Smooth Velvet Seed

Title

Smooth Velvet Seed

Authors

Ethan H. Freid

Scientific Name

Guettarda elliptica Sw.

Description

Common Names

Smooth Velvet Seed, Common Velvet Seed

Family

Rubiaceae

Habit

Guettarda elliptica grows as a shrub to small tree up to 7 meters in height (typically 2-3 meters). The leaves are arranged oppositely with triangular stipules between the petioles. The leaves are oval, to 8 cm long, with a rounded to apiculate leaf apex and an entire margin.

The actinomorphic flowers are arranged in few-flowered axillary cymes. The calyx has 2 fused sepals. The corolla has 7 pinkish-white, fused petals. There are 7 stamens that are fused to the perianth forming a hypanthium. The ovary is inferior with a single locule and many seeds. The fruit is a purple/red berry at maturity.

Guettarda elliptica grows in Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formation- Forest/Woodland/Shrubland/Dwarf Shrublands (coppice of all types) as well as Pine Woodlands.

Guettarda elliptica occurs on all island groupings in the Bahamian Archipelago as well as Florida, the Caribbean region, Central America south to Venezuela.

Guettarda elliptica is not used medicinally in the Bahamas.