Parasol leaf tree (Macaranga tanarius, A.P.de Candolle, Prodr. 15(2): 997 (1866))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: (L.) Müll.Arg.

Bibliography: A.P.de Candolle, Prodr. 15(2): 997 (1866)

Year: 1866

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Macaranga

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to W. Pacific

Description

The Parasol leaf tree, known scientifically as Macaranga tanarius, is a remarkable species belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. This tree, described by the botanist A.P. de Candolle in 1866, is prevalent throughout Tropical and Subtropical Asia extending to the Western Pacific regions.

Characterized by its widespread canopy and large, parasol-shaped leaves, the Parasol leaf tree thrives in warm climates where it plays a vital ecological role. Typically found in secondary forests and disturbed land, Macaranga tanarius is often one of the first species to colonize cleared areas, thus aiding in the recovery of forest ecosystems.

The leaves, which inspired the tree’s common name, are broad and rounded, providing significant shade and habitat for various species. These leaves are not only functional in terms of environmental contribution but also hold ornamental value due to their distinct shape and size.

Furthermore, the Parasol leaf tree exhibits distinctive seasonal behavior, adjusting well to the climatic variations in its native regions. The tree’s adaptability and resilience make it an important species for reforestation and ecological restoration projects. Conservationists and ecologists often promote the planting of Macaranga tanarius in degraded tropical and subtropical landscapes to enhance biodiversity and stabilize soil.

Despite its strong and adaptive nature, the Parasol leaf tree demands specific environmental conditions to thrive, including ample sunlight and well-drained soil. The tree also exhibits interesting botanical features such as its milky sap, which is a characteristic trait of the Euphorbiaceae family.

Overall, the Parasol leaf tree is not just an ecological pioneer but also a botanical marvel, capturing the interest of botanists, ecologists, and nature enthusiasts alike. Its substantial contribution to forest regeneration and its resilience underline its significance in maintaining the ecological balance in tropical and subtropical regions.

Common Names

Eng: parasol leaf tree, blush macaranga, david’s-heart, hairy-mahogany, heartleaf, nasturtium-tree, parasol-leaf-tree
En: Parasol leaf tree, Blush macaranga, David’s-heart, Hairy-mahogany, Heartleaf, Nasturtium-tree, Parasol-leaf-tree

Synonyms

• Macaranga tomentosa ((Blume) Druce)
• Mappa moluccana (Wight)
• Rottlera tanarius ((L.) Hassk.)
• Macaranga tanarius var. glabra (F.Muell.)
• Macaranga vulcanica (Elmer ex Merr.)
• Rottlera tomentosa ((Blume) Hassk.)
• Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa ((Blume) Müll.Arg.)
• Ricinus tanarius (L.)
• Macaranga molliuscula (Kurz)
• Mappa tanarius ((L.) Blume)
• Mappa tomentosa (Blume)
• Macaranga tanarius var. genuina (Müll.Arg.)

Distribution

• Andaman Is. (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Borneo (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Christmas I. (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Marshall Is. (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Solomon Is. (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vanuatu (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Hawaii (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Feb 7, 2020 by Edward Norman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2021 by dhonnie dhonnie opang (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 7, 2020 by Edward Norman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2020 by syailendra prahaswara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2021 by Leigh Skead (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 20, 2022 by Makoto Makoto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2021 by Janwar W. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2021 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 7, 2020 by Edward Norman (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 30, 2022 by Gi Gillian (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2022 by Chandru Chawla (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2022 by Kim Racovalis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2021 by Janwar W. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2020 by Iqbal Arief Saputra (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Dec 19, 2019 by Noel Dionson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 15, 2012 by John Tasirin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 15, 2012 by John Tasirin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2012 by John Tasirin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2012 by John Tasirin (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 3, 2012 by John Tasirin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2020 by Chris Patterson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 20, 2021 by Allison Kaj (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 24, 2022 by M B (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Oct 3, 2012 by John Tasirin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2022 by Dawn Hendrick (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 4, 2022 by Dawn Hendrick (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3074251)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:351381-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Macaranga tanarius (L.) Müll.Arg.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth