Brushholly (Xylosma flexuosa, Biol. Cent.-Amer., Bot. 1: 57 (1879))

Family: Salicaceae

Author: (Kunth) Hemsl.

Bibliography: Biol. Cent.-Amer., Bot. 1: 57 (1879)

Year: 1879

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Xylosma

Vegetable: False

Observations: Texas to N. Venezuela

Description

Brushholly, scientifically known as Xylosma flexuosa, is an intriguing plant species belonging to the Salicaceae family. This plant was first described in scientific literature in 1879 by the renowned botanist Hemsley, under the title “Biologia Centrali-Americana, Botany” (Vol. 1, page 57), following its initial identification by Kunth.

Geographically, the Brushholly is known to span a considerable range, thriving from the state of Texas in the United States down through northern regions of Venezuela. This wide distribution underscores its adaptability to varied environmental conditions prevalent across these areas.

Being acutely aware of its natural occurrences and botanical specification offers invaluable insights into its ecological significance and potential horticultural applications. The presence of Brushholly across such diverse locales suggests it plays a versatile role in its native habitat, which may include soil stabilization, serving as a food source for local fauna, or providing raw materials for traditional uses.

In cultivating a comprehensive understanding of Xylosma flexuosa, one not only gains appreciation for its unique botanical characteristics but also acknowledges its broader environmental contributions from Texas to northern Venezuela. The Brushholly stands as a testament to the rich biodiversity inherent within the Salicaceae family.

Common Names

En: Brushholly
Es: Alfilerillo, Huiscarol, Junco, Pico de burrión, Coronilla, Tejocotillo, Escoba blanca de montaña

Synonyms

• Myroxylon pringlei ((B.L.Rob.) Warb.)
• Xylosma palmeri (Rose)
• Myroxylon flexuosum ((Kunth) Kuntze)
• Myroxylon seemannii ((Triana & Planch.) Kuntze)
• Myroxylon paliurus ((Clos) Kuntze)
• Xylosma blepharodes (Lundell)
• Xylosma arnoldii (Monach.)
• Myroxylon celastrinum ((Kunth) Kuntze)
• Xylosma celastrina ((Kunth) Gilg)
• Flacourtia celastrina (Kunth)
• Prockia obovata (C.Presl)
• Hisingera celastrina ((Kunth) Clos)
• Xylosma paliurus ((Clos) Briq.)
• Flacourtia flexuosa (Kunth)
• Hisingera flexuosa ((Kunth) Clos)
• Hisingera obovata (Clos)
• Hisingera paliurus (Clos)
• Xylosma pringlei (B.L.Rob.)
• Xylosma seemannii (Triana & Planch.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Texas (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Galápagos (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 4, 2013 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 29, 2020 by D W (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2019 by cebe kalule (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 4, 2013 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-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 Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 21, 2015 by EOL − Javi Gonzalez (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 13, 2015 by EOL − Javi Gonzalez (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Xylosma flexuosa (Kunth) Hemsl.)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:112138-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7694346)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth