Family: Meliaceae
Author: Vahl
Bibliography: Symb. Bot. 1: 31 (1790)
Year: 1790
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Trichilia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & S. Africa, Arabian Pen.
Description
Christmas-bells is a remarkable plant that captures the essences of both beauty and botanical significance. Scientifically identified as Trichilia emetica, this species was officially named by Vahl in the late 18th century, appearing first in “Symb. Bot. 1: 31” in the year 1790—a foundational text in botanical literature.
Belonging to the Meliaceae family, Christmas-bells flourish in a variety of environments, predominantly within the tropical and southern regions of Africa, as well as the Arabian Peninsula. These geographical zones offer optimal conditions that support the vibrant life cycle of the plant.
The distinctive appearance of Christmas-bells, highlighted by their ornate and colorful blossoms, makes them a favorite among botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Although beautiful, they also play an integral role in their ecosystems, providing food and habitat for a variety of insects and birds. The plant’s ability to thrive in diverse climates underscores its adaptability and resilience, characteristics highly prized in horticultural circles.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Trichilia emetica is noted for its multitude of uses, particularly in traditional medicine and local agriculture. Various parts of the plant have been utilized for their purported medicinal properties, contributing significantly to the cultures that inhabit its native regions. Furthermore, the seeds are often employed in making emollients and other natural remedies, reflecting the plant’s global value.
Studying Christmas-bells provides enlightening insights into the intricate relationships between flora and their environments, shedding light on the myriad ways plants like Trichilia emetica contribute to biodiversity and ecological balance. Through the lens of this exquisite species, we gain a deeper appreciation for the botanical wonders that make up our natural world.
Common Names
Eng: christmas-bells, ethiopian-mahogany, natal-mahogany, mafura-butter
Fra: mafura
Por: mafurreira
Swa: mgolimazi, mkungwina, mti maji, musikili, muwamaji
En: Christmas-bells, Mafura-butter, Ethiopian-mahogany, Natal-mahogany, Natal mahogany, Banket mahogany
Af: Bosveld rooiessenhout
Fr: Mafura
Pt: Mafurreira
Sw: Mgolimazi, Musikili, Muwamaji, Mti maji, Mkungwina
Synonyms
Distribution
- Benin (native)
- Botswana (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Burundi (native)
- Cabinda (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Caprivi Strip (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Gambia (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Guinea-Bissau (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Kenya (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Malawi (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Rwanda (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sierra Leone (native)
- Somalia (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Swaziland (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Togo (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Mar 22, 2021 by Jeff Sandwith (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 14, 2022 by tembela paqula (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2021 by Terese Mann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2021 by Terese Mann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 18, 2020 by Yao Rémy KONAN (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 17, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Jan 17, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Jan 17, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Jan 17, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Jun 7, 2021 by matteo contardo (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 17, 2021 by Santiago Maurício (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Fruit
Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Jan 17, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Aug 8, 2019 by Jean Jean (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Nov 14, 2020 by Nata S (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/3190493)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:579419-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trichilia emetica Vahl)