Dye maclura green-fruited (Maclura tinctoria var. chlorocarpa)

Fustic Dyer's mulberry
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Maclura tinctoria var. chlorocarpa - Dye Wood and Botanical Profile

Native to the Neotropical regions of South America, Maclura tinctoria var. chlorocarpa is a deciduous or semi-deciduous tree. It is highly valued in traditional ecosystems and historical forestry for its dense wood and ecological adaptability.

This variety grows in a range of forest habitats, from dry deciduous woodlands to moist lowland forests. It represents a resilient component of the tropical canopy.

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 tinctoria (Dyer's mulberry tree)
  • variety Maclura tinctoria var. chlorocarpa (Dye maclura green-fruited)

Living Pulse

Morphology

The botanical structure of this variety includes the following key characteristics:

  • Habit: A medium-to-large tree, often reaching heights of 10 to 20 meters, with a well-developed canopy and spiny branchlets.
  • Leaves: Alternate, simple, ovate-elliptic leaves with entire or slightly serrate margins and acute apexes.
  • Fruit: The specific epithet chlorocarpa indicates the characteristic green color of its mature globose syncarps.
  • Wood: Features a dense, bright yellow heartwood that darkens upon exposure to air and light.

Flowering season

Flowers primarily from late winter through spring, matching the dry-to-wet seasonal transition.

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Applications

Historically and ecologically, this variety has significant utility:

  • Natural Dye Production: The yellow heartwood contains morin, a natural dye used for coloring textiles and leather.
  • High-Quality Timber: The wood is heavy, durable, and resistant to decay, making it suitable for posts, construction, and tool handles.
  • Ecological Value: The green fruits are consumed by various wild birds and bats, facilitating seed dispersal.

Interesting facts

This variety holds several unique features:

  • Green Syncarps: Unlike some other varieties that turn yellow or brown, the mature fruit aggregates of this variety retain a distinct greenish hue.
  • Morin Dye: The extracted dye was widely exported during the colonial era for military uniforms and wool dyeing.
  • Spiny Protection: Young saplings develop prominent spines on their trunks to deter herbivorous predators, which disappear as the tree matures.

Geography of distribution

  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Paraguay

Sources

  • POWO: Kew Plants of the World Online database.
  • GBIF: Global Biodiversity Information Facility.
  • WFO: World Flora Online.

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

See also

True Araucarias

True Araucarias

Araucaria sect. Araucaria

Araucaria sect. Araucaria is a botanical section of evergreen conifers native to South America. It …