Xylopia grandiflora

Plant Characteristics

Cultivation

Scientific Names

Read about Xylopia grandiflora in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture

Xylopia grandiflora, Aubl. (X. cubensis, A. Rich. X. longifolia, A. DC.). Malagueto Macho. Malagunto Grande. Zember. Fruta del Burro. Achon. Fig. 4018. Tree with younger branches rufous-tomentose near extremities: lvs. approximate, distichous, elliptical-lanceolate or oblong, acute at the apex, usually obtuse at the base, puberulous above, tomentose and rufescent beneath, the blade 4 in. or more in length, the petiole about 1/4 in. long, grooved above, tomentose and rufous: peduncles axillary, very short, 2-fld.; pedicels incurved, bracteate, villous, ferrugineous: fls. often 2 in. long; calyx short, cup-shaped, shortly 3-parted; petals erect, the outer ones linear, acutish, concave at the base, silky near the base, sub-tomentose above; the inner ones shorter and narrower, linear and triquetrous, acute, expanded and shell-like at the concave base, so as to cover the essential parts; receptacle hollowed in the center, forming a cavity in which the ovaries are included, the styles protruding beyond its opening. A wide geographical range, which has undoubtedly been extended through human agency. It is spread in S. Amer. from Brazil to Panama and also occurs in Cuba, where it is known as Malagueta brava, or "wild melegueta," and Guacima Maria, or St. Mary's guacima."—Varies considerably in the size and pubescence of its lvs. According to Baillon the frs. of this species, together with those of X. frutescens and X. sericea (X. carminativa), are offered for sale in the pharmacies of Brazil. They contain large cells filled with a volatile aromatic oil, having a pepper-like flavor, but more agreeable and delicate than pepper. Martius regards these frs. as worthy of intro. into the pharmacopoeia, on account of their tonic and carminative properties. The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.

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References

• Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture, by L. H. Bailey, MacMillan Co., 1963

External links

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