Caracus wigandia (Wigandia urens, F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 3: 127 (1819))

Family: Boraginaceae

Author: (Ruiz & Pav.) Kunth

Bibliography: F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 3: 127 (1819)

Year: 1819

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Wigandia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Trinidad and Peru

Description

Caracus wigandia, scientifically known as Wigandia urens, is a notable plant species within the Boraginaceae family. First described in “Nov. Gen. Sp.” in 1819 by eminent botanists F.W.H. von Humboldt, A.J.A. Bonpland, and C.S. Kunth, this species continues to capture the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Wigandia urens boasts a broad geographical range, flourishing from Mexico to Trinidad and extending as far as Peru. This extensive distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability to diverse climatic and environmental conditions across these regions.

Renowned for its striking appearance, Caracus wigandia features large, textured leaves paired with its unique flora, which adds an aesthetic value to its environments. This plant not only plays a vital role in its ecological habitat but also garners attention for its visual appeal and structure.

As with many members of the Boraginaceae family, further studies and observations of Wigandia urens may yield deeper insights into its ecological interactions, potential uses, and evolutionary significance. Continuing exploration and documentation of this species will undoubtedly contribute to botanical knowledge and conservation efforts.

Common Names

Eng: caracus wigandia
En: Caracus wigandia, Wigandia
Fr: Caracus wigandia

Synonyms

• Cohiba urens (Raf.)
• Wigandia vigieri (Carrière)
• Hydrolea scorpioides (Moc. ex Choisy)
• Wigandia kunthii var. viscosa (Brand)
• Wigandia peruviana (W.T.Mill.)
• Ernstamra caracasana ((Kunth) Kuntze)
• Wigandia urens var. caracasana ((Kunth) D.N.Gibson)
• Wigandia scorpioides (Choisy)
• Wigandia macrophylla (Schltdl. & Cham.)
• Wigandia imperialis (Jacob-Makoy)
• Hydrolea caracassana (Steud.)
• Wigandia kunthii (Choisy)
• Hydrolea auriculata (Moc. ex Choisy)
• Hydrolea urens (Ruiz & Pav.)
• Nicotiana urens (L.)
• Wigandia caracasana var. calycina (Brand)
• Wigandia caracasana var. eucaracasana (Brand)
• Wigandia caracasana var. macrophylla ((Schltdl. & Cham.) Brand)
• Ernstamra urens ((Ruiz & Pav.) Kuntze)
• Wigandia caracasana var. viscosa ((Donn.Sm.) J.F.Macbr.)
• Wigandia urens f. africana ((Brand) Verdc.)
• Wigandia darii (Ram.Goyena)
• Wigandia caracasana (Kunth)
• Wigandia kunthii var. eukunthii (Brand)
• Ernstamra scorpioides ((Choisy) Kuntze)
• Wigandia kunthii var. intermedia (Brand)
• Ernstamra macrophylla (Kuntze)
• Wigandia kunthii var. macrophylla ((Schltdl. & Cham.) Choisy)
• Wigandia caracasana f. viscosa (Donn.Sm.)

Distribution

• 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)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• California (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by ortiz monica (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2020 by Guzmán Luna Elio Abraham (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Monterroso Estuardo (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 26, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2021 by Hannah Nice (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Feb 26, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 9, 2021 by Hannah Nice (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 15, 2022 by RobCaine Col (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2021 by Hannah Nice (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Calderón Caldas Douglas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 24, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2928366)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:114242-3)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Wigandia urens (Ruiz & Pav.) Kunth)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub

Growth