Azulejo (Cornutia pyramidata, Sp. Pl.: 628 (1753))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 628 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cornutia

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. Mexico to Trop. America

Description

Azulejo, scientifically known as Cornutia pyramidata, is an attractive and notable member of the Lamiaceae family. First described in the seminal “Species Plantarum” published in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, Cornutia pyramidata has since been a subject of various botanical studies due to its unique characteristics and distribution.

Native to regions stretching from Central Mexico down through Tropical America, the Azulejo thrives in these warm, humid climates, spreading its presence through diverse ecosystems. This plant is renowned not only for its beauty but also for its adaptability to different tropical environments.

Cornutia pyramidata boasts striking foliage and vibrant blue to purple flowers, which often draw the attention of botanists and horticulturists alike. The structure of the plant typically features a pyramidal growth habit, aligning with its scientific nomenclature, and its blooms can add a splash of color to any tropical garden or landscape.

Beyond its ornamental appeal, the Azulejo plays a role in its native habitats, contributing to ecological balance. It can provide shelter and resources for local wildlife, supporting the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits.

Overall, the Azulejo or Cornutia pyramidata stands out not only for its historical botanical significance as documented by Linnaeus but also for its ecological and aesthetic contributions to tropical environments. Its presence from Mexico to the broader reaches of Tropical America underscores its resilience and adaptability, making it a valuable plant for study and admiration.

Common Names

Eng: azulejo
En: Azulejo

Synonyms

• Hosta pyramidata ((L.) A.Dietr.)
• Cornutia crenata (Medik.)
• Cornutia microcalycina (Pav. ex Moldenke)
• Cornutia divaricata (L. ex Moldenke)
• Cornutia microcalycina var. pulverulenta (Moldenke)
• Cornutia grandifolia ((Cham. & Schltdl.) Schauer)
• Cornutia microcalycina var. anomala (Moldenke)
• Hosta longifolia (Kunth)
• Hosta latifolia (Kunth)
• Hosta grandifolia (Cham. & Schltdl.)
• Hosta grandiflora (A.Dietr.)
• Cornutia pyramidata f. albida (Moldenke)
• Cornutia grandifolia var. intermedia (Moldenke)
• Cornutia pyramidata var. dentata (Kuntze)
• Aegiphila acutangula (Widgren ex Moldenke)
• Cornutia grandifolia var. quadrangularis (Oerst. ex Moldenke)
• Cornutia longifolia ((Kunth) Spreng.)
• Cornutia grandifolia var. storkii (Moldenke)
• Cornutia pyramidata f. serrata (Moldenke)
• Cornutia latifolia ((Kunth) Moldenke)
• Cornutia pyramidata var. longifolia (Kuntze)
• Cornutia grandifolia var. normalis (Moldenke)
• Cornutia pyramidata var. isthmica (Moldenke)
• Cornutia grandifolia var. purpusii (Moldenke)
• Cornutia pyramidata var. punctata (Kuntze)
• Cornutia grandifolia f. quadrangularis ((Oerst. ex Moldenke) Moldenke)
• Cornutia pyramidata var. normalis (Kuntze)
• Cornutia latifolia f. alba (Moldenke)
• Cornutia lilacina (Moldenke)
• Cornutia lilacina var. velutina (Moldenke)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Central American Pac (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 Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Southwest Caribbean (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken Jun 20, 2022 by Roque Valdovinos Ana Luisa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2022 by Delblond Michel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2021 by SINAC Pérez Greivin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2021 by SINAC Pérez Greivin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2022 by Roque Valdovinos Ana Luisa (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 31, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 22, 2021 by SINAC Pérez Greivin (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 27, 2019 by Valverde José M. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 31, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 3, 2022 by Michel Woitiez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2021 by SINAC Pérez Greivin (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 9, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 1, 2022 by TheDenssy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2021 by zuñiga Eduardo (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 8, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2925663)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:319153-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cornutia pyramidata L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub, Tree

Growth