Gluta velutina is a plant of tropical Asia in the cashew and sumac family Anacardiaceae. The specific epithet velutina is from the Latin meaning "velvety", referring to the inflorescences.[2]

Gluta velutina
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Sapindales
Family: Anacardiaceae
Genus: Gluta
Species:
G. velutina
Binomial name
Gluta velutina
Synonyms[1]

Description edit

 
Leaves and fruits

Gluta velutina grows as a shrub or tree up to 7 metres (20 ft) tall, with stilt-roots. Its smooth bark is brownish. The leaves measure up to 19 cm (7 in) long. The flowers are white. Its roundish, pale brown fruits measure up to 7.5 cm (3 in) in diameter.[2] The wood can cause dermatitis and the fruit and leaves are poisonous.[3]

Distribution and habitat edit

Gluta velutina grows naturally in Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Java. Its habitat is tidal rivers and it is often found with the species Barringtonia conoidea and Pandanus helicopus.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Gluta velutina Blume". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 20 Jul 2015 – via The Plant List. Note that this website has been superseded by World Flora Online
  2. ^ a b c Kochummen, K. M. (1996). "Gluta velutina Blume". In Soepadmo, E.; Wong, K. M.; Saw, L. G. (eds.). Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak. (free online from the publisher, lesser resolution scan PDF versions). Vol. 2. Forest Research Institute Malaysia. p. 29. ISBN 983-9592-56-4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 September 2013. Retrieved 20 Jul 2015.
  3. ^ Quattrocchi, Umberto (2012). CRC World Dictionary of Medicinal and Poisonous Plants. CRC Press. p. 1856. ISBN 978-1-4822-5064-0. Retrieved 20 Jul 2015.