Spanish joint-fir (Gnetum gnemon, Mant. Pl. 1: 125 (1767))

Family: Gnetaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Mant. Pl. 1: 125 (1767)

Year: 1767

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gnetum

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Tibet to W. Pacific

Description

The Spanish joint-fir, scientifically known as Gnetum gnemon, is a remarkable plant renowned for its unique properties and extensive geographical distribution. First described in the 18th century by the noteworthy botanist Carl Linnaeus in his 1767 work “Mantissa Plantarum,” Gnetum gnemon has since garnered significant attention from botanists and plant enthusiasts.

This fascinating species belongs to the Gnetaceae family, a group of gymnosperms that is distinct due to its combination of traits often associated with both gymnosperms and angiosperms. The family is characterized by a limited number of genera, with Gnetum being one of the most prominent due to its widespread occurrence and diverse applications.

Spanish joint-fir is native to a broad range of habitats stretching from southeastern Tibet to the western Pacific. This wide distribution suggests a versatile adaptability to various climatic and environmental conditions, making it an interesting subject of study for ecologists and conservationists.

In its natural habitat, Gnetum gnemon can be found thriving in tropical and subtropical forests, contributing to the rich biodiversity of these regions. Its physical structure can vary but it is typically recognized by its woody vines that are often joined, hence the term “joint-fir.”

Beyond its ecological role, the Spanish joint-fir holds cultural and economic significance in many of the regions where it grows. In various local traditions, parts of the plant are used for food, traditional medicine, and even in agricultural practices due to its resilience and robust nature.

Overall, the Spanish joint-fir, or Gnetum gnemon, stands out as a remarkable species with a rich botanical history and a vital role in the ecosystems across southeastern Tibet to the western Pacific. Its unique characteristics and wide range of uses highlight the importance of continuing research and conservation efforts to preserve this valuable plant.

Common Names

Eng: spanish joint-fir, buko
Swe: gnetum
Ind: melinjo
Msa: meminjau, maninjau
En: Spanish joint-fir, Buko
Zh: 显轴买麻藤, 灌状买麻藤
Cs: Liánovec jedlý
Nl: Melindjoe
Fi: Malesianluumio
Id: Melinjo
Jv: Mlinjo
Ms: Meminjau, Pokok Belinjau, Maninjau
Fa: ملینجو
Ru: Гнетум гнемон
Su: Tangkil
Sv: Gnetum
Th: ผักเหมียง
To: Sukau
Vi: Rau bép

Synonyms

• Gnetum domesticum (Reinw. ex E.A.Duchesne)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Caroline Is. (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• Fiji (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Santa Cruz Is. (native)
• Solomon Is. (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Cambodia (introduced)

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.

Fruit

Taken Mar 11, 2021 by Sepulchre Frédéric (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 25, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2012 by John Tasirin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2012 by John Tasirin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Jorge Cugat Herrero (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by An Pan (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2022 by Pauline LOUISE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2021 by Selvina Aprilia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 14, 2020 by Asthi Nur Sulistyowati (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2021 by Sepulchre Frédéric (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Dec 2, 2012 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2004 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 7, 2018 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 21, 2020 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 5, 2010 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 21, 2020 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2020 by Noel Dionson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Jorge Cugat Herrero (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 15, 2022 by Passinero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2653133)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:383520-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gnetum gnemon L.)

Specifications

Growth