Status:
valid
Authors:
Vahl
Source:
tro
Year:
1797
Citation Micro:
Eclog. Amer. 1: 51 (1797)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001062823
Common Names
- Ryania speciosa
- Showy Ryania
- Spectacular Ryania
Description
Ryania speciosa (also called Ryania, Ryania speciosa, and Ryania speciosa, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree that is native to Central and South America. It has large, glossy green leaves and small white flowers. It is found in tropical and subtropical regions, often in rainforests, and on the edges of forests.
Uses & Benefits
Ryania speciosa is used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria, fever, and other ailments. It is also used as a dye and for making rope and baskets.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Ryania speciosa var. bicolor (DC.) Monach.
Ryania speciosa var. tomentosa (Miq.) Monach.
Ryania speciosa var. stipularis (Linden & Planch.) Monach.
Ryania speciosa var. chocoensis (Triana & Planch.) Monach.
Ryania speciosa var. minor Monach.
Ryania speciosa var. mutisii Monach.
Ryania speciosa var. panamensis Monach.
Ryania speciosa var. subuliflora (Sandwith) Monach.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Ryania speciosa has small, white flowers with four petals and yellow anthers. The seeds are small, dark brown, and round. The seedlings have oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges.
Where to Find Ryania speciosa
Ryania speciosa can be found in the tropical regions of South America, mainly in Brazil and Peru.
Species in the Ryania genus
Species in the Salicaceae family
Abatia angeliana,
Abatia americana,
Abatia canescens,
Abatia glabra,
Abatia mexicana,
Abatia microphylla,
Abatia parviflora,
Abatia rugosa,
Abatia spicata,
Abatia stellata,
Azara alpina,
Azara celastrina,
Azara dentata,
Azara integrifolia,
Azara intermedia,
Azara lanceolata,
Azara microphylla,
Azara petiolaris,
Azara salicifolia,
Azara serrata,
Azara uruguayensis,
Banara acunae,
Banara arguta,
Banara axilliflora,
Banara boliviana,
Banara brasiliensis,
Banara brittonii,
Banara caymanensis,
Banara cordifolia,
Banara domingensis,
Banara excisa,
Banara glauca,
Banara guianensis,
Banara ibaguensis,
Banara larensis,
Banara leptophylla,
Banara minutiflora,
Banara nitida,
Banara orinocensis,
Banara parviflora,
Banara portoricensis,
Banara quinquenervis,
Banara regia,
Banara riparia,
Banara riscoi,
Banara saxicola,
Banara selleana,
Banara serrata,
Banara splendens,
Banara tomentosa,