Punchberry
Myrcia splendens (Sw.) DC.
Myrcia splendens, commonly known as Punchberry, is a species of tree or shrub in the Myrtaceae family. It is native to a wide range across tropical America, from Mexico to Argentina, and is particularly widespread in Brazil. The plant is recognized by its elliptic or lanceolate leaves with a flat or raised midvein on the upper surface, a pilose hypanthium and style, and ellipsoid fruits marked with glands. It is commonly found in campo rupestre vegetation, a type of high-altitude, rocky savanna ecosystem, and in forest fragments in the Amazon and Atlantic Forest regions.
Description
Myrcia splendens is a tree or shrub that typically grows between 2 and 13 meters in height. The twigs are pubescent with a yellowish indumentum. The leaves have petioles 2 to 4 mm long and blades that are elliptic, lanceolate, or ovate-lanceolate in shape, measuring 3 to 12.8 cm in length and 1.3 to 3.8 cm in width. The upper surface of the leaves is glabrous or sparsely pubescent, while the lower surface is pubescent with a yellowish covering. The midvein is flat on the upper surface, and the lateral veins are slightly visible and not arched. The inflorescence is a terminal or subterminal pyramidal panicle with lax flowers. The calyx lobes are orbicular and densely pubescent on the upper surface. The immature fruits are ellipsoid and pubescent, with glands visible on the surface.
Habitat
This species is primarily found in campo rupestre vegetation, a high-altitude, rocky savanna ecosystem, as well as in forest fragments in the Amazon and Atlantic Forest regions. It is commonly observed in areas such as Itacolomi State Park in Minas Gerais, Brazil, and various protected areas in Colombia, including the Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Chiribiquete and the Parque Nacional Natural El Tuparro. Myrcia splendens thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, often in rocky or well-drained soils.
Cultivation
While specific cultivation details for Myrcia splendens are not widely documented, it is likely suited to tropical and subtropical climates with well-drained soils. Given its natural occurrence in campo rupestre and forest fragments, it may require conditions that mimic its native habitat, including moderate to high sunlight and a certain degree of soil aeration. Propagation could be achieved through seeds or cuttings, though further research would be needed to determine the most effective methods for cultivation outside its native range.
Uses
Myrcia splendens is not widely reported for commercial or traditional uses, though it may have potential in ecological restoration due to its presence in campo rupestre and forest ecosystems. Its fruits, known as Punchberries, may be consumed by local wildlife, contributing to seed dispersal. The plant's ornamental value could also be considered, given its distinctive leaf and fruit morphology. However, specific uses in agriculture, medicine, or horticulture remain underexplored in the literature.
Other common names
Surinam CherryPunchberryWild Currant
Distribution
Itacolomi State Park, Lagoa Seca, MG, Brazil · Itacolomi State Park, Calais, MG, Brazil · BR · Cuenca río Lagunilla · Garagoa | Ramiriquí | Tibaná | Chinavita | Ciénaga | Viracachá · Reserva Nacional Natural Puinawai | ReservaNacional Natural Nukak | Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Chiribiquete | Parque Nacional Natural Yaigojé Apaporis | Parque Nacional Natural Sierra de la Macarena | Parque Nacional Natural El Tuparro · Distrito Regional de Manejo Integrado (DRMI) Laguna de Sonso, municipio de Guadalajara de Buga, Valle del Cauca, Colombia · Bucaramanga | Encino | Floridablanca | Gambita | Girón | Lebrija | Páramo | Piedecuesta | Puerto Parra | Rionegro · Antioquia, Cauca, Huila, Putumayo, Vaupés · Amazonia nororiental de Colombia, departamento del Guainía, municipio de Inírida. · Global · Jardín Botánico de Bogotá · TomoGrande, 4.856823|-70.223777 · Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Chiribiquete (PNNSCh) · Argentina Northeast · Belize · Bolivia · Brazil Northeast · Brazil North · Brazil Southeast · Brazil South · Brazil West-Central · Colombia · Costa Rica · Cuba · Dominican Republic · Ecuador · French Guiana · Guatemala · Guyana
Synonyms
Myrcia acuminataMyrcia acutataMyrcia acutilobaMyrcia aguitensisMyrcia alagoensisMyrcia atramentiferaMyrcia augustanaMyrcia ayresianaMyrcia barrensisMyrcia belizensisMyrcia berberisMyrcia berberisMyrcia brachylopadiaMyrcia bracteolarisMyrcia brandamiMyrcia catharinaeMyrcia chilensisMyrcia ciarensisMyrcia communisMyrcia complicataMyrcia compressaMyrcia corcovadensisMyrcia coroicensisMyrcia costaricensisMyrcia costataMyrcia coumetoidesMyrcia cucullataMyrcia dictyoneuraMyrcia discolorMyrcia divaricata
