Osage Orange
Maclura pomifera
The Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) is a resilient, thorny tree famous for its heavy rot-resistant …
Allied osage orange (Maclura affinis)
Tatajiba
Fustic
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Maclura affinis - Neotropical Plant Profile
First documented in the nineteenth century in Brazil, the climbing woody plant Maclura affinis captures the attention of Neotropical botanists. This species was published by Friedrich Anton Wilhelm Miquel in 1853, based on historical specimens from the Brazilian rainforests. Taxonomic studies classify it as a synonym of the widespread Maclura tinctoria complex.
Taxonomy
- ∟ царство Plantae
- ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
- ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
- ∟ Angiosperms
- ∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
- ∟ eudicots
- ∟ Superrosids
- ∟ rosids
- ∟ order Rosales
- ∟ family Moraceae
- ∟ genus Maclura (Osage orange)
- ∟ species Maclura affinis (Allied osage orange)
Morphology
Growing as a woody climber (liana) or small tree, Maclura affinis is equipped with strong, hooked spines that facilitate climbing over forest canopies. The stems contain a sticky, white latex that exudes when the plant tissue is damaged.
The leaves are simple, alternate, and smooth, with a distinct acuminate apex. The male and female flowers are borne on separate individuals (dioecious), with female flowers forming dense head-like clusters that mature into small, fleshy compound fruits.
Applications
Historically, the yellow pigment extracted from the wood of Maclura affinis has been used in artisanal textile dyeing. Its wood is also utilized for local construction projects because of its density and resistance to decay.
Interesting facts
- Like other members of its genus, the heartwood contains the organic compound morin, which turns from bright yellow to brown when exposed to air.
- The presence of latex acts as a chemical defense mechanism against herbivorous insects and pests.
- It is a typical component of secondary forest vegetation, colonizing canopy gaps in tropical forests.
Geography of distribution
- Brazil
Sources
- POWO: Plants of the World Online (Kew Science)
- GBIF: Global Biodiversity Information Facility
- WFO: World Flora Online Portal
- Tropicos: Missouri Botanical Garden Database
See also
Silkworm thorn
Maclura tricuspidata
A deciduous tree native to East Asia, Maclura tricuspidata is known for its sweet, melon-flavored …
Dyer's mulberry tree
Maclura tinctoria
A medium to large neotropical tree famed for producing fustic, a natural yellow dye historically …
African Osage Orange
Maclura africana
A woody, thorny scrambler native to southeastern Africa and Madagascar, producing small yellow-orange fruits and …