Horsebush (Peltophorum dubium, H.G.A.Engler & K.A.E.Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. 3(3): 176 (1892))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (Spreng.) Taub.

Bibliography: H.G.A.Engler & K.A.E.Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. 3(3): 176 (1892)

Year: 1892

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Peltophorum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Caribbean, S. Trop. America

Description

The Horsebush, scientifically known as Peltophorum dubium, is a remarkable species of tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. Esteemed botanists H.G.A. Engler and K.A.E. Prantl first documented this species in the Nat. Pflanzenfam in 1892, bestowing upon it a significant place in botanical literature.

This splendid tree is indigenous to the warmer climates of the Caribbean and Southern Tropical America. It is renowned for its robust structure and the beauty it adds to the landscapes where it thrives. The horsebush features a broad canopy, providing ample shade with its expansive foliage. Its leaves are bipinnate, adding a fine-textured allure to the tree’s overall appearance.

One of the distinct characteristics of Peltophorum dubium is its striking yellow flowers. These blooms are not only visually appealing but also attract various pollinators, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem. The flowering season brings a burst of color to the regions this tree inhabits, marking a significant period for local flora and fauna.

The horsebush is well-adapted to the tropical climates, demonstrating a high level of resilience in its natural habitat. Its ability to thrive in such environments makes it a vital component of the local ecosystem, offering habitat and food for several wildlife species. Moreover, the tree is known for its utilitarian value; its wood is often utilized in construction and carpentry due to its durability and strength.

Overall, the horsebush (Peltophorum dubium) is a symbol of natural beauty and ecological importance in the Caribbean and Southern Tropical America. Its botanical significance is well-documented, and it continues to be a subject of interest for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Eng: horsebush, copperpod
Por: canafista, canafístula, embirá, farinha-seca, faveira, guarucaia, imbira-puitá, pijuí, puitá, quebra-serra
En: Horsebush, Copperpod
Pt: Canafista, Canafístula, Embirá, Farinha-seca, Faveira, Guarucaia, Imbira-puitá, Pijuí, Puitá, Quebra-serra, Canafistula

Synonyms

• Baryxylum dubium ((Spreng.) Pierre)
• Brasilettia dubia ((Spreng.) Kuntze)
• Caesalpinia dubia (Spreng.)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• India (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken Dec 23, 2020 by Makoto Makoto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 2, 2020 by vic (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2021 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2021 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 12, 2021 by Brunelli Júlio César (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 17, 2021 by Henrique Quadros (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 14, 2021 by Francisco Victor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 5, 2022 by Arruda Aline (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2021 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2021 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 5, 2021 by Jonathan Golan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2021 by Jonathan Golan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2021 by Marques Lucas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2020 by Garcia Marina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 18, 2022 by Rodrigo Pampin (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 23, 2022 by Makoto Makoto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by ODwyer patricio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2021 by Leandro da silva pereira (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 5, 2021 by Jonathan Golan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2022 by gonzalo arthuro mendez maturrano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2021 by Jonathan Golan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2021 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 18, 2022 by Rodrigo Pampin (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Dec 9, 2019 by Giuseppetti Fernando (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:187026-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2952798)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Peltophorum dubium (Spreng.) Taub.)

Specifications

Growth