Margaritaria nobilis

Margaritaria nobilis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Phyllanthaceae
Genus: Margaritaria
Species:
M. nobilis
Binomial name
Margaritaria nobilis

Margaritaria nobilis, also known as the bastard hogberry, is a fruit-bearing plant in the family Phyllanthaceae. It is native to Mexico, Central America, South America, and the West Indies.[1]

Description

Margaritaria nobilis is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall.[2] The leaves are alternate, simple, and entire, typically ovate to elliptic in shape. Its small greenish flowers are unisexual and are typically clustered in axillary inflorescences.[3]

The fruit is a capsule that splits open to reveal bright iridescent blue seeds. The striking blue color is not due to pigmentation but results from structural coloration caused by the unique arrangement of cellulose microfibrils that interfere with light waves, producing a metallic sheen.[4]

Distribution and Habitat

Margaritaria nobilis is distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It occurs from southern Mexico through Central America (including Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras) down to Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. It also grows in the Caribbean islands.[1] It typically inhabits lowland rainforests and secondary forests, thriving in well-drained soils at altitudes up to 1000 meters.[5]

Ecology

The plant’s bright blue seeds are attractive to birds, which aid in seed dispersal by consuming the fleshy part and excreting the seeds elsewhere.[6] The tree also provides habitat and food for various insect species, contributing to the biodiversity of tropical forest ecosystems.

Uses

Although not widely cultivated, Margaritaria nobilis has some traditional uses. In parts of Central and South America, its wood is occasionally used for light construction and fuel.[3] The unique appearance of its seeds makes them a subject of interest for ornamental and artistic purposes.[7] However, the plant is not known to have significant medicinal or economic importance on a large scale.

Conservation Status

As of 2025, Margaritaria nobilis has not been assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and there are no immediate conservation concerns noted across its wide range. However, habitat destruction in parts of its distribution range could pose local threats.[8]

References

  1. ^ a b "Margaritaria nobilis". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  2. ^ Barroso, G.M. (1984). Sistemática de Angiospermas do Brasil. Universidade Federal de Viçosa.
  3. ^ a b Smith, L.B. (1982). Flora Ilustrada Catarinense. and others. Herbário Barbosa Rodrigues.
  4. ^ Vignolini, S. (2012). "Pointillist structural color in Pollia fruit". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 109 (39): 15712–15715. doi:10.1073/pnas.1210105109. PMC 3465391.
  5. ^ "Margaritaria nobilis". Tropicos. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  6. ^ Snow, D.W. (1971). "Fruit-eating Birds and Their Role in Seed Dispersal". Biotropica. 3 (1). and others: 1–9. doi:10.2307/2989841.
  7. ^ "The World's Most Beautiful Seeds". Nature News. Nature Publishing Group. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  8. ^ "Global Forest Watch". Global Forest Watch. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
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