Orangefruit horse-gentian (Triosteum aurantiacum, Torreya 1: 26 (1901))

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Author: E.P.Bicknell

Bibliography: Torreya 1: 26 (1901)

Year: 1901

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Triosteum

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Orangefruit horse-gentian, scientifically recognized as Triosteum aurantiacum, is a remarkable plant belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family. This intriguing plant was first documented in the botanical literature in 1901 by E.P. Bicknell, who described it in the publication “Torreya.”

Triosteum aurantiacum thrives primarily in regions ranging from Eastern Canada down to North Carolina, as well as across parts of Eastern United States. Adapted to its native habitats, this species is noted for its resilience and ability to flourish in its local environments.

One of the distinguishing characteristics of the Orangefruit horse-gentian is its distinctive orange-colored fruits, which contribute to its common name. These vibrant fruits emerge after the plant’s blossom period, adding a splash of color to the landscape and offering a striking contrast to its typically green foliage.

In addition to its visual appeal, the Orangefruit horse-gentian holds ecological significance in its native habitats. It supports local wildlife, providing nourishment and habitat for various insects and animals. The plant’s role in the ecosystem underscores the intricate connections within its native environments, highlighting the importance of preserving these natural landscapes.

While not widely recognized beyond botanical circles, Triosteum aurantiacum holds a place of fascination for plant enthusiasts and naturalists. Its enduring presence in diverse regions of North America makes it a notable subject of study and admiration in the field of botany.

Common Names

Eng: orangefruit horse-gentian, orange-fruit horse-gentian, orange-fruited horse gentian, coffee tinker’s-weed, early horse-gentian, scarlet-fruit horse-gentian, wild coffee
Fra: trioste orangé
En: Orangefruit horse-gentian, Orange-fruited Horse Gentian, Orange-fruit horse-gentian, Coffee tinker’s-weed, Early horse-gentian, Scarlet-fruit horse-gentian, Wild coffee
Fr: Trioste orangé

Synonyms

• Triosteum perfoliatum var. aurantiacum ((E.P.Bicknell) Wiegand)

Distribution

• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 20, 2022 by Shana Kester (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Shana Kester (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2022 by Jenny Smid (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 26, 2019 by Mac Cheever (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2888716)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:258558-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Triosteum aurantiacum E.P. Bicknell)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth