Rough-leaf-tree (Curatella americana, Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1079 (1759))

Family: Dilleniaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1079 (1759)

Year: 1759

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Curatella

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

The Rough-leaf-tree, scientifically known as Curatella americana, is a notable species belonging to the family Dilleniaceae. This hardy tree is indigenous to a vast range stretching from Mexico through Central America and extending into the tropical regions of South America.

Curatella americana is distinguished by its rough-textured leaves, which contribute to its common name, Rough-leaf-tree. These leaves play a pivotal role in the tree’s adaptation to its environment, showcasing resilience in various tropical climates.

Historically, this species was first described in significant detail in the 10th edition of “Systema Naturae” published in 1759 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, who abbreviated his name as ‘L.’ in botanical literature. Linnaeus’s work laid the foundation for modern biological taxonomy, and his description of Curatella americana has remained a vital reference for botanists and plant enthusiasts.

The Rough-leaf-tree remains an essential component of the tropical ecosystems where it thrives. It contributes to the ecological balance by providing habitat and food sources for a range of wildlife. Additionally, its presence is often a marker of the health of the tropical landscapes it inhabits.

In conclusion, Curatella americana stands as a testament to the diverse and dynamic plant life of tropical America, highlighting the enduring legacy of Linnaeus’s botanical exploration and the ongoing importance of studying and preserving plant species across the globe.

Common Names

Eng: chaparro, rough-leaf-tree, sandpaper tree
Swe: sandpapperträd
Spa: chaparro
Por: lixeira
En: Rough-leaf-tree, Chaparro, Sandpaper Tree
Pt: Lixeira
Es: Chaparro
Sv: Sandpapperträd

Synonyms

• Curatella americana var. pentagyna (Donn.Sm.)
• Curatella glabra (Spruce ex Benth.)
• Curatella grisebachiana (Eichler)
• Curatella cambaiba (A.St.-Hil.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 9, 2022 by Walter Diaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2021 by SINAC oscar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2021 by SINAC oscar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2021 by SINAC oscar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2022 by Wender Wender (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 14, 2021 by jo arau (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Dec 1, 2021 by SINAC oscar (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Feb 17, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 17, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 31, 2021 by Andraus Eduardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 6, 2021 by Rodríguez Ariel R. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2022 by Wender Wender (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 20, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 17, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 8, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 20, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

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

Taken Apr 8, 2022 by Gómez Ely (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 8, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2022 by Gruber Carlos (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.

© 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/7304064)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:321019-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Curatella americana L.)

Specifications

Growth