Status:
valid
Authors:
Poepp. & Endl.
Source:
tro
Year:
1843
Citation Micro:
Nov. Gen. Sp. Pl. 3: 37 (1843)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001134668
Common Names
- Paullinia Gigantea
- Gigantic Paullinia
- Gigantic Dwarf-broom
Description
Paullinia gigantea (also called Giant Paullinia, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Sapindaceae. It is a shrub or small tree with ovate-lanceolate leaves and small white flowers. It is native to Central and South America, where it is found in tropical and subtropical moist forests. It is also found in disturbed areas and secondary forests.
Uses & Benefits
Paullinia gigantea has been used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a medicinal plant to treat fever, headaches, and other ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Paullinia gigantea are white and star-shaped, with five petals. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are small and green, with a single stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Paullinia gigantea is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub that can reach heights of up to 6 feet (1.8 m). It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is usually done by cuttings, which should be taken in the spring or summer. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems and placed in a potting mix that is kept moist. It is also possible to propagate Paullinia gigantea from seed, although this is not as reliable as cuttings.
Where to Find Paullinia gigantea
Paullinia gigantea is found in Central and South America.
Species in the Paullinia genus
Paullinia carrenoi,
Paullinia capreolata,
Paullinia cauliflora,
Paullinia chocoensis,
Paullinia cirrhipes,
Paullinia bracteosa,
Paullinia brenesii,
Paullinia caloptera,
Paullinia capitata,
Paullinia clavigera,
Paullinia cururu,
Paullinia connaracea,
Paullinia coriacea,
Paullinia cupana,
Paullinia costaricensis,
Paullinia costata,
Paullinia bipinnata,
Paullinia barbadensis,
Paullinia bicorniculata,
Paullinia alata,
Paullinia alsmithii,
Paullinia anisoptera,
Paullinia apoda,
Paullinia leiocarpa,
Paullinia macrophylla,
Paullinia livescens,
Paullinia ingifolia,
Paullinia densiflora,
Paullinia integra,
Paullinia jamaicensis,
Paullinia manarae,
Paullinia micrantha,
Paullinia medullosa,
Paullinia meliifolia,
Paullinia imberbis,
Paullinia filicifolia,
Paullinia fimbriata,
Paullinia echinata,
Paullinia elliptica,
Paullinia emetica,
Paullinia granatensis,
Paullinia grandifolia,
Paullinia hispida,
Paullinia guaviarensis,
Paullinia fuscescens,
Paullinia fraxinifolia,
Paullinia glomerulosa,
Paullinia fusiformis,
Paullinia serjaniifolia,
Paullinia spicata,
Species in the Sapindaceae family