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Myrcianthes fragrans

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Myrcianthes fragrans
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Myrcianthes
Species:
M. fragrans
Binomial name
Myrcianthes fragrans
(Sw.) McVaugh
Myrcianthes fragrans leaf. Picture taken on the campus of the University of the Virgin Islands, St.Thomas

Myrcianthes fragrans, commonly known as twinberry[1] or Simpson's stopper, is a tree in the family of Myrtaceae, native to Florida, the United States Virgin Islands, other countries within the Caribbean, Central America and northern South America. It is a common tree in moist tropical forests of the region.[2]

Description

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Myrcianthes fragrans can grow up to 6.096 m (20 ft) in length, the plant may grow as a shrub or small tree. It blooms white small flowers and green berries.[3] The leaves are of a dark green color and give off a subtle nutmeg scent.[4] The leaves are generally three inches (76 mm) in length and have an elliptical shape.

Usage

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Used medically to treat gastrointestinal problems.[5]

References

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  1. ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "​Myrcianthes fragrans​". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 11 April 2017.
  2. ^ Acevedo-Rogriguez, P. (1996). Flora of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden, vol. 78.
  3. ^ Setzer, M. C., Newby, J. S., Moriarity, D. M., & Setzer, W. N. (2015). A phytopharmaceutical survey of Abaco Island, Bahamas. American Journal of Essential Oils and Natural Products, 2(5), 10-17.
  4. ^ Brown, S. H., Mason, B., & Gardener, M. Myrcianthes fragrans Family: Myrtaceae.
  5. ^ Eldridge, J. (1975). Bush medicine in the Exumas and long island, bahamas a field study. Economic Botany, 29(4), 307-332.