Family: Rubiaceae
Author: Jacq.
Bibliography: Select. Stirp. Amer. Hist.: 18 (1763)
Year: 1763
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Chomelia
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Mexico to S. Trop. America
Description
Tom bush, scientifically known as Chomelia spinosa, is a noteworthy plant species that garners attention due to its widespread presence and intriguing attributes. Noted in the classic botanical literature “Select. Stirp. Amer. Hist.: 18” published in 1763 by the esteemed Jacquin, this plant has been a subject of study for centuries.
Falling under the Rubiaceae family, Chomelia spinosa is primarily found across a vast geographical range, extending from Southern Mexico all the way to Southern Tropical America. This broad distribution underscores its adaptability to diverse tropical environments.
Characteristic features of the Tom bush include its spine-bearing structure, indicative of its species nomenclature. These spines may serve as a natural defense mechanism, deterring herbivores and thereby aiding in the plant’s survival across its native habitats. The spiny nature of Chomelia spinosa is a fascinating adaptation that intrigues botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
The Rubiaceae family, to which the Tom bush belongs, is known for its wide array of species that often possess medicinal properties, fragrant flowers, and significant ecological roles. While Chomelia spinosa itself may not be as widely documented in terms of specific uses, its inclusion in this diverse and ecologically important family suggests its potential relevance in various biological and ecological studies.
In summary, the Tom bush or Chomelia spinosa is a plant of considerable interest due to its extensive tropical distribution, unique morphological features, and its place within the diverse and ecologically significant Rubiaceae family. Its historical documentation by Jacquin adds a layer of historical botanical significance, providing a foundation for ongoing and future research into this resilient species.
Common Names
En: Tom Bush
Es: Espino Aceituno
: Tom bush
Synonyms
- Anisomeris spinosa ((Jacq.) K.Schum.)
- Ixora spinosa ((Jacq.) Lam.)
- Caruelina filipes ((Benth.) Kuntze)
- Chomelia filipes (Benth.)
- Anisomeris purpusii (Brandegee)
- Matthiola armata (Kuntze)
- Anisomeris brachyloba ((Standl.) Rusby)
- Chomelia purpusii ((Brandegee) Rusby)
- Guettarda armata (Bartl. ex DC.)
- Chomelia brachyloba (Standl.)
- Chomelia longicaudata (Rusby)
- Guettarda costaricensis (K.Schum. ex Tonduz)
- Caruelina spinosa ((Jacq.) Kuntze)
Distribution
- Brazil North (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Peru (native)
- Venezuela (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jun 10, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 27, 2020 by Formina Lara (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 2, 2020 by Universidad Nacional Sendero Los Matapalos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 2, 2020 by Universidad Nacional Sendero Los Matapalos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 20, 2021 by Calderón Caldas Douglas (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Nov 25, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 25, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 20, 2021 by Calderón Caldas Douglas (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 27, 2020 by Formina Lara (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 25, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 20, 2021 by Calderón Caldas Douglas (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Nov 25, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
© 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/5337321)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:746662-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Chomelia spinosa Jacq.)
