Boarwood (Symphonia globulifera, Suppl. Pl.: 302 (1782))

Family: Clusiaceae

Author: L.f.

Bibliography: Suppl. Pl.: 302 (1782)

Year: 1782

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Symphonia

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Mexico to Trop. America, W. Trop. Africa to Chad and Tanzania

Description

Boarwood, scientifically known as Symphonia globulifera, is a member of the Clusiaceae family. First cataloged in the Supplementum Plantarum in 1782 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus the Younger, commonly abbreviated as L.f., this versatile plant exhibits a variety of characteristics that contribute to its widespread recognition and use across different regions.

The natural habitat of Symphonia globulifera spans a wide geographical range. It flourishes from Southern Mexico through tropical regions of the Americas. Additionally, it finds suitable growing conditions in Western Tropical Africa and extends as far as Chad and Tanzania. This broad distribution points to the plant’s adaptability and resilience in diverse environments.

Boarwood features prominently in its native regions not just for its ecological role but also for its economic and medicinal applications. It is well-regarded for the distinctive properties of its resin, known locally by various names. This resin is often harvested and used in traditional medicine and for local handicrafts due to its durability and therapeutic qualities.

Ecologically, Symphonia globulifera plays a significant role in tropical forests. Its presence provides habitat and resources for various wildlife species, contributing to the biodiversity of the ecosystems in which it grows. The plant’s ability to thrive in moist, tropical climates supports the retention of soil and the prevention of erosion, making it an essential component of forest integrity and health.

Beyond its environmental importance, Boarwood is also valued for its timber. The wood is moderately heavy and durable, lending itself to various uses in construction and carpentry. Artisans and woodworkers seek out Symphonia globulifera for its fine grain and workability, making it a preferred material in regions where it is readily available.

In summary, Symphonia globulifera, or Boarwood, exemplifies a plant species that is not only crucial to its natural habitats but also valuable to human populations for its medicinal, economic, and practical applications. The plant’s widespread occurrence from Southern Mexico to tropical America and across Western to Eastern Africa highlights its adaptability and significance across continents.

Common Names

Por: anani, ananí, guanandi
Eng: boarwood
Swe: maconaträd
Kon: nkuasi, nsongia
Swa: nungu
Kin: umushishi
En: Boarwood
Fr: Mani, Mani marécage
Rw: Umushishi
Kg: Nkuasi, Nsongia
Pt: Anani, Ananí, Guanandi
Sw: Nungu
Sv: Maconaträd

Synonyms

• Symphonia gabonensis var. macrantha (Hutch. & Dalziel)
• Symphonia utilissima (R.E.Schult.)
• Symphonia microphylla (R.E.Schult.)
• Actinostigma speciosum (Welw.)
• Symphonia globulifera var. africana (Vesque)
• Symphonia esculenta (Arruda ex Choisy)
• Symphonia gabonensis ((Vesque) Pierre)
• Moronobea globulifera ((L.f.) Schltdl.)
• Moronobea exserens (Endl. ex Walp.)
• Aneuriscus aubletii (C.Presl)
• Aneuriscus exserens (C.Presl)
• Symphonia globulifera var. gabonensis (Vesque)
• Symphonia globulifera var. angustifolia (Maguire)
• Symphonia globulifera var. major (Diels)
• Symphonia globulifera var. macoubea (Vesque)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cabinda (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Congo (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Equatorial Guinea (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 15, 1986 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 15, 1986 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 15, 1986 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 12, 2022 by Caldas da Costa Gabriel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2022 by Caldas da Costa Gabriel (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 25, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 25, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 1, 2001 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 7, 2020 by claire Felloni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2022 by mila Dominici (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 8, 1986 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 19, 1986 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 19, 1986 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 22, 1986 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Gabriel Ollivier (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 22, 1986 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 22, 1986 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 22, 1986 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 22, 1986 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 15, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Sep 1, 2001 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 1, 2001 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 1, 2001 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 1, 2001 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 8, 1986 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Apr 25, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 7, 2020 by claire Felloni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Gabriel Ollivier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Gabriel Ollivier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2022 by Caldas da Costa Gabriel (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/8185162)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:429281-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Symphonia globulifera L.f.)

Specifications

Growth