Pinwheel-flower (Tabernaemontana catharinensis, A.P.de Candolle, Prodr. 8: 365 (1844))

Family: Apocynaceae

Author: A.DC.

Bibliography: A.P.de Candolle, Prodr. 8: 365 (1844)

Year: 1844

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Tabernaemontana

Vegetable: False

Observations: Bolivia to Brazil and NE. Argentina

Description

The Pinwheel-flower, scientifically known as Tabernaemontana catharinensis, is a remarkable plant species belonging to the Apocynaceae family. It was first described by A.P. de Candolle in his prolific botanical work, “Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis” (Prodr. 8: 365), published in 1844.

Native to the tropical regions of South America, the Pinwheel-flower can be found flourishing in the diverse ecosystems ranging from Bolivia to Brazil and extending into northeastern Argentina. These areas provide the ideal climate and soil conditions for the robust growth of this species.

Characteristic of its common name, the Pinwheel-flower boasts a distinctive floral structure that visually resembles the blades of a pinwheel. Its blossoms, often vibrant and fragrant, play a crucial role in attracting pollinators, thereby contributing to the broader ecological balance of its native habitats.

The plant itself exhibits typical traits of the Apocynaceae family, including milky sap and a propensity for producing compounds that can be both toxic and medicinal. This dual nature has piqued the interest of both botanists and pharmacologists, who study its properties for potential health benefits.

Overall, Tabernaemontana catharinensis or the Pinwheel-flower stands out not only for its unique aesthetic appeal but also for its ecological and potential medicinal significance within the regions it inhabits. Its rich history and botanical interest continue to make it a subject of study and admiration among plant enthusiasts and scientists alike.

Common Names

Eng: pinwheel-flower, pinwheel-jessamine
En: Pinwheel-flower, Pinwheel-jessamine

Synonyms

• Tabernaemontana salicifolia (Hand.-Mazz.)
• Tabernaemontana hilariana (Müll.Arg.)
• Peschiera hilariana ((Müll.Arg.) Miers)
• Tabernaemontana affinis (Müll.Arg.)
• Tabernaemontana australis (Müll.Arg.)
• Peschiera australis var. hilariana ((Müll.Arg.) L.Allorge)
• Tabernaemontana hybrida (Hand.-Mazz.)
• Tabernaemontana affinis var. lanceolata (Müll.Arg.)
• Peschiera catharinensis ((A.DC.) Miers)
• Peschiera affinis (Miers)
• Peschiera australis ((Müll.Arg.) Miers)
• Tabernaemontana acuminata (Müll.Arg.)
• Peschiera albidiflora (Miers)
• Peschiera acuminata ((Müll.Arg.) Miers)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Uruguay (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Portugal Adriana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2020 by Federico Castrillón (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Portugal Adriana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2020 by Federico Castrillón (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2020 by Federico Castrillón (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 30, 2014 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2022 by Correa Marcolino João Guilherme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Oct 2, 2021 by moreira paulo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Portugal Adriana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Olivia Perdigão (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2022 by Teichmann Mônica (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 2, 2020 by Federico Castrillón (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2020 by Federico Castrillón (cc-by-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.

Sources

• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3618496)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:82043-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tabernaemontana catharinensis A.DC.)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)

Specifications

Growth