Aroeira blanca (Lithraea molleoides, C.F.P.von Martius & auct. suc. (eds.), Fl. Bras. 12(2): 394 (1876))

Family: Anacardiaceae

Author: (Vell.) Engl.

Bibliography: C.F.P.von Martius & auct. suc. (eds.), Fl. Bras. 12(2): 394 (1876)

Year: 1876

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lithraea

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. Mexico, Bolivia to Brazil and N. Argentina

Description

Aroeira Blanca: A South American Jewel

Aroeira Blanca, scientifically named Lithraea molleoides, is a distinctive plant found across a broad range of territories in Central Mexico, Bolivia, Brazil, and Northern Argentina. This remarkable species is a proud member of the Anacardiaceae family, a grouping known for its diversity and significance in various ecological systems.

Lithraea molleoides was first extensively catalogued by notable botanists, as documented in C.F.P. von Martius’s comprehensive work on Brazilian flora in the late 19th century. This foundational text, “Flora Brasiliensis,” published in 1876, remains a critical reference for understanding the plant’s characteristics and distribution.

The Aroeira Blanca is recognized for its resilience and adaptability across diverse climates and terrains. It typically thrives in regions that span from the dry, semi-arid zones to more humid, tropical environments, showcasing the plant’s robust nature.

This species contributes significantly to the local ecosystems, providing shelter and nourishment for various wildlife species. The plant’s foliage and nectar are crucial resources for insects, birds, and occasionally small mammals, playing an integral role in maintaining biodiversity.

For centuries, indigenous peoples and local communities have utilized Aroeira Blanca for its various applications. Traditional uses include medicinal remedies derived from its leaves and bark. These natural treatments have been relied upon for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, a testament to the plant’s enduring value beyond its ecological contributions.

In summary, the Aroeira Blanca stands out not only for its biological importance but also for its cultural and historical relevance across its native regions. Its ability to flourish in diverse environments, alongside its multifaceted uses, makes Lithraea molleoides a true botanical marvel within the rich tapestry of South American flora.

Common Names

En: Aroeira blanca, Aroeira-Blanca, Greater Stitchwort
Pt: Aroeira-brava, Aroeira branca, Aroeira brava, Aroeira do brejo

Synonyms

• Schinus terebinthifolia var. ternifolia ((Gillies ex Hook.) Marchand)
• Lithraea molleoides var. lorentziana (Hieron. ex Lillo)
• Schinus ternifolia (Gillies ex Hook.)
• Lithraea gilliesii (Griseb.)
• Lithraea lorentzii (Griseb. ex Rojas)
• Lithraea aroeirinha (Marchand ex Warm.)
• Schinus leucocarpa (Mart. ex Engl.)
• Schinus molleoides (Vell.)
• Rhus commersonii (Poir.)
• Rhus meridionalis (Spreng.)
• Lithraea ternifolia ((Gillies ex Hook.) F.A.Barkley)
• Rhus clausseniana (Turcz.)
• Schinus mollis (Engl.)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• California (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)

Additional Images

Bark

Taken Jan 3, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 24, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2019 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 31, 2022 by Gerardo Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 24, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2019 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 3, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2021 by Makoto Makoto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 24, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 24, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 14, 2022 by Lorenzati Marina (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 8, 2022 by Makoto Makoto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2022 by Makoto Makoto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 2, 2021 by Makoto Makoto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2019 by juan campa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2019 by juan campa (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 22, 2021 by Makoto Makoto (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/3660239)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:69847-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lithraea molleoides (Vell.) Engl.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth