Nodding wild coffee (Palicourea deflexa, Acta Bot. Hung. 53: 243 (2011))

Family: Rubiaceae

Author: Borhidi (DC.)

Bibliography: Acta Bot. Hung. 53: 243 (2011)

Year: 2011

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Palicourea

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. Mexico to Trop. America

Description

Nodding wild coffee, scientifically known as Palicourea deflexa, is a fascinating species within the Rubiaceae family. Originally referenced in “Acta Botanica Hungarica” in 2011 by the botanist Borhidi (DC.), this plant has garnered attention due to its unique characteristics and distribution.

This plant is primarily found in Central Mexico extending southward into Tropical America. The geographic range of Palicourea deflexa underscores its adaptability to different ecological zones within tropical climates. Its common name, “nodding wild coffee,” hints at both its appearance and its taxonomic position within the Rubiaceae family, commonly known for species like coffee.

Palicourea deflexa is part of a genus that includes a wide variety of species often characterized by their vibrant inflorescences and intricate floral structures. The “nodding” aspect of its name likely refers to the distinctive way in which its flowers or fruit might hang or droop, a trait often valued in ornamental horticulture. This nodding posture can also play a role in the plant’s pollination strategy, potentially aiding in the attraction of certain pollinators endemic to its native tropical regions.

The distribution of Palicourea deflexa from Central Mexico to Tropical America speaks to its ecological versatility. It thrives in diverse environments, from the shaded understories of tropical forests to more open habitats that may experience fluctuating humidity and temperature levels. This adaptability not only illustrates the plant’s resilience but also points to its potential uses in ecological restoration and conservation efforts where such adaptability could be advantageous.

As a member of the Rubiaceae family, Palicourea deflexa shares lineage with economically significant plants, though its direct economic use may not be as pronounced. However, plants in this family often contribute to their ecosystems by providing food and habitat for a variety of insects and birds.

In summary, Palicourea deflexa is a notable member of the Rubiaceae family with a broad geographical range in the Americas. Its distinct nodding characteristic and adaptability to varied tropical climates make it an interesting subject of study for botanists and ecologists alike. Whether appreciated for its aesthetic contribution to natural landscapes or its potential ecological benefits, the nodding wild coffee continues to intrigue those who study the rich biodiversity of tropical plant species.

Common Names

En: Nodding wild coffee

Synonyms

• Psychotria deflexa (DC.)
• Psychotria vauthieri (Müll.Arg.)
• Uragoga deflexa ((DC.) Kuntze)
• Uragoga vauthieri ((Müll.Arg.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Belize (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)
• Ecuador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Nov 19, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 19, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 19, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 7, 2021 by Salado Carrera Gustavo Enrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2021 by Velasco Deiby (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 19, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 19, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 19, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 4, 2022 by feuilles alternes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2022 by Lemaire Romain (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 19, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 4, 2022 by feuilles alternes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 4, 2022 by feuilles alternes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2022 by Lemaire Romain (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 19, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 19, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 19, 2015 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)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77115599-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Psychotria deflexa DC.)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2923133)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7579870)

Specifications

Growth