Family: Rubiaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 991 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Guettarda
Vegetable: False
Observations: Kenya to S. Africa, Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to Pacific
Description
Guettarda speciosa, commonly known as Sea randa, is a remarkable species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. First described by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in his groundbreaking work, “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this plant has intrigued botanists and nature enthusiasts for centuries.
Sea randa thrives in coastal and subtropical regions, with its distribution ranging widely from Kenya to South Africa and extending across tropical and subtropical Asia, reaching as far as the Pacific islands. Its presence in such diverse geographical locations showcases its adaptability and resilience in various climatic conditions.
Characteristically, Guettarda speciosa is known for its striking, fragrant white flowers and broad, leathery leaves. The flowers, often blooming in clusters, emit a pleasant fragrance that attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. This contributes significantly to the biodiversity of its habitat. The plant also produces distinctive fruit, which can vary in color from green to a striking red or purple as they mature.
The Sea randa plays a vital ecological role, particularly in coastal environments. It often grows on sandy soils and can tolerate saline conditions, making it an essential species for stabilizing sand dunes and protecting shorelines from erosion. Additionally, its lush foliage provides a habitat and shelter for various wildlife species, enhancing the ecological value of the regions it inhabits.
In traditional medicine, parts of the Sea randa have been utilized for various therapeutic purposes. Indigenous communities have employed its leaves, bark, and roots in treating ailments such as fever, dysentery, and skin conditions, although scientific validation of these uses is still ongoing.
The aesthetic appeal of Guettarda speciosa, coupled with its ecological benefits, vast geographical spread, and historical significance, underscores its importance in both natural and cultural contexts. Whether admired for its beauty or its role in coastal preservation, the Sea randa continues to be a subject of interest for botanists, ecologists, and horticulturists alike.
Common Names
Msa: ketapang pasir, selar malam
Eng: sea randa, zebrawood
En: Sea randa, Zebrawood, Beach Gardenia
Ms: Ketapang pasir, Selar malam
Synonyms
- Gardenia speciosa ((L.) Roxb. ex Wight & Arn.)
- Jasminum hirsutum ((L.) Willd.)
- Matthiola speciosa ((L.) Kuntze)
- Cadamba jasminiflora (Sonn.)
- Nyctanthes hirsuta (L.)
- Guettarda speciosa var. glabrata (DC.)
- Mogorium hirsutum ((L.) Poir.)
- Guettarda tahitensis (Nadeaud)
- Guettarda hirsuta (Sarg.)
- Guettarda speciosa var. tahitensis ((Nadeaud) Drake)
Distribution
- Aldabra (native)
- Andaman Is. (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Bismarck Archipelago (native)
- Borneo (native)
- Cambodia (native)
- Caroline Is. (native)
- Chagos Archipelago (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Christmas I. (native)
- Cocos (Keeling) Is. (native)
- Comoros (native)
- Cook Is. (native)
- Fiji (native)
- Gilbert Is. (native)
- Hainan (native)
- India (native)
- Jawa (native)
- Kenya (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Laccadive Is. (native)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
- Line Is. (native)
- Madagascar (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Maldives (native)
- Maluku (native)
- Marianas (native)
- Marquesas (native)
- Marshall Is. (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Mozambique Channel I (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Nauru (native)
- New Caledonia (native)
- New Guinea (native)
- Nicobar Is. (native)
- Niue (native)
- Northern Territory (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Phoenix Is. (native)
- Pitcairn Is. (native)
- Queensland (native)
- Samoa (native)
- Seychelles (native)
- Society Is. (native)
- Solomon Is. (native)
- South China Sea (native)
- Sri Lanka (native)
- Sulawesi (native)
- Sumatera (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Tokelau-Manihiki (native)
- Tonga (native)
- Tuamotu (native)
- Tubuai Is. (native)
- Tuvalu (native)
- Vanuatu (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Wallis-Futuna Is. (native)
- Western Australia (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Mar 22, 2022 by Krampl Tomáš (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 10, 2021 by PATRICK PREVOST (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 10, 2021 by Jean-Marie Ronquy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Coordination Endemia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 10, 2021 by Jean-Marie Ronquy (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 18, 2018 by Mirhani Nourddine (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2022 by Bibiana Marín (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2022 by Gérald BERTRAND (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 28, 2021 by Jessy Jessy Louat (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Kamaria Hassane (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Dec 20, 2021 by Jean-Marie Ronquy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Jean-Marie Ronquy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2018 by Dominique Fleurot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 22, 2022 by Krampl Tomáš (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2018 by Dominique Fleurot (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 25, 2018 by Dominique Fleurot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 10, 2021 by PATRICK PREVOST (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 9, 2022 by Hubert Geraux (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 24, 2020 by chantal latour (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Coordination Endemia (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Bernard Suprin (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − K. R. Wood (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − K. R. Wood (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 28, 2021 by Jessy Jessy Louat (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Kamaria Hassane (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.
Other
Taken May 28, 2020 by Noel Dionson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2022 by John Tasirin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2022 by John Tasirin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2020 by Celestine Beleouvoudi (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:752069-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2894828)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Guettarda speciosa L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub