Family: Meliaceae
Author: (L.) Sleumer
Bibliography: Taxon 5: 194 (1956)
Year: 1956
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Guarea
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. America
Description
Muskwood, scientifically known as Guarea guidonia, is an intriguing species belonging to the Meliaceae family. Found predominantly in tropical regions of America, this tree has captured the interest of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike due to its unique characteristics and ecological significance.
First described in a seminal work published in Taxon in 1956 by the botanist Sleumer, Guarea guidonia has since become a subject of many botanical studies and conservation efforts. The plant thrives in the lush, humid environments of Central and South America, where it contributes to the rich biodiversity of tropical forests.
Muskwood is notable for its aromatic wood, which has historically been valued for both its fragrance and quality. The tree can grow to impressive heights, creating a canopy that provides essential habitat for various wildlife. Its leaves are typically a deep, glossy green, contributing to the dense foliage of the regions it inhabits.
In addition to its environmental importance, Guarea guidonia holds cultural significance for many indigenous communities, who have utilized different parts of the tree for medicinal and practical purposes. Its seeds, bark, and leaves have various traditional uses that have been passed down through generations.
The study of Muskwood continues to reveal new insights about its role in tropical ecosystems and its potential benefits. Conservationists are particularly interested in this species due to the ongoing threats faced by tropical forests, including deforestation and climate change.
Overall, Muskwood is a remarkable example of the rich natural heritage of tropical America, embodying both the ecological complexity and the cultural richness of the regions it inhabits.
Common Names
Eng: american muskwood, guaraguao, muskwood
Por: carrapeta, gitó, jatuauba, marinheiro
Spa: cocillana
Swe: guarea
En: Muskwood, Guaraguao, American muskwood
Fr: Bois balé, Bois calumet, Bois balle, Bois gros-bec, Bois _x001E_balle
Pt: Carrapeta, Gitó, Jatuauba, Marinheiro
Es: Requia, Cocillana
Sv: Guarea
Synonyms
- Guarea purgans (A.Juss.)
- Samyda guidonia (L.)
- Guarea eggersii (C.DC.)
- Guarea aubletii (A.Juss.)
- Guarea guara ((Jacq.) P.Wilson)
- Guarea andreana (C.DC.)
- Guarea francavillana (C.DC.)
- Guarea leticiana (Harms)
- Guarea parva (C.DC.)
- Guarea sinuata (M.Roem.)
- Guarea bilibil (C.DC.)
- Melia guara (Jacq.)
- Guarea sylvestris (S.Moore)
- Guarea grandifolia (DC.)
- Sycocarpus rusbyi (Britton)
- Trichilia guara ((Jacq.) L.)
- Guarea multiflora (A.Juss.)
- Guarea racemiformis (S.F.Blake)
- Guarea multijuga (A.Juss.)
- Guarea xiroresana (C.DC.)
- Guarea campestris (C.DC.)
- Guarea brachystachya (Moc. & Sessé ex DC.)
- Guarea alba (C.DC.)
- Trichilia aubletii (Steud.)
- Guarea cabirme (C.DC.)
- Guarea alternans (C.DC.)
- Guarea surinamensis (Miq. ex C.DC.)
- Guarea trichilioides var. colombiana (C.DC.)
- Guarea trichilioides (L.)
- Guarea trichilioides var. brachystachya (C.DC.)
- Samyda rubra (DC.)
- Guarea rubescens (C.DC.)
- Guarea trichilioides var. decandra (C.DC.)
- Guarea rubricalyx (S.Moore)
- Guarea puberula (Pittier)
- Guarea rubrisepala (Cuatrec.)
- Guarea trichilioides var. pallida (C.DC.)
- Guarea rusbyi ((Britton) Rusby)
- Guarea tuberculata var. purgans ((A.Juss. ex A.St.-Hil.) C.DC.)
- Casearia guidonia ((L.) Benth.)
- Casearia brevipes (Merr.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (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.
Habit
Taken Mar 15, 2022 by pedrogc — (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Nov 27, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 10, 2022 by Stefan Mann (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 15, 2022 by pedrogc — (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 22, 2022 by Abreu Michel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 10, 2022 by Stefan Mann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 15, 2022 by pedrogc — (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2005 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2005 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 10, 2022 by Stefan Mann (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 11, 2021 by Yasmin Oliveira (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 10, 2022 by Stefan Mann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2020 by Brito Eduardo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 5, 2021 by Moreira Antônio Carlos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2021 by Marques Glaucio (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 2, 2021 by Makoto Makoto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 17, 2021 by Rubens Curvelo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2005 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2005 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2005 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3190500)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:114060-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Guarea guidonia (L.) Sleumer)
Specifications
Growth habit: Shrub, Tree
Growth rate: Slow
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 6.0