Family: Malpighiaceae
Author: (L.) A.Juss.
Bibliography: Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 2, 13: 276 (1840)
Year: 1840
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Heteropterys
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to Bolivia, Caribbean
Description
The Dragon withe is a remarkable climbing plant known scientifically as Heteropterys laurifolia. Belonging to the Malpighiaceae family, this species has garnered attention due to its striking presence across a range extending from Mexico to Bolivia and through the Caribbean islands. The descriptive taxonomy was first documented in 1840 in the “Annales des Sciences Naturelles, Botanique” under the authorship of (L.) A.Juss.
This vine, or liana, boasts various characteristics that make it particularly interesting to botanists and plant enthusiasts. Adaptable to a range of tropical climates, the Dragon withe thrives in these diverse geographic locations, showcasing its resilience and versatility. Its leaves, described as laurel-like (hence the species name ‘laurifolia’), provide a lush, dense foliage that is both attractive and functional for its climbing nature.
The Dragon withe is an integral component of the ecosystems it inhabits, often seen twining around trees and other structures, contributing to the habitat’s complexity and supporting local biodiversity. The plant’s flowering and fruiting habits add to its ornamental and ecological value, drawing in pollinators and offering sustenance to various wildlife species.
With its rich botanical history and widespread occurrence, the Dragon withe continues to be a subject of interest for further studies on its ecological roles and potential uses. It is a testament to the rich botanical diversity of the regions extending from Mexico through Bolivia and the Caribbean, contributing to the lush and vibrant tapestry of these environments.
Common Names
Eng: dragon withe
En: Dragon withe
Synonyms
- Banisteria laurifolia (L.)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jul 6, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 6, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 19, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 19, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 26, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Mar 19, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 19, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Apr 26, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 26, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 26, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
© 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/3191295)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:556563-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Heteropterys laurifolia (L.) A.Juss.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub, Vine