Family: Malvaceae
Author: Lindl.
Bibliography: Edwards’s Bot. Reg. 16: t. 1353 (1830)
Year: 1830
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Sterculia
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Trop. Africa to W. Tanzania and Zambia
Description
Sterculia, scientifically known as Sterculia tragacantha, is a fascinating plant species that belongs to the Malvaceae family. This resilient plant is native to the diverse and vibrant regions stretching from Western Tropical Africa to Western Tanzania and Zambia, showcasing its adaptability to various environments across the African continent.
The nomenclature and classification of Sterculia can be traced back to the botanical work of renowned botanist John Lindley, who meticulously described this species in the 1830 edition of Edwards’s Botanical Register (Edwards’s Bot. Reg. 16: t. 1353). Lindley’s dedication to botany has provided a comprehensive understanding of Sterculia tragacantha, ensuring its recognition and study within the scientific community.
Sterculia is well-adapted to the tropical climate and plays a significant role in the ecosystem of its native regions. Its presence in Western Tropical Africa and extending to the territories of Tanzania and Zambia highlights its extensive range and the ecological niches it occupies. This plant contributes to the biodiversity of these regions and interacts with various flora and fauna, thereby sustaining the equilibrium of its habitat.
The biology and structure of Sterculia tragacantha are emblematic of the Malvaceae family, characterized by robust growth and distinctive features that make it an interesting subject of study for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. It is essential for those interested in botany, environmental science, and horticulture to understand the characteristics, geographical distribution, and environmental significance of this remarkable species.
Understanding Sterculia’s role and presence in its natural habitat not only enriches our botanical knowledge but also emphasizes the importance of conserving the diverse flora within tropical regions. The ongoing study and documentation of such species will continue to illuminate the vast and intricate tapestry of life on Earth.
Common Names
Eng: sterculia
En: Sterculia, Gum Tragacanth, Munone
Synonyms
- Southwellia tragacantha ((Lindl.) Wight)
- Clompanus pubescens (Kuntze)
- Sterculia tragacantha var. stipitata (R.Germ.)
- Sterculia pubescens (G.Don)
- Sterculia obovata (R.Br.)
Distribution
- Angola (native)
- Benin (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Burundi (native)
- Cabinda (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Congo (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Guinea-Bissau (native)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Liberia (native)
- Mali (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Rwanda (native)
- Sierra Leone (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Togo (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Honduras (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Mar 3, 2021 by Gnagbo Anthelme (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Gnagbo Anthelme (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 15, 2021 by Ana Xavier (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2022 by M BALARAJU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2019 by Gnagbo Anthelme (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 3, 2021 by Gnagbo Anthelme (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2022 by M BALARAJU (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:825497-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5406677)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sterculia tragacantha Lindl.)