Puerto Rican Quassia (Quassia tulae)

Aceitunillo
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Quassia tulae: Aceitunillo Tree of Puerto Rico

Restricted to the wet montane forests of Puerto Rico, Quassia tulae stands out as an ecologically significant endemic evergreen tree. Commonly known as aceitunillo, this species populates the high-elevation slopes of the Cordillera Central.

Taxonomy

  • ∟ царство Plantae
  • ∟ division Tracheophytes
  • ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • ∟ Angiosperms
  • ∟ mesangiosperms
  • ∟ eudicots
  • ∟ Superrosids
  • ∟ rosids
  • ∟ malvids
  • ∟ order Sapindales
  • ∟ family Simaroubaceae (Quassia family)
  • ∟ genus Quassia (Quassia Wood)
  • ∟ species Quassia tulae (Puerto Rican Quassia)

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Morphology

The growth habit of Quassia tulae is upright, developing into a medium-sized canopy tree with dark, smooth bark. The leaves are compound and coriaceous, showing a glossy green surface.

Key botanical features include:

  • Flowers: Striking reddish or bright pink blossoms arranged in small panicles.
  • Fruits: Small, dark drupes that resemble miniature olives upon reaching maturity.
  • Foliage: Dense evergreen leaves that provide continuous shade throughout the year.

Flowering season

Spring and summer, generally from March to August

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Applications

The hard wood of Quassia tulae is highly resistant to decay and has been used locally in forest restoration projects. Its vibrant red flowers also attract native avian pollinators, supporting local biodiversity conservation.

Interesting facts

The Spanish common name aceitunillo translates to "little olive," referring to the striking physical resemblance of its small, dark ripe fruits to cultivated olives.

Unlike many other members of its genus that bear pale greenish flowers, this species displays red petals to attract hummingbirds.

Geography of distribution

  • Puerto Rico

Sources

  • Plants of the World Online (POWO)
  • World Flora Online (WFO)
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

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