Maracaibo-boxwood (Casearia praecox, Cat. pl. Cub. 10. 1866)

Family: Salicaceae

Author: Griseb.

Bibliography: Cat. pl. Cub. 10. 1866

Year: 1866

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Casearia

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. America, Cuba, Colombia, N. Venezuela

Description

Maracaibo-boxwood, scientifically known as Casearia praecox, is a noteworthy species belonging to the Salicaceae family. This plant has been documented in historical botanical literature, specifically mentioned in the Catalogue of Cuban Plants around the year 1866 by the botanist Griseb.

This resilient species is indigenous to various regions across Central America, including Cuba, Colombia, and northern Venezuela. Maracaibo-boxwood thrives in these areas, adapting well to the local climates and ecosystems.

Casearia praecox is a part of the diverse and ecologically significant plant group within the Salicaceae family, which encompasses various flowering plants. This family is noted for its significant role in the environment, contributing to both ecological balance and biological diversity.

Whether valued for its unique botanical characteristics or studied for its role in different habitats, Maracaibo-boxwood stands out as a significant plant species in its native locales. This plant’s widespread presence across distinct regions highlights its adaptability and the intricate connections within its ecosystems. To many botanists and plant enthusiasts, Casearia praecox represents both an object of study and a natural wonder worth preserving.

Common Names

Eng: colombian-boxwood, maracaibo-boxwood, west indian-boxwood
Spa: zapatero
Swe: zapatero
En: Maracaibo-boxwood, West Indian-boxwood, Colombian-boxwood
Fi: Puksikasearia
Es: Zapatero
Sv: Zapatero

Synonyms

• Gossypiospermum eriophorum ((C.Wright ex Griseb.) Urb.)
• Casearia eriophora (C.Wright ex Griseb.)
• Ampelocera crenulata (Urb.)
• Gossypiospermum praecox ((Griseb.) P.Wilson)
• Guidonia rosauriana (M.Gómez)

Distribution

• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Nicaragua (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.

Leaf

Taken Aug 1, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 1, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 1, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 30, 2021 by Juan Carlos Ordonez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 30, 2021 by Juan Carlos Ordonez (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 1, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Dec 30, 2021 by Juan Carlos Ordonez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 30, 2021 by Juan Carlos Ordonez (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5604134)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:48069-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Casearia praecox Griseb.)

Specifications

Growth