Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Laurales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
purpurea
ID:
383921

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Mez) van der Werff

Source:
cmp

Year:
1999

Citation Micro:
Novon 9: 579 (1999)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000383253

Common Names

  • Ocotea Purpurea
  • Purple Ocotea
  • Purple-flowered Ocotea

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Synonyms

  • Nectandra capituliforma Lundell [unknown]
  • Phoebe purpurea Mez [unknown]

Description

Ocotea purpurea (also called Purple Ocotea, among many other common names) is a small tree or shrub native to Central and South America. It has a straight trunk and a rounded crown, with leathery leaves that are dark green on top and paler underneath. It prefers moist, well-drained soils in tropical and subtropical climates and can be found in lowland forests, montane forests, and disturbed habitats.

Uses & Benefits

Ocotea purpurea is a medicinal plant used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, headaches, and digestive issues. It has also been used as an insect repellent and to make a fragrant oil. It can also be used as an ornamental plant in gardens and is known for its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Ocotea purpurea has small, purple flowers with yellow anthers. The seeds are small and black and the seedlings have a single, thin stem with small, oval-shaped leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Ocotea purpurea is a perennial evergreen shrub that can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or layering. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate some flooding. It is best to water it regularly and fertilize it every few weeks.

Where to Find Ocotea purpurea

Ocotea purpurea can be found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Central and South America.

Ocotea purpurea FAQ

What is the scientific name of Ocotea purpurea?

Ocotea purpurea

What is the family of Ocotea purpurea?

Lauraceae

What is the habitat of Ocotea purpurea?

It is found in tropical rainforests, from sea level to 1,500 m altitude.

Species in the Ocotea genus

Ocotea haberi, Ocotea holdridgeana, Ocotea hilariana, Ocotea heydeana, Ocotea hueckii, Ocotea harrisii, Ocotea guianensis, Ocotea guatemalensis, Ocotea lanata, Ocotea itatiaiae, Ocotea huberi, Ocotea insularis, Ocotea inhauba, Ocotea indecora, Ocotea imrayana, Ocotea hypoglauca, Ocotea foetens, Ocotea foeniculacea, Ocotea fendleri, Ocotea felix, Ocotea fasciculata, Ocotea esmeraldana, Ocotea erectifolia, Ocotea endresiana, Ocotea elegans, Ocotea jorge-escobarii, Ocotea gracilis, Ocotea gracilipes, Ocotea gordonii, Ocotea gomezii, Ocotea glomerata, Ocotea glaucosericea, Ocotea laetevirens, Ocotea froesii, Ocotea fulvescens, Ocotea glaucophylla, Ocotea glabra, Ocotea glauca, Ocotea gabonensis, Ocotea martinicensis, Ocotea obovata, Ocotea maranguapensis, Ocotea megacarpa, Ocotea magnilimba, Ocotea olivacea, Ocotea odorifera, Ocotea moschata, Ocotea mollicella, Ocotea micans, Ocotea meziana,

Species in the Lauraceae family

Actinodaphne acuminata, Actinodaphne albifrons, Actinodaphne amabilis, Actinodaphne ambigua, Actinodaphne archboldiana, Actinodaphne areolata, Actinodaphne bicolor, Actinodaphne borneensis, Actinodaphne bourdillonii, Actinodaphne bourneae, Actinodaphne brassii, Actinodaphne caesia, Actinodaphne campanulata, Actinodaphne candolleana, Actinodaphne celebica, Actinodaphne cinerea, Actinodaphne concinna, Actinodaphne concolor, Actinodaphne corymbosa, Actinodaphne crassa, Actinodaphne cupularis, Actinodaphne diversifolia, Actinodaphne dolichophylla, Actinodaphne elegans, Actinodaphne ellipticibacca, Actinodaphne engleriana, Actinodaphne ferruginea, Actinodaphne forrestii, Actinodaphne fragilis, Actinodaphne fuliginosa, Actinodaphne furfuracea, Actinodaphne glabra, Actinodaphne glauca, Actinodaphne glaucina, Actinodaphne glomerata, Actinodaphne gracilis, Actinodaphne henryi, Actinodaphne hirsuta, Actinodaphne hypoleucophylla, Actinodaphne javanica, Actinodaphne johorensis, Actinodaphne kinabaluensis, Actinodaphne koshepangii, Actinodaphne kostermansii, Actinodaphne kweichowensis, Actinodaphne lanata, Actinodaphne lanceolata, Actinodaphne latifolia, Actinodaphne lawsonii, Actinodaphne lecomtei,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-2386820: Based on the initial data import
Henk van der Werff (b.1946): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'van der Werff' in the authors string.
Carl Christian Mez (1866-1944): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Mez' in the authors string.