Entireleaf spiritweed (Aegiphila integrifolia, Index Kew. 1: 46 (1893))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: (Jacq.) B.D.Jacks.

Bibliography: Index Kew. 1: 46 (1893)

Year: 1893

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Aegiphila

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Trinidad, Panama to S. Trop. America

Description

The Entireleaf Spiritweed, scientifically known as Aegiphila integrifolia, is a notable member of the Lamiaceae family. Originally indexed in the esteemed publication, Index Kewalensis (1893), by (Jacq.) B.D. Jackson, this plant has garnered attention across various regions due to its distinctive characteristics and widespread habitat.

This evergreen species thrives predominantly in tropical climates, with observations recorded from the Caribbean islands of Trinidad stretching through Panama and reaching into South Tropical America. Renowned for its resilience and adaptability, the Entireleaf Spiritweed has become an integral component of the local flora in these regions.

Aegiphila integrifolia, or Entireleaf Spiritweed, is distinguished by its lush, entire leaves which contribute to its common name. These leaves present a verdant green hue, typically remaining unblemished by any indentations, creating a continuous, smooth edge that defines the plant’s foliage. This botanical feature not only aids in its identification but also enhances its aesthetic appeal in natural landscapes.

The plant’s robust nature and adaptability to various tropical environments have made it a subject of interest among botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Its presence in diverse ecological settings underscores its ecological significance and its role within different biological communities in tropical America.

Through continued study and observation, the Entireleaf Spiritweed holds potential for further understanding of tropical plant biodiversity and its applications within botanical sciences.

Common Names

Eng: entireleaf spiritweed
En: Entireleaf spiritweed

Synonyms

• Aegiphila arborescens ((Aubl.) J.F.Gmel.)
• Aegiphila integrifolia var. guianensis ((Moldenke) López-Pal.)
• Manabea arborescens (Aubl.)
• Aegiphila amazonica (Moldenke)
• Clerodendrum discolor (Willd. ex Moldenke)
• Callicarpa globiflora (Ruiz & Pav.)
• Aegiphila guianensis (Moldenke)
• Aegiphila cowanii (Moldenke)
• Aegiphila parviflora (Moldenke)
• Callicarpa discolor (Willd. ex Steud.)
• Aegiphila integrifolia var. lopez-palacii (Moldenke)
• Aegiphila arborescens var. breviflora (Schauer)
• Aegiphila arborescens var. longiflora (Schauer)
• Aegiphila arborea (Spruce ex Moldenke)
• Callicarpa integrifolia (Jacq.)

Distribution

• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)

Additional Images

Other

Taken Apr 9, 2020 by JP Corrêa Carvalho (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 9, 2020 by JP Corrêa Carvalho (cc-by-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/2925468)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:860891-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aegiphila integrifolia (Jacq.) B.D.Jacks.)

Specifications

Growth