Family: Sapindaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 200 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cupania
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. America
Description
Wild ackee, scientifically known as Cupania americana, is a fascinating plant native to tropical regions of the Americas. This species belongs to the Sapindaceae family, which is distinguished by a diverse array of flowering plants. Wild ackee first gained scientific recognition in the 18th century, as referenced in the comprehensive botanical work “Species Plantarum,” published in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus.
In its natural habitat, wild ackee thrives in the warm, humid environments characteristic of tropical America. This region provides the ideal conditions for the growth and development of the plant, which is well-adapted to the climate and soil types found there.
Wild ackee is notable not only for its ecological roles but also for its potential uses. As with many plants in the Sapindaceae family, it possesses unique properties that may be of interest to researchers and horticulturists alike. Its structure and physiology could offer insights into plant adaptation and resilience in tropical ecosystems.
The plant typically exhibits the key features of the Sapindaceae family, which include compound leaves, small flowers, and fleshy fruits. These characteristics are essential for identification and classification within the broader context of botanical studies.
Overall, wild ackee represents a significant example of tropical flora, illustrating the richness and diversity of plant life in the Americas. Its historical documentation and continued study contribute to our understanding of botanical science and the intricate web of life within tropical ecosystems.
Common Names
Spa: guara, guara blanca
Eng: wild ackee
En: Wild ackee
Fr: Cupanier
Es: Guara, Guara blanca
Synonyms
- Trigonia tomentosa ((Jacq.) Warm.)
- Cupania tomentosa ((Jacq.) Sw.)
- Trigonis tomentosa (Jacq.)
- Cupania saponaria (Pers.)
Distribution
- Brazil North (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (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.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Sep 4, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 29, 2022 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Mar 29, 2022 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Mar 29, 2022 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 29, 2022 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 21, 2021 by Ceballos Dereck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 21, 2021 by Ceballos Dereck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 4, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken Nov 14, 2022 by Moronta Rodríguez (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 17, 2020 by Lirim Ballazhi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 6, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 6, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 29, 2022 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Sep 4, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 4, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 4, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 6, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 6, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3189961)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:319175-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cupania americana L.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Stem
Growth habit>: Tree
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.5
Ph minimum: 6.0
