Osage Orange
Maclura pomifera
The Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) is a resilient, thorny tree famous for its heavy rot-resistant …
Andaman Maclura (Maclura andamanica)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Maclura andamanica: Botanical Profile of the Andaman Liana
Thriving within the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and the Andaman archipelago, Maclura andamanica grows as a vigorous woody climber. This species is a member of the mulberry family, Moraceae, and exhibits specialized climbing mechanisms. Its presence in coastal and inland forest habitats represents an important component of regional biodiversity.
First described scientifically by Joseph Dalton Hooker, the plant was later reclassified under its current name by C. C. Berg. It typically populates forest edges and riverbanks where it can access sufficient sunlight by scaling taller trees.
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 andamanica (Andaman Maclura)
Morphology
Maclura andamanica is a deciduous liana armed with sharp axillary thorns that aid in climbing. The leaves are arranged alternately along the woody stems, featuring simple blades with entire margins and prominent pinnate venation. Like other members of the Moraceae family, the plant contains a network of laticifers that exude milky latex upon tissue damage.
This dioecious species develops male and female flowers on separate individuals. The minute flowers are clustered in dense, spherical heads. Following successful pollination, the female inflorescence matures into a fleshy, globose multiple fruit composed of numerous small drupes.
Interesting facts
The taxonomic transfer carried out by C. C. Berg in 1986 unified several former genera, such as Cudrania and Plecospermum, under the genus Maclura. This change demonstrated the close evolutionary relationship between species occurring on different continents, such as North America and Southeast Asia.
The presence of spines and milky latex are effective defense mechanisms developed by the plant. These structures protect young leaves from the attacks of large herbivores in the dense tropical forests it inhabits.
Geography of distribution
- Myanmar
- Andaman Islands (India)
- Vietnam
- Thailand
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- World Flora Online (WFO).
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).
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 …