Woolly woodvine (Sabicea villosa, J.J.Roemer & J.A.Schultes, Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 5: 265 (1819))

Family: Rubiaceae

Author: Willd. ex Schult.

Bibliography: J.J.Roemer & J.A.Schultes, Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 5: 265 (1819)

Year: 1819

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sabicea

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Mexico to Trop. America

Description

The Woolly Woodvine, known scientifically as Sabicea villosa, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the Rubiaceae family. Extending its presence from Southern Mexico across the tropical regions of the Americas, this plant has garnered interest due to its unique characteristics and broad distribution.

Described and documented by the botanists Willdenow ex Schultes, with a notable mention in J.J. Roemer & J.A. Schultes’ “Systema Vegetabilium” (15th edition, volume 5, page 265, published in 1819), the Woolly Woodvine is recognized for its botanical significance. Lindley’s expertise contributed significantly to our understanding of this plant, particularly in delineating its taxonomic attributes within the rich biodiversity of the tropics.

The plant is particularly distinguished by its luxuriant foliage, which is covered in a characteristic woolly texture, hence the name ‘Woolly Woodvine’. This feature not only adds to its visual appeal but also aids in its identification among other species within its extensive habitat range.

Thriving in varied climatic and geographical settings, from the dense forests of Southern Mexico to the diverse terrains of tropical America, the Woolly Woodvine is adaptable and resilient. Its ecological role and adaptations make it a subject of interest for both botanists and ecologists studying tropical flora.

In summary, Sabicea villosa, or the Woolly Woodvine, is a notable member of the Rubiaceae family. With its wide-reaching habitat and distinctive woolly appearance, this plant stands out in the tropical regions it inhabits, echoing the intricate and diverse beauty found within nature’s kingdom.

Common Names

Eng: woolly woodvine
En: Woolly woodvine

Synonyms

• Sabicea domingensis (Urb. & Ekman)
• Sabicea hirsuta var. sellowii (Wernham)
• Paiva verticillata (Vell.)
• Sabicea aspera var. scandens (K.Schum.)
• Sabicea hirsuta var. adpressa (Wernham)
• Schwenkfelda hirsuta ((Kunth) F.Dietr.)
• Sabicea villosa var. adpressa ((Wernham) Standl.)
• Sabicea villosa var. sellowii ((Wernham) Steyerm.)
• Sabicea hirsuta (Kunth)

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)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 16, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 11, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 11, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 11, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 11, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Mar 15, 2019 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 15, 2019 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 15, 2019 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 15, 2019 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Mar 15, 2019 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Sep 16, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

© 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/2900221)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:765972-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sabicea villosa Willd. ex Schult.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Vine

Growth