Family: Oleaceae
Author: Knobl. (Tutin)
Bibliography: Knoblauch E (1934) Neue und seltene Oleaceen aus dem tropischen Afrika, Neu-Guinea, China und Indo-China. Notizblatt Des Königl. Botanischen Gartens Und Museums Zu Berlin 11(35): 1027-1031. doi: 10.2307/3994607.
Year: 1934
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Picconia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Azores
Description
The Pau-branco, scientifically known as Picconia azorica, is a remarkable plant endemic to the Azores. This unique species belongs to the Oleaceae family, which includes well-known relatives such as olives and lilacs. Picconia azorica has adapted over centuries to thrive in the particular climatic and soil conditions of the Azores, embodying a rich part of the islands’ botanical heritage.
This species was first described in detail by the botanist Knoblauch E., in his 1934 work on rare and new Oleaceae from various tropical regions, including Africa and the Indo-Pacific. In his publication, Knoblauch emphasized the distinct characteristics of the Pau-branco, contributing significantly to the botanical understanding of the time.
The Pau-branco typically exhibits features that are characteristic of the Oleaceae family but stands out due to its specific adaptations to the Azorean environment. These adaptations help the plant to flourish in a region that is marked by its volcanic soil and temperate climate. The Pau-branco plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem, providing habitat and food for various indigenous species.
Conservation efforts are essential for the Pau-branco due to its limited geographic range. Protecting this species not only preserves biodiversity within the Azores but also maintains the complex balance of its native habitats. Botanical studies continue to emphasize the importance of conserving such unique species, with ongoing research and preservation strategies being critical for their future.
Reference:
Knoblauch E. (1934). Neue und seltene Oleaceen aus dem tropischen Afrika, Neu-Guinea, China und Indo-China. Notizblatt Des Königl. Botanischen Gartens Und Museums Zu Berlin, 11(35): 1027-1031. doi: 10.2307/3994607.
Common Names
Por: pau branco
En: Pau-branco
Fi: Azorienpikkonia
Pt: Pau branco
Synonyms
- Notelaea azorica (Tutin)
Distribution
- Azores (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jul 26, 2020 by Pereira Jorge (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 31, 2021 by Pereira Jorge (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 31, 2021 by Pereira Jorge (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2019 by Jules Millet (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 26, 2020 by Pereira Jorge (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 13, 2021 by Teresa V. (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 31, 2021 by Pereira Jorge (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 8, 2019 by Jules Millet (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5549939)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:611025-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Picconia azorica (Tutin) Knobl.)