Categories: Rubiaceae

Showy cappel (Palicourea guianensis, Hist. Pl. Guiane : 173 1775)

Family: Rubiaceae

Author: Aubl.

Bibliography: Hist. Pl. Guiane : 173 1775

Year: 1775

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Palicourea

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Mexico to Trop. America

Description

The plant commonly known as Showy cappel, scientifically named Palicourea guianensis, belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This striking plant was first described in the historical botanical literature “Histoire des Plantes de la Guiane” by notable botanist Jean Baptiste Christophore Fusée Aublet in 1775.

Showy cappel is native to the tropical regions stretching from southern Mexico down to Tropical America. It thrives in these lush environments, taking advantage of the warm temperatures and ample rainfall characteristic of its natural habitat. Known for its vibrant and ornamental features, Palicourea guianensis stands out with its showy clusters of flowers, which are often brightly colored, attracting various pollinators including bees and hummingbirds.

Botanically, the plant is notable for its aesthetic appeal, making it a frequent subject of interest among horticulturalists and botanical enthusiasts. The structure of the plant includes glossy, dark green leaves that provide a contrasting backdrop to its vivid, eye-catching blooms. These flowers, apart from adding beauty to their surroundings, play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by supporting local pollinator populations.

The distribution of Showy cappel across such a broad range of tropical regions underscores its adaptability and resilience. While it captures the attention of botanists and garden lovers alike, its role in the broader ecosystem highlights the intricate interplay between flora and fauna in these biodiverse regions.

The detailed observations and classification done by Aubl. have greatly contributed to our understanding and appreciation of this remarkable plant. Whether admired for its ornamental charm or studied for its botanical significance, Palicourea guianensis continues to be a plant of considerable interest and importance in the world of botany.

Common Names

Eng: showy cappel
En: Showy cappel
Es: Cafecillo

Synonyms

Palicourea hypomalaca (Standl.)
Palicourea guianensis var. glabrescens (Steyerm.)
Palicourea guianensis f. glabra (Steyerm.)
Palicourea barbinervia (DC.)
Stephanium guianense ((Aubl.) Schreb.)
Uragoga palicourea ((Sw.) Kuntze)
Palicourea guianensis subsp. occidentalis (Steyerm.)
Psychotria cataractarum (Müll.Arg.)
Palicourea guianensis subsp. barbinervia ((DC.) Steyerm.)
Psychotria palicourea (Sw.)
Simira palicourea ((Sw.) Poir.)
Uragoga barbinervia ((DC.) Kuntze)
Nonatelia cataractarum ((Müll.Arg.) Kuntze)
Psychotria guianensis ((Aubl.) Rusby)
Palicourea guianensis var. trimera (Bremek.)
Palicourea guianensis var. tetramera (Bremek.)
Nonatelia guianensis ((Aubl.) Spruce)

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)
French Guiana (native)
Guatemala (native)
Guyana (native)
Haiti (native)
Honduras (native)
Jamaica (native)
Leeward Is. (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)
Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 3, 2022 by Joaquín Atencio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 30, 2022 by Mathilde Barret (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2021 by Maria Laura Pizarro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2021 by Wilson TC. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2022 by H.t (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 3, 2021 by Gonzalez Adrian (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 6, 2018 by Stéphanie BODIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2020 by Gardes Erika (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 6, 2018 by Stéphanie BODIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2018 by Florent Portalez (cc-by-sa)