Family: Anacardiaceae
Author: Jacq.
Bibliography: Enum. Syst. Pl.: 33 (1760)
Year: 1760
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Astronium
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to S. Trop. America
Description
Glassywood, known scientifically as Astronium graveolens, is a remarkable species belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. First documented by Jacquin in his 1760 enumeration of plant species, this tree has since been recognized for its significant ecological and economical contributions.
Primarily distributed from Mexico to the southern tropical regions of America, Glassywood thrives in diverse climatic conditions, adapting to various types of tropical and subtropical environments. This vast geographical range underscores its resilience and versatility.
The tree itself is distinguished by its durable timber, highly valued in the woodworking and furniture industries. The dense and glossy nature of the wood, which likely inspired its common name, makes it a prized material for high-quality craftsmanship. In addition to its industrial utility, Glassywood also plays a crucial role in local ecosystems.
Ecologically, Astronium graveolens is essential for maintaining habitat diversity. It provides shelter and food for a wide array of fauna, particularly in tropical forests where tree cover is vital for ecological balance. Its presence supports various forms of wildlife, contributing to the health and sustainability of these ecosystems.
Moreover, Glassywood has cultural and medicinal importance in several indigenous communities. Various parts of the tree are used in traditional medicine to treat ailments, highlighting its value beyond mere commodity.
In conclusion, Astronium graveolens, or Glassywood, stands as a significant plant species in both economic and ecological realms. Its broad distribution from Mexico to South America, noted by Jacquin in 1760, emphasizes its adaptability and importance across numerous domains. Whether valued for its dense, glossy timber or its ecological contributions to tropical forests, this versatile tree continues to play a vital role in the regions it inhabits.
Common Names
Spa: quebracho, copaiva, gateado, jobillo, palo de cera, palo de culebra, palo obrero, ronron, ciruelillo, culebro, culinzis, jocote de fraile, pototo, ron-ron
Por: aderne, aroeira, gibatan, guaritá, ubatan
Swe: goncalo alves
Eng: glassywood
En: Glassywood
Pt: Aroeira, Aderne, Gibatan, Guaritá, Ubatan
Es: Gateado, Palo de cera, Palo de culebra, Palo obrero, Jobillo, Ronron, Copaiva, Jovillo, Ron ron, San Gualico, Amargoso, Chaperla, Jocotillo, K´ulinché, Ron-ron, Usipoon, Zongolica, Quebracho, Ciruelillo, Culebro, Culinzis, Jocote de fraile, Pototo
Sv: Goncalo alves
Synonyms
- Astronium gracile (Engl.)
- Astronium graveolens var. inodorum (Triana & Planch.)
- Astronium graveolens var. dugandii (F.A.Barkley)
- Astronium graveolens var. planchonianum ((Engl.) Engl.)
- Astronium gracile f. acuminatum (Chodat & Hassl.)
- Astronium planchonianum (Engl.)
- Astronium conzattii (S.F.Blake)
- Astronium gracile var. acuminatum ((Chodat & Hassl.) F.A.Barkley)
- Astronium conzattii var. standleyi (F.A.Barkley)
- Astronium gracile f. serratum (Mattick)
- Astronium conzattii var. lundellii (F.A.Barkley)
- Astronium zongolicum (Reko)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Venezuela (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jan 23, 2022 by Igor goellner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 31, 2022 by Vinicius Castro Souza (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 31, 2022 by Vinicius Castro Souza (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 31, 2022 by Vinicius Castro Souza (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 31, 2022 by Vinicius Castro Souza (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.
Bark
Taken Nov 6, 2021 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 6, 2021 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 6, 2021 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 1, 2021 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7321588)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:69240-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Astronium graveolens Jacq.)