Status:
valid
Authors:
(Merr.) Kosterm.
Source:
ksu
Year:
1969
Citation Micro:
Reinwardtia 7: 427 (1969)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000376532
Common Names
- Mesua elmeri
- Cobra's Saffron
- Iron Wood
Synonyms
- Kayea elmeri Merr. [unknown]
Description
Mesua elmeri (also called Ironwood Tree, among many other common names) is a species of tropical tree in the Calophyllaceae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent, Indochina, and Malesia. Its habitats include tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and riverside forests.
Uses & Benefits
Mesua elmeri is used as an ornamental plant and is also used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as fever, pain, and inflammation.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Mesua elmeri is a white, fragrant flower with four petals. The seed is a small, dark brown, ovoid capsule. The seedlings are small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Mesua elmeri is a tropical evergreen tree that can be propagated from seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It is hardy to USDA zones 10-12.
Where to Find Mesua elmeri
Mesua elmeri is native to India and can be found in the tropical forests of the Western Ghats.
Mesua elmeri FAQ
What is the common name of Mesua elmeri?
Elmer's Mesua
What is the growth habit of Mesua elmeri?
It is an evergreen tree with a spreading habit.
What is the soil type preferred by Mesua elmeri?
It prefers moist, well-drained soils.
Species in the Mesua genus
Mesua larnachiana,
Mesua grandis,
Mesua kochummeniana,
Mesua korthalsiana,
Mesua myrtifolia,
Mesua lanceolata,
Mesua floribunda,
Mesua lepidota,
Mesua macrantha,
Mesua macrocarpa,
Mesua manii,
Mesua catharinae,
Mesua clemensiorum,
Mesua daphnifolia,
Mesua garciae,
Mesua elmeri,
Mesua eugeniifolia,
Mesua stylosa,
Mesua rosea,
Mesua megalocarpa,
Mesua sukoeana,
Mesua thwaitesii,
Mesua wrayi,
Mesua navesii,
Mesua nervosa,
Mesua nivenii,
Mesua nuda,
Mesua oblongifolia,
Mesua racemosa,
Mesua paniculata,
Mesua philippinensis,
Mesua planigemma,
Mesua pulchella,
Mesua purseglovei,
Mesua paludosa,
Mesua calophylloides,
Mesua assamica,
Mesua beccariana,
Mesua hexapetala,
Mesua pustulata,
Mesua ferrea,
Mesua macrophylla,
Species in the Calophyllaceae family
Calophyllum acidus,
Calophyllum acutiputamen,
Calophyllum aerarium,
Calophyllum alboramulum,
Calophyllum amblyphyllum,
Calophyllum andersonii,
Calophyllum angulare,
Calophyllum apetalum,
Calophyllum archipelagi,
Calophyllum ardens,
Calophyllum articulatum,
Calophyllum aurantiacum,
Calophyllum aureobrunnescens,
Calophyllum aureum,
Calophyllum austroindicum,
Calophyllum balansae,
Calophyllum banyengii,
Calophyllum bicolor,
Calophyllum biflorum,
Calophyllum bifurcatum,
Calophyllum blancoi,
Calophyllum brachyphyllum,
Calophyllum bracteatum,
Calophyllum brasiliense,
Calophyllum brassii,
Calophyllum calaba,
Calophyllum calcicola,
Calophyllum caledonicum,
Calophyllum canum,
Calophyllum carrii,
Calophyllum castaneum,
Calophyllum caudatum,
Calophyllum celebicum,
Calophyllum cerasiferum,
Calophyllum ceriferum,
Calophyllum chapelieri,
Calophyllum clemensiorum,
Calophyllum collinum,
Calophyllum comorense,
Calophyllum complanatum,
Calophyllum confertum,
Calophyllum confusum,
Calophyllum cordato-oblongum,
Calophyllum coriaceum,
Calophyllum costatum,
Calophyllum costulatum,
Calophyllum cucullatum,
Calophyllum cuneifolium,
Calophyllum dasypodium,
Calophyllum depressinervosum,