Achiotillo (Alchornea latifolia, Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ.: 98 (1788))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: Sw.

Bibliography: Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ.: 98 (1788)

Year: 1788

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Alchornea

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

Achiotillo, scientifically known as Alchornea latifolia, is a remarkable plant that finds its origins stretching from Mexico to tropical regions of the Americas. Belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, this species occupies a significant place in the rich biodiversity of the tropics.

Recognized by its broad leaves, Alchornea latifolia is a versatile plant that has adapted well to various tropical climates and soils. It can often be found thriving in forested areas, where it contributes to the ecological balance by providing habitat and nourishment for local wildlife.

The study and documentation of Achiotillo date back to centuries, with its presence being first meticulously recorded in 1788 by the botanist Sw. in his work Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ.: 98. This early documentation underscores the long-standing interest and importance of Alchornea latifolia in the plant kingdom.

In terms of its applications, Achiotillo is not just renowned for its ecological contributions, but also for its uses in traditional medicine and local practices. Various parts of the plant have been traditionally utilized for their purported health benefits, reflecting the deep knowledge of plant-based remedies by indigenous cultures.

Further scientific research continues to explore the myriad properties of Alchornea latifolia, aiming to fully uncover and understand its potential benefits. Its place in the natural world underscores the intricate and irreplaceable diversity of tropical ecosystems, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect such invaluable species.

In summary, Achiotillo, or Alchornea latifolia, is a vital component of the natural heritage from Mexico to tropical America, revered both ecologically and scientifically as a testament to the magnificence of plant diversity in the tropics.

Common Names

Eng: achiotillo
Spa: palo mujer, sarziello caspi
En: Achiotillo
Es: Canelito, Gargantilla, Palo de puta, Palo mujer, Toxcata, Cabeza de mico, Machete vaina, Carne de caballo, Sapotillo, Sarziella caspi, Huampo, Hoja ancho, Sarziello caspi, Chapaneo, Chasparrio

Synonyms

• Manettia serrata (Spreng. ex Schult. & Schult.f.)
• Alchornea similis (Müll.Arg.)
• Alchornea platyphylla (Müll.Arg.)
• Alchornea latifolia var. islaensis (Kitan.)
• Alchornea glandulosa (Poit. ex Baill.)
• Alchornea haitiensis (Urb.)
• Alchornea cyclophylla (Croizat)
• Alchornea polyantha (Pax & K.Hoffm.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (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 Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Aug 18, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 20, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 20, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 5, 2012 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by cabrera Olano Juan Luis (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 20, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 20, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 5, 2012 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-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.

Other

Taken Sep 5, 2012 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2012 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 12, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 12, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:338417-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3055359)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Alchornea latifolia Sw.)

Specifications

Growth