Family: Fabaceae
Author: Tul.
Bibliography: Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 2, 20: 140 (1843)
Year: 1843
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pterogyne
Vegetable: False
Observations: Brazil to N. Argentina
Description
Guiraro, scientifically known as Pterogyne nitens, is a notable species belonging to the Fabaceae family. The origins of its botanical description can be traced back to its initial classification by the French botanist Louis René Tulasne, whose work was published in the “Annales des Sciences Naturelles, Botanique,” second series, volume 20, in the year 1843. This publication marked the formal recognition and documentation of the species.
Pterogyne nitens is indigenous to South America, with its natural range extending from Brazil in the north to northern Argentina. This geographical distribution indicates its adaptability to various climatic and soil conditions found within these regions.
The Guiraro tree is known for its ecological significance and the role it plays within its habitat. As a member of the Fabaceae family, which includes legumes, it often contributes to soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, a process facilitated by symbiotic bacteria residing in its root nodules. This trait not only benefits the tree itself but also enhances the nutrient profile of the surrounding soil, making it advantageous for other plant species in the vicinity.
The Pterogyne nitens tree is distinguished by its robust and shiny foliage, which has earned it the specific epithet “nitens,” meaning “shiny” or “glossy” in Latin. The leaves of this species are typically pinnate, adding to its striking appearance and making it an appealing choice for ornamental use in gardens and public landscapes.
In addition to its aesthetic and ecological value, Guiraro is also of interest for various practical applications. The wood of Pterogyne nitens is known to be durable and is utilized in furniture making, construction, and sometimes for crafting musical instruments, thanks to its workability and pleasing finish.
Understanding the distribution, characteristics, and uses of Pterogyne nitens enhances our appreciation of this remarkable tree and underscores the importance of conserving its natural habitats to ensure its preservation for future generations.
Common Names
Por: amendoim, amendoim-bravo, amendoim-do-campo, amendoinzero, jacutinga, madeira-nova, vilão
Spa: cocal, guiraró, tipa colorado
En: Guiraro, Palo coca, Tipa colorado, Viraró, Palo Mortero, Tipa, Tipilla
He: פטרוגינה מבריקה, Ftroginh brilliant
Pt: Madeira-nova, Vilão, Amendoim, Amendoim-bravo, Amendoim-do-campo, Amendoinzero, Jacutinga
Es: Cocal, Guiraró, Tipa Colorado, Amendoim Bravo, Madeira nova, Palo coca
Synonyms
- Pterogyne nitens f. parvifolia (Chodat & Hassl.)
- Machaerium pseudotipe (Griseb.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Kenya (introduced)
- Uganda (introduced)
Additional Images
Bark
Taken Nov 1, 2022 by Valentina Jalšovec (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 1, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 1, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Nov 1, 2022 by Valentina Jalšovec (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2022 by Lorenzi Harri (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2022 by Lorenzi Harri (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2022 by Vale Apichela (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2022 by Vale Apichela (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 21, 2022 by Makoto Makoto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 20, 2020 by de Diego Fernando (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2022 by Lorenzi Harri (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2022 by Lorenzi Harri (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/5352650)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:516619-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pterogyne nitens Tul.)