White-flower johnnyberry (Miconia splendens, Fl. Brit. W. I.: 256 (1860))

Family: Melastomataceae

Author: (Sw.) Griseb.

Bibliography: Fl. Brit. W. I.: 256 (1860)

Year: 1860

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Miconia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico (Chiapas) to Trop. America

Description

The White-flower Johnnyberry, scientifically known as Miconia splendens, is a captivating species belonging to the Melastomataceae family. This remarkable plant is noted for its widespread presence, ranging from the tropical regions of Mexico, particularly in Chiapas, down through Central and into tropical South America.

Miconia splendens is notable for the luxurious and dense thickets it forms, often found in moist forest environments where it thrives under the canopy. The plant features striking white flowers, which serve as a distinguishing characteristic and a stunning spectacle against its lush green foliage. These flowers contribute not only to the plant’s aesthetic appeal but also to its role in the ecosystem, attracting various pollinators.

The foliage of the White-flower Johnnyberry is typically large and textured with pronounced veins, a common trait within the Melastomataceae family. Its leaves provide essential coverage and aid in the conservation of moisture in their habitats, thereby playing a critical role in maintaining the understory environment’s health.

Originally described in the mid-19th century, as recorded in Fl. Brit. W. I. (1860), the historical significance of Miconia splendens adds to its botanical allure. The work of botanists such as Swartz and Grisebach has been instrumental in documenting and understanding this species, providing valuable insights into its classification and characteristics.

In summary, the White-flower Johnnyberry is a species of considerable ecological and botanical importance. Whether appreciated for its striking floral displays or its role in supporting tropical forest environments, Miconia splendens continues to be a subject of interest for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Eng: white-flower johnnyberry
En: White-flower johnnyberry

Synonyms

• Miconia elliptica (Macfad.)
• Melastoma splendens (Sw.)
• Melastoma plantaginifolium (Mill.)
• Acinodendron plantaginifolium (Kuntze)
• Miconia obovalis (Naudin)
• Acinodendron ellipticum (Kuntze)

Distribution

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

Additional Images

Other

Taken Apr 17, 2015 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2015 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2015 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2015 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2015 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (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/3188561)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1143367-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Miconia splendens (Sw.) Griseb.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub, Tree

Growth