Status:
valid
Authors:
(Afzel.) R.Wilczek
Source:
tro
Year:
1960
Citation Micro:
Fl. Congo Belge 9: 136 (1960)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001065522
Common Names
- Helictonema velutinum
- Velutinum Helictonema
- Velutin's Helictonema
Description
Helictonema velutinum (also called Velvet helictonema, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree that grows up to 8 m tall. It is native to the Atlantic Forest biome of Brazil and is found in the understory of moist forests. It has alternate, simple, ovate leaves with a smooth margin and a pointed tip. The flowers are white and the fruits are red.
Uses & Benefits
Helictonema velutinum is used as a medicinal plant and also as an ornamental plant. It is also used as a source of timber and fuel.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Helictonema velutinum is a yellow, tubular corolla with five petals. The seed is small, black, and round. The seedlings are small and have a single, heart-shaped cotyledon.
Cultivation and Propagation
Helictonema velutinum is a shrub that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate some frost. It can be pruned to maintain a desired size and shape.
Where to Find Helictonema velutinum
Helictonema velutinum is native to South America and can be found in nurseries and garden centers in the United States.
Species in the Helictonema genus
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,