Status:
valid
Authors:
Triana & Planch.
Source:
tro
Year:
1862
Citation Micro:
Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. , sér. 4, 18: 356 (1862)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001134704
Common Names
- Paullinia pterocarpa
- Pterocarpa Paullinia
- Pterocarpa's Paullinia
Description
Paullinia pterocarpa (also called Winged-Fruited Paullinia, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Sapindaceae family. It is a woody vine with alternate, simple, ovate leaves. It is native to South America, growing in tropical and subtropical forests. It is found in moist, shady areas, often near rivers and streams.
Uses & Benefits
Paullinia pterocarpa is used for timber, firewood, and erosion control. It is also used as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Paullinia pterocarpa has small, white flowers with five petals and yellow stamens. The seeds are small, black and glossy. The seedlings have round, light green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Paullinia pterocarpa 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 pterocarpa from seed, although this is not as reliable as cuttings.
Where to Find Paullinia pterocarpa
Paullinia pterocarpa is found in the tropical and subtropical regions of South America, including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
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