Albino-berry (Aphloia theiformis, Pl. Jav. Rar.: 192 (1840))

Family: Aphloiaceae

Author: (Vahl) Benn.

Bibliography: Pl. Jav. Rar.: 192 (1840)

Year: 1840

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Aphloia

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Kenya to S. Africa, W. Indian Ocean

Description

The Albino-berry, scientifically known as Aphloia theiformis, is a remarkable plant species belonging to the Aphloiaceae family. First described comprehensively in 1840 in “Plantae Javanicae Rariores” by Bennet (referencing Vahl), this plant has since drawn considerable interest both for its unique characteristics and its extensive habitat range.

The Albino-berry thrives in diverse ecosystems stretching from southeastern Kenya down through southern Africa, as well as across the western Indian Ocean region. This wide distribution hints at the plant’s adaptability and resilience in various environmental conditions, from tropical environs to more temperate zones.

Characterized by its striking foliage and its charming berries, which appear almost ghostly, the Albino-berry not only adds aesthetic value to its surroundings but also plays an integral role in the local ecology. Its fruits provide nourishment for various bird species, while the plant itself often serves as a part of the understorey in forests, contributing to the structural integrity of these habitats.

Besides its ecological contributions, Aphloia theiformis has garnered attention for its potential medicinal properties. Indigenous communities in its native regions have long utilized different parts of the plant for traditional medicine, leveraging its natural compounds for various treatments.

In summary, the Albino-berry (Aphloia theiformis) stands as an exemplary species within the Aphloiaceae family. Its prominence across a vast geographical range, coupled with its ecological and potential medicinal benefits, make it a subject of continued botanical and pharmacological interest.

Common Names

Mlg: ravimboafotsy
En: Albino-berry, Mountain peach
Fr: Scolopie héterophylle, Change-écorce, Goyave marron, Gouyave marron, Fandamane, Fondamane, Bois fandamane, Bois goyave, Bois d’Anémone
Mg: Ravimboafotsy

Synonyms

• Lightfootia theiformis (Vahl)
• Lightfootia integrifolia (Vahl)
• Aphloia deltoides ((Poir.) Clos)
• Aphloia theiformis f. obcuneata (H.Perrier)
• Aphloia theiformis var. micranthera (H.Perrier)
• Aphloia madagascariensis var. polymorpha (Clos)
• Aphloia theiformis var. minima ((Baker) H.Perrier)
• Aphloia theiformis subsp. madagascariensis ((Clos) H.Perrier)
• Aphloia theiformis var. micrantha (Tul.)
• Aphloia theiformis subsp. deltoides ((Poir.) H.Perrier)
• Guya integrifolia ((Vahl) H.Perrier)
• Aphloia theiformis subsp. laciniata ((Poir.) H.Perrier)
• Aphloia theiformis var. caerulescens (H.Perrier)
• Aphloia theiformis var. closii (Tul.)
• Aphloia mauritiana var. theiformis ((Vahl) Baker)
• Aphloia theiformis var. angustissima (H.Perrier)
• Scolopia theiformis (Gilg)
• Aphloia seychellensis ((Clos) Hemsl.)
• Aphloia sessilifolia ((Baker) Hemsl.)
• Guidonia serrata (Kuntze)
• Aphloia theiformis var. seychellensis ((Clos) F.Friedmann)
• Aphloia theiformis f. andringitrensis (H.Perrier)
• Aphloia madagascariensis (Clos)
• Aphloia integrifolia ((Vahl) Benn.)
• Aphloia minima (Baker)
• Prockia laciniata (Poir.)
• Aphloia mauritiana (Baker)
• Aphloia mauritiana var. sessilifolia (Baker)
• Prockia integrifolia ((Vahl) Willd.)
• Aphloia theiformis f. tsaratananae (H.Perrier)
• Aphloia madagascariensis var. seychellensis (Clos)
• Aphloia myrtiflora (Galpin)
• Prockia theiformis ((Vahl) Willd.)
• Aphloia theiformis var. racemosa (H.Perrier)
• Neumannia minima ((Baker) Warb.)
• Aphloia theiformis var. purpurascens (Frapp. ex Cordem.)
• Neumannia myrtiflora ((Galpin) T.Durand)
• Neumannia integrifolia ((Vahl) A.Rich.)
• Prockia ovata (Lam. ex Poir.)
• Neumannia madagascariensis ((Clos) Warb.)
• Neumannia deltoidea (Warb.)
• Prockia deltoides (Lam.)
• Aphloia theiformis subsp. mauritiana (H.Perrier)
• Aphloia mauritiana var. integrifolia ((Vahl) Baker)
• Neumannia theiformis ((Vahl) A.Rich.)

Distribution

• Comoros (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mauritius (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Rodrigues (native)
• Réunion (native)
• Seychelles (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 5, 2019 by Pascale Ghestem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2012 by P. Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 20, 2020 by Anziz AHMED ABDOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 20, 2020 by Anziz AHMED ABDOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 20, 2020 by Anziz AHMED ABDOU (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 15, 2019 by Jabon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 19, 2020 by sonia michalon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2012 by E. Mouysset (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2012 by E. Mouysset (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 26, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2002 by riviere (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 27, 2009 by riviere (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2012 by P. Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 19, 2021 by Yves Martin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2012 by H. Goëau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2012 by P. Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 27, 2009 by riviere (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2020 by Philippe MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 19, 2021 by Yves Martin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2019 by Jean-Alain Fontaine (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 24, 2012 by E. Mouysset (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2021 by Vieira do Nascimento Paulo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2012 by E. Mouysset (cc-by-sa)

© 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/7274054)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:111447-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aphloia theiformis (Vahl) Benn.)

Specifications

Growth