Black manwood (Minquartia guianensis, Hist. pl. Guiane suppl. 4, t. 370. 1775)

Family: Olacaceae

Author: Aubl.

Bibliography: Hist. pl. Guiane suppl. 4, t. 370. 1775

Year: 1775

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Minquartia

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. Trop. America

Description

Black manwood, scientifically known as Minquartia guianensis, is a notable species found predominantly in the tropical regions of Central and South America. This resilient and well-adapted tree belongs to the Olacaceae family, known for its diverse and ecologically significant members.

First documented in 1775 in the supplementary volume of “Hist. pl. Guiane” by the eminent botanist Aubl., Minquartia guianensis has since drawn the attention of botanists and ecologists alike due to its unique characteristics and ecological importance. The tree thrives in the warm, humid climates characteristic of its native range, playing a crucial role in the forest ecosystems of these tropical areas.

Black manwood is renowned for its strikingly dark and dense wood, which has made it highly valuable in the timber industry. However, beyond its economic significance, it also contributes to the ecological health of its habitat. As a canopy tree, it provides shelter and food for a variety of wildlife, supporting biodiversity in these richly vegetated regions.

The species is an exemplar of the harmonious balance between exploiting natural resources and conserving them. Understanding its growth patterns, habitat preferences, and role within the ecosystem is essential for sustainable forestry practices and conservation efforts, ensuring that this remarkable tree continues to flourish in its natural surroundings.

In summary, Black manwood, or Minquartia guianensis, stands out for both its ecological significance in the tropics of Central and South America and its valuable dark timber. As an integral part of the Olacaceae family, its continued study and conservation are vital in maintaining the biodiversity and ecological health of tropical forests.

Common Names

Por: acariquara, aquariquara, aquariquara-roxa
Spa: acariguara, arekuma, cari-cuara negra, guayacán negro, guayacán pechiche, huacapú, manú, manú negro, minche, punte candado, wamania
Eng: black manwood
En: Black Manwood
Pt: Acariquara, Aquariquara roxa, Aquariquara, Aquariquara-roxa
Es: Cuajada negra, Manú, Manú negro, Palo de piedra, Acariguara, Arekuma, Cari-cuara Negra, Guayacán Negro, Guayacán Pechiche, Huacapú, Minche, Punte Candado, Wamania
: Black manwood

Synonyms

• Minquartia macrophylla (Ducke)
• Minquartia parvifolia (A.C.Sm.)
• Minquartia punctata ((Radlk.) Sleumer)
• Eganthus poeppigii (Tiegh.)
• Endusa punctata (Radlk.)
• Secretania loranthacea (Müll.Arg.)

Distribution

• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Venezuela (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.

Leaf

Taken Nov 3, 2021 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2021 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2021 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2021 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 14, 2022 by manú negro (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 13, 2013 by D. Frame (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2013 by D. Frame (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2013 by D. Frame (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2013 by D. Frame (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 12, 2013 by D. Frame (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 18, 2012 by SINAC Pérez Greivin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2012 by SINAC Pérez Greivin (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 9, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 9, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 9, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2013 by D. Frame (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2013 by D. Frame (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 9, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 9, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3686157)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:110121-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Minquartia guianensis Aubl.)

Specifications

Growth