Status:
valid
Authors:
Radlk.
Source:
tro
Year:
1878
Citation Micro:
Sitzungsber. Math.-Phys. Cl. Königl. Bayer. Akad. Wiss. München 8: 372 (1878)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001134865
Common Names
- Toulicia laevigata
- Smooth Toulicia
- Laevigata Toulicia
Description
Toulicia laevigata (also called Smooth Toulicia, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree that can reach up to 4 meters in height. It has a smooth bark and its leaves are ovate-oblong, with a pointed tip. It is native to Central America and the Caribbean, and it is found in tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests.
Uses & Benefits
Toulicia laevigata is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a ground cover. It is also used to make herbal teas and is known to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Toulicia laevigata is white or yellowish-white, with a diameter of about 2 cm. The seed is ovoid-globose, with a diameter of about 0.7 cm. The seedlings are slender, with a length of about 10 cm.
Cultivation and Propagation
Toulicia laevigata is a fast-growing, evergreen, woody shrub that can be propagated from cuttings or by layering. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It can be grown in containers or in the ground and should be pruned regularly to keep it in shape.
Where to Find Toulicia laevigata
Toulicia laevigata can be found in Central America, from Mexico to Panama.
Species in the Toulicia genus
Toulicia crassifolia,
Toulicia pulvinata,
Toulicia petiolulata,
Toulicia megalocarpa,
Toulicia guianensis,
Toulicia radlkoferi,
Toulicia bullata,
Toulicia elliptica,
Toulicia laevigata,
Toulicia stans,
Toulicia eriocarpa,
Toulicia patentinervis,
Toulicia subsquamulata,
Toulicia reticulata,
Toulicia tomentosa,
Species in the Sapindaceae family