Saquiyac (Miconia affinis, Prodr. 3: 187 (1828))

Family: Melastomataceae

Author: DC.

Bibliography: Prodr. 3: 187 (1828)

Year: 1828

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Miconia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

Saquiyac, known scientifically as Miconia affinis, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the Melastomataceae family. First described by DC. in 1828 in the publication “Prodr.” (volume 3, page 187), this plant has garnered attention for its widespread distribution across Mexico and Tropical America.

This plant thrives in tropical climates, contributing to the rich biodiversity of these regions. The regions it inhabits are characterized by their warm temperatures and significant annual rainfall, creating the ideal conditions for the growth and sustenance of Miconia affinis.

Saquiyac is notable for its vibrant foliage and attractive appearance. It typically features lush, green leaves that provide an appealing contrast to the tropical flora surrounding it. The plant’s aesthetic appeal is one of the reasons why it is often a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

In addition to its visual allure, Miconia affinis plays a crucial role in its ecosystem. As a native species, it forms part of the natural landscape and contributes to the local flora’s stability and diversity. It may also support a variety of wildlife, offering food and habitat to numerous insects and possibly other small animals that rely on plant life for their survival.

Given its wide distribution from Mexico to Tropical America, Saquiyac exemplifies the rich botanical diversity of these regions and underscores the importance of preserving such species. Its study can provide insights into tropical plant adaptations and ecosystem dynamics, further highlighting its significance beyond its immediate aesthetic and ecological contributions.

Common Names

Eng: saquiyac
En: Saquiyac

Synonyms

• Acinodendron cecidophorum ((Naudin) Kuntze)
• Acinodendron beurlingii (Kuntze)
• Acinodendron microcarpum ((DC.) Kuntze)
• Miconia planinervia (Naudin)
• Miconia pusilliflora (Beurl.)
• Miconia cayumbensis (Gleason)
• Acinodendron planinerve ((Naudin) Kuntze)
• Miconia cecidophora (Naudin)
• Miconia beurlingii (Triana)
• Miconia microcarpa (DC.)

Distribution

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

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken Aug 30, 2022 by Chiara D’Arco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2022 by Murielle TSP (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Obando Soto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by SINAC Pérez Greivin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by SINAC Pérez Greivin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by SINAC Pérez Greivin (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 17, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – D.Solano (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – D.Solano (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 18, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3188559)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:158685-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Miconia affinis DC.)

Specifications

Growth