Blue marble tree (Elaeocarpus angustifolius, Bijdr. Fl. Ned. Ind.: 120 (1825))

Family: Elaeocarpaceae

Author: Blume

Bibliography: Bijdr. Fl. Ned. Ind.: 120 (1825)

Year: 1825

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Elaeocarpus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Himalaya to China (Yunnan, Guangxi) and SW. Pacific

Description

The Blue Marble Tree, scientifically known as Elaeocarpus angustifolius, is an intriguing and striking tree species that belongs to the Elaeocarpaceae family. First described by the renowned botanist Blume in the early 19th century, specifically in the year 1825 as part of his comprehensive work documented in “Bijdragen tot de Flora van Nederlandsch Indië,” it has captured the attention of botanists and horticultural enthusiasts alike.

This majestic tree is primarily observed throughout an extensive range stretching from the Himalayas to China, including the regions of Yunnan and Guangxi, and extending southwest to the vast expanses of the Pacific. Such a wide distribution highlights the Blue Marble Tree’s adaptability to various climatic conditions and its ecological significance across different landscapes.

One of the most striking features of Elaeocarpus angustifolius is its beautifully patterned bark, which peels away in thin, papery sheets. Complementing its distinctive bark, the tree bears elongated, lance-shaped leaves with finely serrated edges that provide a lush, green canopy throughout the year.

During the blooming season, the Blue Marble Tree produces a profusion of small, white, fringed flowers that emit a subtle, pleasant fragrance, attracting a variety of pollinators. These flowers give way to its unique, marble-like blue fruits, which not only add to the ornamental appeal of the tree but also serve as a source of food for wildlife, including birds and other small animals.

In addition to its aesthetic and ecological values, the Blue Marble Tree has cultural significance in various regions. It is often utilized in traditional medicinal practices and has various applications, ranging from timber to ornamental landscaping. Its remarkable resilience and ornamental beauty make it a favored choice for urban greening projects and large gardens where its expansive canopy can provide ample shade and enhance biodiversity.

Thus, the Blue Marble Tree stands as a testament to nature’s intricate beauty and the rich botanical heritage described by Blume nearly two centuries ago.

Common Names

Eng: blue marble tree, blue-fig, blue-quandong
En: Blue marble tree, Blue-fig, Blue-quandong, Blue Quandong Fruit

Synonyms

• Elaeocarpus sphaericus ((Gaertn.) Ettingsh.)
• Ayparia crenata (Raf.)
• Aceratium ganitrum ((Roxb. ex G.Don) Bosse)
• Elaeocarpus wenzelii (Merr.)
• Elaeocarpus parkinsonii (Warb.)
• Elaeocarpus subglobosus (Merr.)
• Elaeocarpus major ((Hochr.) Knuth)
• Elaeocarpus muellerianus (Schltr.)
• Elaeocarpus crenatus ((Raf.) Merr.)
• Elaeocarpus baclayanensis (Elmer)
• Elaeocarpus dolichopetalus (Merr.)
• Elaeocarpus ganitrus (Roxb. ex G.Don)
• Ganitrus sphaerica (Gaertn.)
• Elaeocarpus fauroensis (Hemsl.)
• Elaeocarpus novoguineensis (Warb.)
• Elaeocarpus cyanocarpus (Maingay ex Mast.)
• Elaeocarpus hebridarum (Knuth)
• Elaeocarpus polyschistus (Schltr.)
• Elaeocarpus sphaericus var. major (Hochr.)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Hainan (native)
• India (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Caledonia (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Santa Cruz Is. (native)
• Solomon Is. (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vanuatu (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Wallis-Futuna Is. (native)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Samoa (introduced)

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.

Fruit

Taken Nov 25, 2017 by Endemia – Benoît Henry (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 13, 2011 by Endemia – Benoît Henry (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Zoé Thivet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2011 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2011 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Julien Barrault (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Julien Barrault (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Julien Barrault (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Jean-Jacques Villegente (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Julien Barrault (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Jul 26, 2021 by christiane Fazer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Alboss (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2021 by andrew Andrew (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2020 by Ravi Bhat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Julien Barrault (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Jul 26, 2021 by christiane Fazer (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Alboss (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7426040)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:833771-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Elaeocarpus angustifolius Blume)

Specifications

Growth