Arrayán (Myrcianthes leucoxyla)

Descripción

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SPECIES

Myrcianthes leucoxyla is an arboreal type species that can reach up to 4m in height. Its bark is quite typical of the Myrtaceae family as it is papery and easily detached. Its leaves are intense green, and give off an odor that is also distinctive of the family (many associate the odor with that of guava, since this species also belongs to the Myrtaceae family). Its flowers are small, white and the fruits are berries whose color varies between yellow, orange and intense red.

ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE

Due to the ease with which it grows on forest edges or in cold land pastures, on heavy soils at the foot of slopes, hills or ravines, severely eroded sites or rocky outcrops, it is an ideal species for planting in degraded land thanks to its its high level of adaptability (Cardozo et al, 2007).

ASSOCIATED FAUNA IN THE AREA

(Pinchaflor enmascarado, Diglossa cyanea

Due to the striking character of its flowers and fruits, it is a species highly visited by insects such as bees and flies and by birds. A bird that frequently visits this tree is Diglossa cyanea commonly known as Pinchaflor or Masked Pinchaflor, which in addition to being an important disperser of Myrcianthes leucoxyla It is highly appreciated by the locals for its striking colors.

OTHER IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF THE SPECIES

Among the indigenous communities and people who live near the forests, this species is of great importance for different reasons, for example, the indigenous communities present in the Sabana de Bogotá; and its surroundings, use the ripe fruit to prepare “chicha”, “guarapo”, “sweet mazamorra”, “flavor masato”, and as a seasoning for meats.

However, for most people this species is of great importance due to its high medicinal value, since the whole plant is used to cure and alleviate different ailments. evaluated the chemistry composition of essential oils extracted from the tree for the manufacture not only of medicines, but also of soaps, essences, etc.

For all of the above, Tree Network Fund. finds it very important to plant this species, not only because of its important role in ecological restoration, but also because of what it represents for the fauna of the area and also for the surrounding communities. to the forests in which we want to encourage the use of plants and trees without to affect them.

CIBERGRAFIA

UNAL. (13 de 11 de 2021). Catálogo de Plantas y Líquenes de Colombia. Obtenido de http://catalogoplantasdecolombia.unal.edu.co/es/resultados/especie/Myrcianthes%20leucoxyla/

Cardozo, R., Córdoba, S., González, J., Guzmán, J., Lancheros, H., Mesa, L., . . . Zúñiga , P. (2007). Especies útiles en la Región Andina de Colombia. Bogotá D.C: Jardín Botánico de Bogotá José Celestino Mutis.