Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Celastrales
Species:
elliptica
ID:
713571

Status:
valid

Authors:
Schönland

Source:
cmp

Year:
1919

Citation Micro:
Mem. Bot. Surv. South Africa 1: 73 (1919)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000712904



Common Names

  • Gymnosporia
  • Chinese Evergreen
  • Chinese Elm


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Synonyms

  • Celastrus ellipticus Thunb. [unknown]
  • Gymnosporia heterophylla stenophylla Loes. [valid]

Description

Gymnosporia elliptica (also called Prickly Currant, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 8 m tall. It is native to eastern and southern Africa, and is found in woodlands, savannas, and grasslands. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate to lanceolate in shape. Its flowers are small and white, and the fruits are round and red.

Uses & Benefits

Gymnosporia elliptica is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a source of food for birds and other animals. Its leaves are used to make tea and its wood is used for fuel.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Gymnosporia elliptica has small, white, bell-shaped flowers with yellow anthers. The seeds are small, round and black. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Gymnosporia elliptica is a small evergreen shrub that can reach up to 1.5 m in height. It is best grown in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. Propagation is usually done by cuttings, which should be taken in spring or summer. The cuttings should be placed in a moist, well-drained mix and kept in a warm, humid environment until they have rooted.

Where to Find Gymnosporia elliptica

Gymnosporia elliptica can be found in South Africa.

Gymnosporia elliptica FAQ

What is the common name of Gymnosporia elliptica?

Common name of Gymnosporia elliptica is African boxthorn

What is the growth habit of Gymnosporia elliptica?

Gymnosporia elliptica is a shrub or small tree

What is the native range of Gymnosporia elliptica?

Gymnosporia elliptica is native to southern Africa

Species in the Gymnosporia genus

Gymnosporia jinyangensis, Gymnosporia orbiculata, Gymnosporia acuminata, Gymnosporia addat, Gymnosporia alaternifolia, Gymnosporia andongensis, Gymnosporia annobonensis, Gymnosporia arbutifolia, Gymnosporia arenicola, Gymnosporia bachmannii, Gymnosporia bailadillana, Gymnosporia baumii, Gymnosporia benguelensis, Gymnosporia beniensis, Gymnosporia berberoides, Gymnosporia bonii, Gymnosporia brevipetala, Gymnosporia buchananii, Gymnosporia buxifolia, Gymnosporia buxifolioides, Gymnosporia capitata, Gymnosporia cassinoides, Gymnosporia chevalieri, Gymnosporia commiphoroides, Gymnosporia cortii, Gymnosporia crataegina, Gymnosporia crenata, Gymnosporia devenishii, Gymnosporia dhofarensis, Gymnosporia divaricata, Gymnosporia diversifolia, Gymnosporia drummondii, Gymnosporia elliptica, Gymnosporia emarginata, Gymnosporia engleriana, Gymnosporia falconeri, Gymnosporia forsskaoliana, Gymnosporia fruticosa, Gymnosporia gariepensis, Gymnosporia glaucophylla, Gymnosporia gracilipes, Gymnosporia gracilis, Gymnosporia grandifolia, Gymnosporia grossularia, Gymnosporia gurueensis, Gymnosporia hainanensis, Gymnosporia harenensis, Gymnosporia harlandii, Gymnosporia harveyana, Gymnosporia heterophylla,

Species in the Celastraceae family

Acanthothamnus aphyllus, Allocassine laurifolia, Anthodon decussatus, Anthodon panamense, Apatophyllum constablei, Apatophyllum flavovirens, Apatophyllum macgillivrayi, Apatophyllum olsenii, Apatophyllum teretifolium, Apodostigma pallens, Arnicratea cambodiana, Arnicratea ferruginea, Bequaertia mucronata, Brassiantha pentamera, Brassiantha hedraiantheroides, Brexia alaticarpa, Brexia australis, Brexia madagascariensis, Brexia marioniae, Brexiella cymosa, Brexiella ilicifolia, Campylostemon angolense, Campylostemon bequaertii, Campylostemon danckelmannianus, Campylostemon laurentii, Campylostemon lindequistianus, Campylostemon mitophorus, Campylostemon warneckeanum, Canotia holacantha, Canotia wendtii, Cassine albens, Cassine balae, Cassine burkeana, Cassine congylos, Cassine grossa, Cassine kedarnathii, Cassine koordersii, Cassine megaphylla, Cassine micrantha, Cassine obiensis, Cassine parvifolia, Cassine peragua, Cassine kamurensis, Catha edulis, Celastrus aculeatus, Celastrus angulata, Celastrus australis, Celastrus caseariifolius, Celastrus cuneatus, Celastrus flagellaris,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-2836086: Based on the initial data import
Selmar Schonland (1860-1940): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Schönland' in the authors string.