Kidneywood (Eysenhardtia polystachya, Silva 3: 29 (1892))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (Ortega) Sarg.

Bibliography: Silva 3: 29 (1892)

Year: 1892

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Eysenhardtia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico

Description

Kidneywood, known scientifically as Eysenhardtia polystachya, is a remarkable plant within the Fabaceae family, deeply rooted in the diverse botanical heritage of Mexico. This species was meticulously chronicled in Silva 3: 29 in 1892, with the authority attributed to (Ortega) Sarg., highlighting its long-standing recognition and study within botanical literature.

Kidneywood is appreciated for its adaptability and resilience, thriving in the varied climates and soils of Mexico. The plant is notable for its medicinal properties, often utilized in traditional remedies for its diuretic and kidney-supportive effects, which is reflected in its common name. It typically grows as a small tree or large shrub, boasting an elegant structure and dense foliage that can provide substantial coverage and ecological benefits.

This species exhibits clusters of delicate flowers, usually white or pale in color, which contribute to its ornamental value. The blossoms not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the regions they inhabit but also play a crucial role in local ecosystems, providing nectar for pollinators and contributing to biodiversity.

Kidneywood’s wood has historical significance as well; it has been used traditionally in local craftsmanship and holds value for its durability and quality. Furthermore, the plant contributes to soil enrichment through its nitrogen-fixing capabilities, an essential characteristic inherent to members of the Fabaceae family. This makes it an important component in maintaining healthy, sustainable landscapes.

In summary, Eysenhardtia polystachya, or Kidneywood, is much more than a botanical specimen; it represents a fusion of ecological importance, traditional medicinal use, and cultural heritage. Its presence in Mexico underscores the region’s rich biodiversity and the intricate relationships between native flora and human practices over centuries.

Common Names

Eng: mexican kidneywood, kidneywood
Spa: palo azul, palo dulce, palo santo
En: Kidneywood, Eysenhardtia, Rock brush, Mexican Kidneywood
Es: Palo azul, Palo dulce, Palo santo

Synonyms

• Dalbergia amorphoides (Spreng.)
• Psoralea stipularis (Sessé & Moc.)
• Viborquia polystachya (Ortega)
• Dalea fruticosa (G.Don)
• Eysenhardtia amorphoides (Kunth)
• Amerimnon polystachyon ((Ortega) Spreng.)
• Varennea polystachya ((Ortega) DC.)
• Wiborgia amorphoides ((Kunth) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Oct 27, 2019 by Báez Iván (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by erick cuevas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Jörg Spörle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2021 by Mauricio León Carreño (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by SCAMPS_MX (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2019 by Báez Iván (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by SCAMPS_MX (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by erick cuevas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Jörg Spörle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2019 by Báez Iván (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by SCAMPS_MX (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2019 by Báez Iván (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by SCAMPS_MX (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/2964737)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:102904-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eysenhardtia polystachya (Ortega) Sarg.)

Specifications

Growth