Family: Hernandiaceae
Author: Jacq.
Bibliography: Select. Stirp. Amer. Hist.: 282 (1763)
Year: 1763
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Gyrocarpus
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Trop. Africa to Pacific, C. Mexico to Venezuela
Description
The Gyro damson, scientifically known as Gyrocarpus americanus, is a fascinating member of the Hernandiaceae family. First documented by the botanist Jacquin in his 1763 work “Select. Stirp. Amer. Hist.,” this plant boasts a broad geographical distribution that stretches from Eastern Tropical Africa across to the Pacific, and from Central Mexico down to Venezuela.
Characterized by its hardy nature, Gyro damson thrives in diverse climatic regions, indicative of its remarkable adaptability. This widespread occurrence underscores its resiliency and ecological versatility.
In appearance, Gyro damson is notable for its unique fruiting bodies, which bear a resemblance to spinning propellers, an attribute that aids in its seed dispersal strategy. These spinning fruits can travel considerable distances on the wind, ensuring the widespread propagation of the species.
Ecologically, Gyrocarpus americanus plays a significant role in its natural habitats. The plant contributes to the stability and sustainability of the ecosystems in which it resides, supporting various wildlife forms while also exhibiting potential medicinal and economical benefits yet to be fully explored.
Understanding and appreciating plants like the Gyro damson highlights the complex and beautiful interdependencies within our natural world, encouraging continued study and conservation efforts.
Common Names
Eng: coolamon-tree, gyro damson, helicopter-tree, twirly-whirly-tree
En: Gyro damson, Helicopter-tree, Coolamon-tree, Twirly-whirly-tree, Propeller tree
Af: Helikopterboom
Ml: തണുക്ക്
Synonyms
Distribution
- Andaman Is. (native)
- Angola (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Belize (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Caprivi Strip (native)
- Christmas I. (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- Fiji (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Honduras (native)
- India (native)
- Jawa (native)
- Kenya (native)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
- Madagascar (native)
- Malawi (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Maldives (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mauritania (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Namibia (native)
- New Caledonia (native)
- New Guinea (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Northern Territory (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Queensland (native)
- Samoa (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Society Is. (native)
- Solomon Is. (native)
- Sri Lanka (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Tubuai Is. (native)
- Vanuatu (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Western Australia (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- Chagos Archipelago (introduced)
- Tonga (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Aug 3, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 3, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 3, 2014 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/7326414)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:170637-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq.)