Strychnos pachycarpa Ducke

• Authority

  Krukoff, Boris A. & Barneby, Rupert C. 1969. Supplementary notes on the American species of Strychnos. VIII. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 20: 1-93, IX. 94-99.

• Family

  Loganiaceae

• Scientific Name

  Strychnos pachycarpa Ducke

• Description

  Species Description - Mature fruits globose, large, 6-9 cm in diam; shell very thick, 9-10 mm thick, shining, smooth; testa composed of coarse brown fibers enclosing the endosperm like a sac; seeds about 8, in the shape of thick discs, the larger being 24 mm long and 12 mm thick; fruit-pedicels about 10 mm in diam; pulp is edible with pleasant odor and taste [Ducke sn (Jan 30, 1943) and others].

• Discussion

  This species could be identified specifically on fruit characters (testa composed of coarse brown fibers, a very thick shell and a large thick disc-like seeds). S. neglecta, of which fruits are unknown, may have similar fruits. This is the third collection of the species (the first 2 collections were made from the same plant) in the locality where it was expected. In the high forest on terra firme in the same locality S. krukoffiana should be found; this also is known only from 2 collections from a single plant. This species is a huge bush-rope which abounds in the high forest on terra firme.

• Distribution

  Brazil South America|