Family: Fabaceae
Author: (Vell.) S.F.Blake
Bibliography: Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 20: 240 (1919)
Year: 1919
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Schizolobium
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Mexico to S. Trop. America
Description
The Brazilian firetree, known scientifically as Schizolobium parahyba, is a remarkable and fast-growing tree native to regions extending from Southern Mexico to Southern Tropical America. Belonging to the Fabaceae family, this tree holds a distinctive place within the rich botanical tapestry of the neotropics.
Schizolobium parahyba was officially documented in 1919, with its formal description appearing in the publication “Contributions from the United States National Herbarium.” The renowned botanist (Vell.) S.F. Blake is credited with the authoritative classification of this species.
The allure of the Brazilian firetree lies in its rapid growth and magnificent stature, often reaching impressive heights in a relatively short period. It thrives in tropical climates, where it can frequently be observed as a dominant feature of the landscape, towering over other flora with its straight, unbranched trunk and expansive, umbrella-like crown.
One of the defining characteristics of Schizolobium parahyba is its vibrant display of yellow to orange flowers, which bloom in clusters and exude a visually captivating spectacle, attracting both human admirers and pollinators alike. These blossoms give way to elongated, pod-like fruits that further signify the tree’s identity within the legume family.
In addition to its ornamental appeal, the Brazilian firetree provides considerable ecological value. It contributes to habitat establishment and soil enrichment through nitrogen fixation, a common trait among members of the Fabaceae family. This ability to enhance soil fertility renders it an excellent candidate for reforestation projects and ecological restoration efforts in degraded tropical landscapes.
While the tree’s wood is relatively lightweight and soft, it is utilized in local carpentry and crafting, making small furniture pieces and art objects. Additionally, due to its rapid growth, it is sometimes planted as a shade-providing tree in coffee plantations and other agricultural settings.
In summary, the Brazilian firetree (Schizolobium parahyba) stands as a symbol of tropical vitality and ecological importance. Its botanical distinction and practical contributions to both natural and anthropogenic environments underscore its value within its native range from Southern Mexico to Southern Tropical America.
Common Names
Eng: brazilian firetree
Por: guapiruvu, guapuruvu, parica, paricá
En: Brazilian firetree, Brazilian fern tree
Pt: Guapiruvu, Guapuruvu, Parica, Paricá
Synonyms
- Schizolobium kellermanii (Pittier)
- Schizolobium excelsum var. amazonicum ((Huber ex Ducke) Ducke ex L.O.Williams)
- Cassia parahyba (Vell.)
- Schizolobium amazonicum (Huber ex Ducke)
- Caesalpinia parahyba (Allemão)
- Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum ((Huber ex Ducke) Barneby)
- Schizolobium glutinosum (Tul.)
- Schizolobium excelsum (Vogel)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Congo (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Jawa (introduced)
- Malawi (introduced)
- Mozambique (introduced)
- Philippines (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Sumatera (introduced)
- Tanzania (introduced)
- Uganda (introduced)
- Zambia (introduced)
- Zaïre (introduced)
Additional Images
Bark
Taken Dec 24, 2021 by Rogério S Scotton (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 25, 2021 by Dácio Dácio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Ney Gercey (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 29, 2022 by virginia xavier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 14, 2022 by Thiago Flores Flores (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.
Habit
Taken May 13, 2021 by Lourenço Guilherme (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2022 by pedrogc — (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 12, 2022 by Caroline Merrem (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 2, 2021 by Oliveira Evandro (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2019 by JP Corrêa Carvalho (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Nov 25, 2022 by David Rabehevitra (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2021 by Antonele Marcia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2021 by Ruf Eliane (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 25, 2021 by Dácio Dácio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 29, 2022 by virginia xavier (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Mar 14, 2022 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 14, 2022 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 14, 2022 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2022 by Pablo Piñar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2021 by Raphael Silveira (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Dec 4, 2020 by Pacheco Bruna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 29, 2022 by virginia xavier (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2945453)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:517988-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) S.F.Blake)
