Family: Rubiaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 930 (1759)
Year: 1759
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Erithalis
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to Honduras, S. Florida to Caribbean, Colombia to Guyana
Description
Candlewood, known scientifically as Erithalis fruticosa, is an intriguing species belonging to the Rubiaceae family. This plant was first described in the 1759 edition of “Systema Naturae,” a comprehensive catalog of nature compiled by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, commonly referenced as “L.”
Erithalis fruticosa thrives in a variety of environments, extending its presence from Mexico to Honduras, and across the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. Its range also includes South Florida, the Caribbean islands, and stretches down to Colombia and Guyana. This widespread distribution highlights its adaptability to different climates and soil conditions.
Commonly referred to as Candlewood due to its woody nature, Erithalis fruticosa is notable for its resilience and hardy growth. The plant typically presents itself as a shrub or small tree, characterized by its robust structure and evergreen leaves. These adaptive traits allow it to withstand a range of environmental conditions, making it a versatile addition to various landscapes.
In addition to its physical characteristics, Candlewood plays a role in the local ecosystems where it is found. It serves as a habitat and food source for various wildlife, contributing to the biodiversity of these regions. The plant’s flowers and fruits attract pollinators and seed dispersers, which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
Overall, Erithalis fruticosa, or Candlewood, is a significant flora within the Rubiaceae family, not only for its ecological role but also for its extensive geographical spread. This versatility and hardiness make it an interesting subject of study for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Common Names
Eng: black-torch, blacktorch, candlewood, rompe machete, flambeau
Spa: jayajabico, manglillo
En: Candlewood, Rompe machete, Black-torch, Blacktorch, Flambeau
Es: Manglillo, Jayajabico
Synonyms
- Erithalis revoluta (Urb.)
- Erithalis procumbens (Raf.)
- Erithalis elliptica (Raf.)
- Erithalis inodora (Jacq.)
- Erithalis fruticosa var. inodora ((Jacq.) Pers.)
- Psathura obovata (Tussac)
- Erithalis parviflora (Griseb.)
- Erithalis harrisii var. angusta (S.Moore ex Rendle)
Distribution
- Aruba (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Belize (native)
- Cayman Is. (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Florida (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Netherlands Antilles (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Southwest Caribbean (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Nov 26, 2022 by Frédéric Dupont (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Acevedo, P. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 25, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Acevedo, P. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Acevedo, P. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2022 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 10, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2015 by EOL − Johnny Wilson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 24, 2016 by EOL − alina (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 9, 2013 by EOL − callieoldfield (cc-by-nc)
© 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/5334692)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:315444-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Erithalis fruticosa L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub, Tree
