Curatella

<i>Curatella</i>

Curatella

Genus of flowering plants

This article is about the species of tree. For the surname, see Curatella (surname).

Curatella americana, commonly known as the wild cashew tree,[3] sambaı́ba,[3] and the sandpaper tree,[4] is a species of tree in the family Dilleniaceae. It is the sole accepted species in genus Curatella.[2]

Quick Facts Curatella, Conservation status ...

Description

Curatella americana is a semi-deciduous tree with a dense, rounded crown. It typically grows 6 to 10 meters (20 to 33 ft) tall. The trunk is short, thick, and usually crooked, up to 40–50 centimeters (16–20 in) in diameter.[4]

Range

Curatella americana ranges through the tropical Americas, including northern South America (Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guyanas), Central America from Panama to Mexico, and the western Caribbean.[4]

Habitat

Curatella americana is generally found in savanna and dry forest habitats. In Guatemala, it is found on dry open or brushy hillsides below 1,200 meters (3,900 ft) elevation, or growing among pines.[4]

Human uses

Parts of the plant, including its edible fruits and seeds, are a local source of food, traditional medicines, and other commodities. It is generally harvested from the wild, although it is sometimes planted for its fruits and seeds. It is widely grown as an ornamental plant in Central America.[4]

References

  1. [1]
    Ball, J.; Canteiro, C. (2021). "Curatella americana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T158456855A158506793. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T158456855A158506793.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. [2]
    "Curatella americana". The Plant List. Accessed 1 March 2021
  3. [3]
    Alexandre-Moreira, Magna Suzana; Piuvezam, Marcia Regina; Araújo, C.C.; Thomas, G. (November 1999). "Studies on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Curatella americana L." Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 67 (2): 171–177. doi:10.1016/S0378-8741(99)00009-4. PMID 10619381 – via ResearchGate.
  4. [4]
    "Curatella americana". Useful Tropical Plants. Accessed 1 March 2021.
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