata (Lundell)
- Licaria jamaicensis (Kosterm. ex León & Alain)
- Misanteca cubensis ((A.Rich.) Benth.)
- Licaria pittieri ((Mez) C.K.Allen)
- Acrodiclidium benense (Rusby)
- Symphysodaphne cubensis (A.Rich.)
- Triplomeia montana (Raf.)
- Benzoin glaucescens (Nees ex Meisn.)
- Laurus limbosa (Ruiz & Pav.)
- Litsea glaucescens var. schaffneri ((Bartlett) C.K.Allen)
- Misanteca costaricensis (I.M.Johnst.)
- Aydendron cubense (A.Rich.)
- Tetranthera cervantesii ((Kunth) F.Dietr.)
- Nectandra limbata (Nees)
- Acrodiclidium jamaicense (Nees)
- Litsea cervantesii (Kunth)
- Misanteca reclinata ((Lundell) Lundell)
- Misanteca limbosa ((Ruiz & Pav.) Lundell)
- Acrodiclidium limbosum ((Ruiz & Pav.) Mez)
- Laurus triandra (Sw.)
- Acrodiclidium triandrum ((Sw.) Lundell)
- Licaria tikalana ((Lundell) Lundell)
- Endiandra jamaicensis (Spreng.)
- Ocotea ramentacea (Mart. ex Nees)
- Acrodiclidium limbatum ((Nees) J.F.Macbr.)
- Licaria limbosa ((Ruiz & Pav.) Kosterm.)
- Litsea matudae (Lundell)
- Litsea pringlei (Bartlett)
- Licaria cervantesii ((Kunth) Kosterm.)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- Florida (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Jan 9, 2021 by germy germy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − G. A. Parada (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Germaine A. Parada (cc-by-nc-sa)
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Acevedo, P. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Germaine A. Parada (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Germaine A. Parada (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.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033970)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:465312-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Licaria triandra (Sw.) Kosterm.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Tree