Dune guarri (Euclea racemosa, J.A.Murray (ed.), Syst. Veg. ed. 13: 747 (1774))

Family: Ebenaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: J.A.Murray (ed.), Syst. Veg. ed. 13: 747 (1774)

Year: 1774

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Euclea

Vegetable: False

Observations: Egypt to S. Africa, S. Arabian Pen., Comoros

Description

The Dune guarri, scientifically known as Euclea racemosa, is a noteworthy species within the family Ebenaceae. Originally classified and described in the 13th edition of “Systema Vegetabilium” in 1774 by J.A. Murray, this plant has since captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Euclea racemosa is native to a diverse range of locations, stretching from Egypt through Southern Africa, extending to the Southern Arabian Peninsula and even reaching as far as the Comoros. This broad geographical spread underscores its adaptability to various climates and conditions, from arid deserts to coastal regions.

The Dune guarri is well-regarded for its hardy nature, often found in challenging environments where other plant species might struggle to thrive. Its resilience makes it an important component of the ecosystems it inhabits, providing shelter and food for various wildlife.

Not only is the Dune guarri an important ecological player, but it also carries significant cultural and practical value in its native regions. Historically, parts of the plant have been utilized for medicinal purposes, leveraging the natural compounds within its leaves and bark. Additionally, the plant’s durable wood has been employed in traditional construction and craftworks.

The aesthetic appeal of Euclea racemosa should not be overlooked either. Its foliage, generally dark green and glossy, contributes to its ornamental value, making it a favored choice for gardeners and landscapers aiming to introduce a touch of robustness and natural beauty to their designs.

In summary, the Dune guarri, Euclea racemosa, is a versatile and resilient plant species with a rich history and wide geographical distribution. It stands as a testament to nature’s ability to adapt and flourish across diverse environments, while also providing benefits that extend beyond mere survival.

Common Names

Eng: dune guarri
En: Dune Guarri

Synonyms

Distribution

• Cape Provinces (native)
• Comoros (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Oman (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Somalia (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 1, 2009 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2009 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Guiu Asbert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Guiu Asbert (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 1, 2009 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

© 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/7414233)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:323337-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Euclea racemosa L.)

Specifications

Growth