Aspidosperma macrophyllum
Aspidosperma macrophyllum Müll.Arg.
Aspidosperma macrophyllum Müll.Arg., a species in the Apocynaceae family, was first described in 1860 based on a specimen collected by Richard Schomburgk from Takutu, Guyana. The species has been the subject of taxonomic discussion, particularly regarding its relationship with Paralyxia schomburgkii, described later by Baillon (1888) from the same collection. Some authors proposed placing it in a separate genus, but others, including this study, support its inclusion in Aspidosperma due to shared morphological traits such as an arboreal habit, alternate leaves, coriaceous follicles, and winged seeds. The species is distributed in Brazil, French Guiana, and Guyana.
Description
Aspidosperma macrophyllum Müll.Arg. was published in 1860 and is based on the specimen Rich. Schomburgk 547 from Takutu. A related specimen, Rob. Schomburgk 277, from Pirara, is a separate collection. The taxonomic history includes a proposal by Markgraf (1937) to recognize Paralyxia macrophylla to honor the earlier name A. macrophyllum and treat Paralyxia as a distinct genus. However, this was not universally accepted. Woodson (1951) supported the separation, but Pichon (1947) and Allorge & Poupat (1991) maintained A. macrophyllum. This study confirms the synonymy of Paralyxia within Aspidosperma due to overlapping diagnostic features. The species is found in Brazil, French Guiana, and Guyana.
Distribution
BR · Global · French Guiana · Guyana
Synonyms
Macaglia macrophyllaParalyxia macrophylla
