Vitex megapotamica explained

Vitex megapotamica is a hardwood fruit tree found in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and southern Brazil.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] In Brazil it is commonly called tarumã.

The tarumã grows to be up to ten metres tall.[5] Its bark is coloured dark grey; its compound leaves have a long petiole and five elliptic leaflets.[5] The small, abundant flowers developed into fleshy stone fruit. The fruits are eaten by a number of species, and serve also as fishing bait.[5]

Tarumã grows from the Southeast Region of Brazil to the South Region, and on through Uruguay and Paraguay to Argentina.[5]

In Brazil, its common names include azeitona do mato (forest olive), azeitona brava, cinco folhas (five leaves), copiúba, sombra de touro (bull's shadow), and tarumã romã (tarumã pomegranate).[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Tropicos.org. Missouri Botanical Garden. 6 July 2017.
  2. Web site: The Plant List (2013). Version 1.1. Published on the Internet. 6 July 2017.
  3. Web site: WCSP. 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet. R. Govaerts. Oliveira-Filho, A.T.. de Lima, C.T.. França, F.. Paña-Chocarro, M.C.. Espada-Mateos, C.. Vera, M.. Céspedes, G.. Knapp, S.. amp. Jørgensen, P.M.. Nee, M.H.. Beck., S.G.. 6 July 2017.
  4. Web site: Vitex in Flora do Brasil 2020 em construção. Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro. 6 July 2017.
  5. Web site: Tarumã . Trilhas da ESALQ . . Portuguese . 2016-04-04.