Spiny Maclura (Maclura spinosa)

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Maclura spinosa (Spiny Maclura): Botanical Profile & Taxonomy

Bearing formidable sharp thorns along its sprawling woody branches, Maclura spinosa grows in the dry forest regions of India and Sri Lanka. The plant belongs to the mulberry family, Moraceae, and frequently forms dense thickets. These thorny hedges provide crucial nesting sites and protection for various local bird species.

Historically known under the synonym Plecospermum spinosum, the taxon was reclassified in 1986 by C. C. Berg. It is well-adapted to survive seasonal droughts typical of dry deciduous scrublands.

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 spinosa (Spiny Maclura)

Morphology

Maclura spinosa is a woody scrambling shrub or climber that grows several meters tall, armed with sharp axillary spines. The alternate, simple leaves are elliptic to obovate in shape, displaying entire margins and a glabrous surface. When the stems or leaves are punctured, the plant exudes a thick, white latex.

The reproductive structures are dioecious, with male and female flowers occurring on separate plants. The flowers are aggregated into dense, peduncled, globose capitula. The female inflorescences eventually develop into small, fleshy, globose syncarps containing embedded seeds.

Applications

The thorny branches of Maclura spinosa make it highly suitable for live fencing, helping farmers protect agricultural fields from grazing livestock. Additionally, the wood has been used in traditional dyeing processes due to the presence of yellow pigments, which is a characteristic shared with other members of the genus Maclura.

Interesting facts

The plant was once considered the sole member of its own genus, Plecospermum, before modern molecular and morphological studies placed it in Maclura. Its spines serve as a potent evolutionary defense against large herbivores in dry tropical habitats.

Geography of distribution

India
Sri Lanka

Sources

Plants of the World Online (POWO). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
World Flora Online (WFO).
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).
Missouri Botanical Garden (Tropicos.org).

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

Spiny Maclura (Maclura spinosa)