White pricklyash (Zanthoxylum martinicense, Prodr. 1: 726 (1824))

Family: Rutaceae

Author: (Lam.) DC.

Bibliography: Prodr. 1: 726 (1824)

Year: 1824

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Zanthoxylum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Caribbean to N. Venezuela, W. South America

Description

White pricklyash, with the scientific name Zanthoxylum martinicense, is a fascinating plant species that belongs to the Rutaceae family. First described in 1824 by the author (Lam.) DC. in the botanical work “Prodr.” on page 726, this species has captured the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Native to a diverse range of regions, white pricklyash can be found thriving in the Caribbean, extending through northern Venezuela, and reaching into parts of western South America. This broad geographic distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability to various climatic conditions and landscapes.

As a member of the Rutaceae family, Zanthoxylum martinicense shares many characteristics common to other species within this group, such as aromatic properties and the presence of essential oils. These features make it an important plant not only for ecological reasons but also for potential uses in traditional medicine and other applications.

The common name “white pricklyash” reflects certain physical aspects of the plant, most notably its prickly bark and foliage. This characteristic helps the plant defend against herbivores and may also play a role in its ability to thrive in various environments.

In summary, white pricklyash is a resilient and geographically widespread plant species with notable botanical and ecological significance. Whether observed in the Caribbean or along the northern coast of Venezuela, Zanthoxylum martinicense stands out as a remarkable member of the plant kingdom.

Common Names

Eng: white pricklyash, yellow prickle
En: White pricklyash, Yellow Prickle

Synonyms

• Fagara martinicensis (Lam.)

Distribution

• Colombia (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Southwest Caribbean (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (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.

Bark

Taken Apr 16, 2022 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 9, 2020 by Schoenn McDrury (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 18, 2021 by Jerome Kato (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Acevedo, P. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3190119)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:775850-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Zanthoxylum martinicense (Lam.) DC.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth