Black titi (Cyrilla racemiflora, Mant. Pl. 1: 50 (1767))

Family: Cyrillaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Mant. Pl. 1: 50 (1767)

Year: 1767

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cyrilla

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. U.S.A. to Trop. America

Description

Black titi, known scientifically as Cyrilla racemiflora, is a noteworthy plant that holds a special position in the flora of several key regions including the southeastern United States and tropical areas of the Americas. This species was first meticulously documented by the esteemed botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1767, lending credence to its long-standing recognition and importance in botanical studies.

Belonging to the family Cyrillaceae, Black titi is characterized by its unique botanical features that make it particularly distinguishable. It serves as an essential plant within its ecosystem, contributing significantly to the biodiversity and environmental dynamics of the areas it inhabits.

The plant is a versatile and resilient species, capable of thriving in a wide range of environmental conditions found across its extensive geographical range. From the moist, humid climates of the southeastern United States to the varied tropical environments of the Americas, Cyrilla racemiflora demonstrates remarkable adaptability.

This species is often observed growing in wetlands, swamps, and other moist, lowland habitats, where it plays a crucial ecological role. The presence of Black titi in these areas supports a diverse array of wildlife, providing habitat and food for various birds, insects, and other animals. The plant’s flowers are particularly attractive to pollinators, while its seeds and foliage are utilized by various fauna for nourishment.

In addition to its ecological significance, Cyrilla racemiflora has also been of interest for various human uses. Its dense wood has been historically used in crafting and construction, while its aesthetic appeal makes it a popular choice in landscaping and ornamental gardening. The aromatic, raceme-like clusters of flowers not only add visual interest but also fill the air with a pleasant fragrance during the blooming season.

Given its rich botanical history and multi-faceted utility, Black titi remains a species of significant interest to both scientists and nature enthusiasts. Its enduring presence from southeastern North America to tropical America is a testament to its ecological importance and its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions.

Common Names

Eng: black titi, he-huckleberry, ironwood, leatherwood, myrtle, red titi, swamp cyrilla, swamp titi, titi, white titi
En: Black titi, He-huckleberry, Leatherwood, Titi, White titi, Red titi, Myrtle, Ironwood, SWAMP CYRILLA, Swamp titi

Synonyms

• Cyrilla parvifolia (Shuttlew.)
• Cyrilla perrottetii (Briq.)
• Cyrilla arida (Small)
• Cyrilla racemiflora var. parvifolia ((Raf.) Sarg.)
• Cyrilla antillana var. perrottetii ((Briq.) Briq.)
• Cyrilla racemiflora var. brevifolia ((N.E.Br.) Maguire & Wurdack ex Steyerm.)
• Cyrilla brevifolia (N.E.Br.)
• Cyrilla caroliniana (Michx.)
• Andromeda plumata (J.Bartram & W.Bartram ex Marshall)
• Cyrilla racemiflora subsp. parvifolia ((Raf.) A.E.Murray)
• Cyrilla racemiflora var. subglobosa (Fernald)
• Cyrilla antillana (Michx.)
• Itea cyrilla (Sw.)
• Itea caroliniana (Lam.)
• Cyrilla fuscata (Raf.)
• Itea floribunda (Salisb.)
• Stachyanthemum schomburgkii (Klotzsch)
• Cyrilla polystachia (Raf.)
• Cyrilla racemiflora var. racemifera (Sarg.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Belize (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Florida (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Texas (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Virginia (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.

Habit

Taken Oct 8, 2014 by EOL − Laura Clark (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Kristen Van Neste (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Kristen Van Neste (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Kristen Van Neste (cc-by-nc-sa)

Flower

Taken Dec 11, 2021 by Paris B (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2019 by Mary Olsen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2019 by Luke Luke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 12, 2022 by Lorraine Smith (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2020 by Luke Luke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Dorr, L.J. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2018 by Todd Schnakenberg (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2022 by Lorraine Smith (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Matthew Horrigan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2018 by Todd Schnakenberg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2021 by John Cumper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2019 by Luke Luke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)

Bark

Taken Jun 14, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2022 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2022 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2020 by Magalhaes Lucas (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 13, 2020 by Chaitali Saqcena (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5333448)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:319176-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cyrilla racemiflora L.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Thicket Forming

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.8

Ph minimum: 4.9