Vismia cauliflora A.C.Sm.

  • Authority

    Ewan, Joseph A. 1962. Synopsis of the South American species of Vismia (Guttiferae). Contr. U. S. Natl. Herb. 35: 293-377. pls. 1-5.

  • Family

    Clusiaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Vismia cauliflora A.C.Sm.

  • Type

    Type: Along the road to Aleixo, Munic. Manáus, basin of Rio Negro, Amazonas, Brazil, Krukoff 7947 (NY; isotypes, A, BM, G, K, MO, S, U). Paratype from Livramento, Munic. Humaytá, basin of Rio Madeira, Amazonas, Brazil, Krukoff 6976 (A; dupl. paratypes, BM, G, K, S, U, US).

  • Description

    Description - [No description provided.]

  • Discussion

    Shrub-like tree 4-8 m. high, often with few, short branches. In some particulars this Vismia is the most distinctive species in the genus, though evidently rarely collected. Its affinities are clearly with V. angusta, but, as Ducke has commented,17 the sessile glomerate inflorescence alone would easily separate it from all other species. The striking leaves with blades measuring up to 65 cm. long, or longer than originally described, display an unusual shape recalling those of Ficus lyrata (F. pandurata); they are evenly narrowed for their lower half and shallowly cordate at the very narrow base. The common name is reported as "lacre."