Rusty homalolepis (Homalolepis ferruginea)
Homalolepis ferruginea - Calunga Shrub Profile & Details
Native to both Brazil and Colombia, Homalolepis ferruginea develops as a robust shrub or small tree in various savanna habitats. It is widely distributed across several phytogeographical domains in South America.
Known locally by its common names, this species plays a vital role in traditional medicine and regional ecology. It is highly adapted to both semi-arid environments and humid savanna borders.
Taxonomy
- β ΡΠ°ΡΡΡΠ²ΠΎ Plantae
- β division Tracheophytes
- β subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
- β Angiosperms
- β mesangiosperms
- β eudicots
- β Superrosids
- β rosids
- β malvids
- β order Sapindales
- β family Simaroubaceae (Quassia family)
- β genus Homalolepis (Homalolepis Tree)
- β species Homalolepis ferruginea (Rusty homalolepis)
Morphology
This species displays a more robust and woody structure compared to its dwarf relatives. Key morphological features include:
- Growth Habit: It grows as a woody shrub or small tree, reaching heights of approximately 1.8 to 2 meters.
- Bark: The outer bark is thin, wrinkled, and brown, while the inner bark has a distinct yellow coloration.
- Flowers: The flowers are arranged in dense clusters, with the calyx and corola displaying colors ranging from pale green to yellow.
- Foliage: The leaves are compound, alternate, and covered in fine hairs that give them a rusty or ferruginous appearance when young.
- Odor: The wood lacks any distinct odor when freshly cut, distinguishing it from some related aromatic species.
Flowering season
Flowering has been recorded across multiple months, notably from May to August and November.
Applications
Traditional communities in Bahia and Minas Gerais utilize the plant in local folk medicine. The roots and bark are prepared in infusions to treat digestive disorders and fevers.
Phytochemical analyses of the genus show the presence of bitter compounds called quassinoids. These compounds are studied for their potential anti-malarial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Interesting facts
The species was originally described under the genus Simaba by French botanist Augustin Saint-Hilaire. Its specific epithet, meaning rust-colored, refers to the color of the young foliage.
- Common Names: In northeastern Brazil, it is widely known as calunga, a name shared with other medicinal shrubs of the region.
- Conservation Status: It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to its wide distribution range.
- Taxonomic History: The plant has accumulated many historical synonyms, including Picrodendron calunga and Zwingera ferruginea.
Geography of distribution
- La Guajira
- Bahia
- GoiΓ‘s
- MaranhΓ£o
- Minas Gerais
- Mato Grosso do Sul
- Mato Grosso
- PiauΓ
- Sergipe
- Tocantins
- Rio Grande do Norte
- ParaΓba
- Pernambuco
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO), Kew Science.
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).
- World Flora Online (WFO).
- Devecchi, M. F. & Pirani, J. R. (2018). Reinstatement of Homalolepis (Simaroubaceae). Phytotaxa.