Status:
valid
Authors:
Radlk.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1879
Citation Micro:
Sitzungsber. Math.-Phys. Cl. Königl. Bayer. Akad. Wiss. München 9: 628 (1879)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000453121
Common Names
- Matayba opaca
- Opaque Matayba
- Opaque Maesa
Synonyms
- Matayba affinis Steyerm. [unknown]
- Thouinia polygama G.Mey. [unknown]
- Matayba opaca opaca [unknown]
Description
Matayba opaca (also called Opaque Matayba, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree that can reach up to 10 m in height. It is native to the Caribbean and Central America, where it is found in wet montane forests. It is a shade-tolerant species and is often found in disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Matayba opaca is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It is also used in traditional medicines to treat various ailments.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Matayba opaca var. fallax (Radlk.) Uittien in Pulle
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Matayba opaca are white and bell-shaped, with a yellow center. The seeds are small, black and shiny, and the seedlings are small and green with a single stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Matayba opaca can be propagated by seed or cuttings. For seed propagation, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and warm (around 70-80°F). For cuttings, take 4-6 inch stem cuttings from the plant and place them in a moist potting mix. Keep the soil moist and warm until the cuttings have rooted.
Where to Find Matayba opaca
Matayba opaca is native to the Amazon region of South America and can be found in wet forests at elevations of 1,000-2,500 m.
Matayba opaca FAQ
What is the scientific name of Matayba opaca?
Matayba opaca
What is the family of Matayba opaca?
Sapindaceae
What is the distribution of Matayba opaca?
Venezuela
Species in the Matayba genus
Matayba spruceana,
Matayba scrobiculata,
Matayba robusta,
Matayba ptariana,
Matayba peruviana,
Matayba pallens,
Matayba oppositifolia,
Matayba opaca,
Matayba yutajensis,
Matayba floribunda,
Matayba elegans,
Matayba elaeagnoides,
Matayba clavelligera,
Matayba guianensis,
Matayba camptoneura,
Matayba atropurpurea,
Matayba arborescens,
Matayba apetala,
Matayba adenanthera,
Matayba leucodictya,
Matayba mexicana,
Matayba glaberrima,
Matayba kennedyi,
Matayba kavanayena,
Matayba intermedia,
Matayba ingifolia,
Matayba inelegans,
Matayba longipes,
Matayba ayangannensis,
Matayba discolor,
Matayba grandis,
Matayba heterophylla,
Matayba paucijuga,
Matayba punctata,
Matayba stenodictya,
Matayba sylvatica,
Matayba talisioides,
Matayba domingensis,
Matayba kennedyae,
Matayba purgans,
Matayba macrocarpa,
Matayba verapazensis,
Matayba boliviana,
Matayba marginata,
Matayba juglandifolia,
Matayba cristae,
Matayba mollis,
Matayba obovata,
Matayba livescens,
Species in the Sapindaceae family