Ucahuba-nut (Virola surinamensis, Nova Acta Acad. Caes. Leop.-Carol. German. Nat. Cur. 68: 208 (1897))

Family: Myristicaceae

Author: (Rol. ex Rottb.) Warb.

Bibliography: Nova Acta Acad. Caes. Leop.-Carol. German. Nat. Cur. 68: 208 (1897)

Year: 1897

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Virola

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trinidad to S. Trop. America

Description

The Ucahuba-nut, scientifically known as Virola surinamensis, belongs to the Myristicaceae family. This notable species was described by (Rol. ex Rottb.) Warb. in a publication dating back to 1897, featured in the Nova Acta Academiae Caesareae Leopoldino-Carolinae Germanicae Naturae Curiosorum.

Indigenous to the regions stretching from Trinidad to southern tropical America, the Ucahuba-nut thrives in its native habitat, characterized by humid, tropical climates. This plant has been a subject of interest not only for its ecological significance but also for its cultural and economic value in the local communities.

Virola surinamensis is distinguished by its robust form and distinctive reproductive structures. The plant produces seeds encased in fleshy arils, which are not only integral to its propagation but also consumed by wildlife, aiding in the dispersal of the species.

The local populations have long utilized various parts of the Ucahuba-nut for medicinal purposes, a tradition that underscores the relationship between humans and this versatile flora. The aromatic oils extracted from its seeds and bark have been employed in traditional remedies, showcasing the plant’s multifaceted utility.

The Ucahuba-nut exemplifies the rich biodiversity of the South American tropics and the intricate web of life it supports. Its role within the ecosystem and its interactions with local wildlife make it a subject of continued botanical interest and conservation efforts.

In summary, Virola surinamensis is more than just a plant; it is a vital component of its natural habitat, a resource for traditional medicine, and a species with a storied place in the botanical literature.

Common Names

Deu: baboen
Por: mucuíra, ucuuba—de—-baixio, ucuúba, ucuúba—de—igapó, ucuúba-branca, virola
Eng: ucahuba-nut, white ucuba, baboonwood
Spa: chalviande
En: Ucahuba-nut, White ucuba, Baboonwood, Babun-udu
Zh: 刺莖肉荳蔻
Nl: Baboen
De: Baboen
Fa: ویرلا سورینامنیسیس
Pt: Mucuíra, Ucuuba – de – baixio, Ucuúba – de – igapó, Ucuúba, Ucuuba—de—-baixio, Ucuúba—de—igapó, Ucuúba-branca, Virola
Pt-br: Andiroba, Ucuúba, Ucuúba-da-várzea, Ucuúba-verdadeira
Es: Cumala blanca, Chalviande

Synonyms

• Myristica sebifera var. longifolia (Lam.)
• Myristica surinamensis (Rol. ex Rottb.)
• Virola carinata var. gracilis ((A.DC.) Warb.)
• Myristica gracilis (A.DC.)
• Palala surinamensis ((Rol. ex Rottb.) Kuntze)
• Virola glaziovii var. latifolia (Malme)
• Myristica americana (Rol. ex Rottb.)
• Palala gracilis ((A.DC.) Kuntze)
• Virola glaziovii (Warb.)
• Myristica fatua (Sw.)

Distribution

• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Peru (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)

Additional Images

Bark

Taken Mar 12, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2013 by J.-L. Smock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2013 by J.-L. Smock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2013 by J.-L. Smock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2013 by J.-L. Smock (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 15, 2022 by pedrogc — (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2022 by pedrogc — (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/3152848)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:267202-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Virola surinamensis (Rol. ex Rottb.) Warb.)

Specifications

Growth