Typical Tweedie goatbush (Castela tweediei var. typica)

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Castela tweediei var. typica: Typical South American Castela Shrub

Growing in the dry, open vegetation zones of South America, Castela tweediei var. typica exhibits a highly resilient growth habit adapted to arid terrains.

This small, spiny shrub features miniature, leathery leaves and dense branching. It forms a key component of dry bushland and savanna plant communities.

Taxonomy

  • царство Plantae
  • division Tracheophytes
  • subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • Angiosperms
  • mesangiosperms
  • eudicots
  • Superrosids
  • rosids
  • malvids
  • order Sapindales
  • family Simaroubaceae (Quassia family)
  • genus Castela (Crucifixion Bush)
  • species Castela tweediei (Tweedie's castela)
  • variety Castela tweediei var. typica (Typical Tweedie goatbush)

Living Pulse

Morphology

This nominal variety displays classic xerophytic features that minimize water loss in harsh environments.

  • Foliage: The leaves are small, narrow, and lanceolate, with a thick cuticle that reduces transpiration.
  • Branching: Stiff, woody stems are heavily armed with sharp spines that deter herbivores.
  • Flowers: Small, reddish flowers grow close to the stems in the leaf axils, pollinated mainly by wind or tiny insects.
  • Fruit: Small, rounded drupes develop following successful pollination, changing color as they ripen.

Flowering season

Spring

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Name
Dec

Applications

This wild plant contributes to the overall stability of local desertified landscapes.

  • Erosion Control: The deep root system helps stabilize sandy or rocky soils in arid terrains.
  • Faunal Shelter: The thorny canopy offers protection to ground-nesting birds and reptiles.

Interesting facts

The term "typica" denotes that this variety serves as the historical reference standard for the species. Like other members of its genus, it contains bitter quassinoids that prevent insect herbivory.

Geography of distribution

  • Argentina
  • Uruguay
  • Brazil

Sources

  • Plants of the World Online (POWO)
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
  • World Flora Online (WFO)

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

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