White-olive (Terminalia amazonia, A.A.Pulle, Fl. Suriname 3: 173 (1935))

Family: Combretaceae

Author: (J.F.Gmel.) Exell

Bibliography: A.A.Pulle, Fl. Suriname 3: 173 (1935)

Year: 1935

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Terminalia

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Mexico to S. Trop. America and Trinidad

Description

The White-olive, scientifically known as Terminalia amazonia, is a prominent species within the Combretaceae family. This remarkable tree was first described in botanical literature by the work of A.A. Pulle, specifically in “Fl. Suriname 3: 173” published in 1935. The nomenclature attribution goes to the botanist J.F. Gmelin, with further classifications by Exell.

Terminalia amazonia thrives predominantly in regions stretching from southern Mexico down to southern Tropical America, including the diverse ecosystems of Trinidad. This expansive geographical distribution highlights the species’ adaptability to a variety of tropical climates and forest habitats.

As a member of the Combretaceae family, the White-olive is related to a number of other significant tropical trees and shrubs. The trees typically showcase impressive growth, attaining substantial heights, and often become integral components of forest canopies. Their distinctive foliage, bark, and branching structures contribute not only to their ecological roles but also to their aesthetic and commercial values.

In local ecosystems, Terminalia amazonia plays an essential role in maintaining biodiversity. It provides habitat and food for various wildlife species, contributing to the intricate web of tropical forest life. Additionally, like many Terminalia species, it possesses properties that have been utilized in traditional medicine and potential applications in modern pharmaceutical research.

Observations of Terminalia amazonia across its natural range underline its ecological significance and the necessity for sustainable management practices. Efforts in conservation and responsible forestry practices ensure that the White-olive continues to be a perennial feature of America’s tropical landscapes.

Common Names

Por: meringiba-de-mata
Spa: nogal amarillo
Eng: white-olive
En: White-olive
Pt: Meringiba-de-mata
Es: Nogal amarillo

Synonyms

• Chuncoa amazonia (J.F.Gmel.)
• Terminalia odontoptera (Van Heurck & Müll.Arg.)
• Myrobalanus excelsa ((Liebm. ex Hemsl.) Kuntze)
• Myrobalanus obovata ((Ruiz & Pav.) Kuntze)
• Terminalia excelsa (Liebm. ex Hemsl.)
• Bucida buceras var. angustifolia ((DC.) Eichler)
• Chuncoa obovata ((Ruiz & Pav.) Pers.)
• Gimbernatia obovata (Ruiz & Pav.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)

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.

Bark

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

Leaf

Taken Sep 12, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 12, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 12, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 12, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 12, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3699754)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:250537-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Terminalia amazonia (J.F.Gmel.) Exell)

Specifications

Growth