Family: Malvaceae
Author: Willd.
Bibliography: Neue Schriften Ges. Naturf. Freunde Berlin 3: 410 (1801)
Year: 1801
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Luehea
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Mexico to S. Trop. America, Cuba
Description
Luehea, scientifically known as Luehea speciosa, is an intriguing plant species that belongs to the Malvaceae family. This enchanting plant finds its origins stretching from Southern Mexico through to Southern Tropical America, including Cuba. The formal classification and description of Luehea speciosa were documented in the early 19th century by the renowned botanist Willdenow in his publication “Neue Schriften der Gesellschaft Naturforschender Freunde zu Berlin,” specifically in the third volume, page 410, dated 1801.
Luehea speciosa stands as a testament to the biodiversity and ecological richness of the regions it inhabits. This plant thrives in tropical climates, contributing to the lushness and biological variety of its natural habitat. It is notable for its distinctive characteristics that make it a valuable subject of study for botanists and plant enthusiasts.
The Malvaceae family, to which Luehea belongs, is widely recognized for its diverse species, many of which have significant ecological, medicinal, and economic value. Within this family, Luehea speciosa is distinguished by its unique attributes that adapt well to the moist, tropical environments of Southern Mexico and Tropical America. These adaptations make it a resilient species capable of thriving in varied and often challenging conditions.
Overall, Luehea speciosa not only enriches the flora of its native regions but also offers opportunities for further research into its potential uses and benefits, thus continuing to fascinate and engage those who study it.
Common Names
Eng: luehea
En: Luehea
Pt: Cupuaçu da mata, Urucurana cacau
Synonyms
- Luehea alternifolia ((Mill.) Mabb.)
- Swietenia alternifolia ((Mill.) Steud.)
- Brotera maritima (Vell.)
- Luehea speciosa var. laxiflora (K.Schum.)
- Aubletia ulmifolia ((Kunth) F.Dietr.)
- Apeiba ulmifolia (Kunth)
- Luehea ferruginea (Turcz.)
- Luehea tarapotina (J.F.Macbr.)
- Luehea densiflora (A.St.-Hil.)
- Cedrela alternifolia ((Mill.) Steud.)
- Luehea platypetala (A.Rich.)
- Luehea laxiflora (A.St.-Hil.)
- Luehea rufescens (Benth.)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Peru (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Venezuela (native)
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.
Fruit
Taken Feb 16, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 11, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 15, 2019 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 11, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Feb 16, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 16, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 16, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 16, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 4, 2022 by Makoto Makoto (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 21, 2022 by piovezan michele (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2019 by Universidad Nacional Sendero Los Matapalos (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5406662)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:834759-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Luehea speciosa Willd.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub