Jau jau (Miconia serrulata, Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 3, 16: 118 (1851 publ. 1850))

Family: Melastomataceae

Author: (DC.) Naudin

Bibliography: Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 3, 16: 118 (1851 publ. 1850)

Year: 1850

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Miconia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Mexico (Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas) to Trop. America

Description

The plant commonly known as Jau jau is scientifically identified as Miconia serrulata. This intriguing species belongs to the Melastomataceae family, a group recognized for their striking and diverse plant members. Originally described and classified in the 19th century, Miconia serrulata was brought to scholarly attention in the published works of Annales des Sciences Naturelles, Botany, in its third series, volume 16, page 118, dating from 1851 but officially released in 1850. The plant was named by the esteemed botanist Naudin, who worked with the initial description given by DC.

Jau jau is native to a broad range spanning from Mexico, particularly the states of Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas, down through Tropical America. This wide geographical distribution suggests that Miconia serrulata is well-adapted to various environmental conditions found throughout these regions.

Belonging to the diverse Melastomataceae family, it shares commonalities with other species in this group, which are often noted for their beautiful and unique floral structures. The precise characteristics of Miconia serrulata’s foliage, flowers, and growth habits contribute to its recognition and study among botanists and plant enthusiasts.

While this plant is not as widely known as some of its cousins within the Melastomataceae family, its role within its native ecosystems is valuable, likely contributing to the rich biodiversity and ecological balance of tropical forests. Continued study and observation of Miconia serrulata can offer further insights into its environmental roles, potential uses, and conservation needs.

Common Names

Por: buxixú-canela-de-velho
Eng: jau jau
En: Jau jau, Jau-Jau
Pt: Buxixú canela de velho, Buxixú-canela-de-velho

Synonyms

• Miconia macrophylla var. serrulata (Cogn.)
• Miconia macrophylla var. leucocephala (Cogn.)
• Tamonea macrophylla (Krasser)
• Tamonea tomentosa var. auriculata (Jenn.)
• Decaraphe hostmannii (Steud.)
• Miconia leucocephala (Naudin)
• Miconia platyhedra (Naudin)
• Acinodendron macrophyllum (Kuntze)
• Miconia boissieriana (Cogn.)
• Melastoma strangulatum (Raddi)
• Miconia macrophylla var. latifolia (Cogn.)
• Tamonea lasiopetala (DC. ex Triana)
• Miconia macrophylla var. hostmanni (Cogn.)
• Melastoma balbisianum (Ser. ex DC.)
• Chitonia macrophylla (D.Don)
• Acinodendron boissierianum (Kuntze)
• Diplochita macrophylla (DC.)
• Melastoma lasiopetalum (Mart. & Schrank ex DC.)
• Diplochita leucocephala (DC.)
• Melastoma patens (Spreng. ex DC.)
• Diplochita serrulata var. latifolia (DC.)
• Diplochita serrulata (DC.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 6, 2021 by Salado Carrera Gustavo Enrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2021 by Salado Carrera Gustavo Enrique (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 6, 2022 by Anny Quintero (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 17, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 19, 2009 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/3188588)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1000103-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Miconia serrulata (DC.) Naudin)

Specifications

Growth