Osage Orange
Maclura pomifera
The Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) is a resilient, thorny tree famous for its heavy rot-resistant …
Many-veined osage orange (Maclura polyneura)
Tatajiba
Fustic
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
/ License
Maclura polyneura - Botanical Description and Distribution
Thriving in the dense forests of South America, the woody plant Maclura polyneura stands as a fascinating subject of taxonomic interest. First described by the Dutch botanist Friedrich Anton Wilhelm Miquel in 1853, this species showcases the incredible diversity of the Neotropical flora. Over the decades, detailed classification studies have linked this taxon closely with the widely known dye-producing tree Maclura tinctoria.
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 polyneura (Many-veined osage orange)
Morphology
Characterized by its woody habit, Maclura polyneura typically grows as a tree or scrambling shrub with lactescent sap. The branches are armed with sharp, axillary spines that protect the plant from herbivores.
The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate to elliptic in shape. They are particularly distinguished by numerous closely spaced, prominent secondary veins running parallel from the midrib to the margins. The plant is dioecious, bearing small, greenish flowers grouped in globose inflorescences, followed by fleshy, multiple fruits.
Applications
The dense yellow heartwood of Maclura polyneura is highly valued for construction, cabinetry, and heavy-duty outdoor uses because of its natural rot resistance. Additionally, it contains the flavonoid pigment morin, which has historical value as a durable yellow textile dye.
Interesting facts
- The yellow heartwood contains morin, a natural flavonoid dye historically used to color military uniforms, including khaki fabrics.
- The leaves serve as a secondary food source for silkworms in regions where mulberry trees are scarce.
- Its species epithet polyneura highlights the intricate and abundant venation of its foliage.
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 …