Christmasbush (Alchornea cordifolia, Linnaea 34: 170 (1865))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll.Arg.

Bibliography: Linnaea 34: 170 (1865)

Year: 1865

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Alchornea

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. Africa

Description

Christmasbush, scientifically known as Alchornea cordifolia, is a remarkable plant native to tropical Africa. Renowned for its adaptability and resilience, this member of the Euphorbiaceae family thrives in a variety of ecological settings across the region.

Originally described in Linnaea 34: 170 (1865) by Schumach. & Thonn., and later recognized by Müll.Arg., Christmasbush exhibits versatile growth patterns and notable medicinal properties. It boasts heart-shaped leaves, which are integral to traditional medicine and have been used to treat a wide array of ailments. The plant is not only appreciated for its therapeutic benefits but also for its ecological significance, as it supports biodiversity and stabilizes soil in its native habitats.

Aside from its medical applications, Christmasbush is also revered during festive seasons, adding to its common name. Its dense foliage provides vital shelter for various wildlife species, enhancing its role in maintaining the delicate balance of tropical ecosystems. This plant’s ability to endure and flourish across extensive environmental conditions underscores its importance and potential for further studies in both botanical and pharmacological fields.

Common Names

Eng: christmasbush
Fra: biusson de noel
En: Christmasbush
Fr: Biusson de noel

Synonyms

• Cacoucia cordifolia ((Schumach. & Thonn.) Walp.)
• Schousboea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Benin (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• Congo (native)
• Equatorial Guinea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Mali (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Togo (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Zaïre (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 23, 2022 by NATURE’S MINION (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by Calderón Caldas Douglas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2021 by Fernanda Storte (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2021 by Fernanda Storte (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2021 by Fernanda Storte (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Dec 22, 2021 by Fernanda Storte (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 27, 2020 by pereira maria Rita (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2022 by Flavia Bez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2021 by Fernanda Storte (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3055371)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:338380-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll.Arg.)

Specifications

Growth