Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
tro
Year:
1759
Citation Micro:
Syst. Nat. ed. 10 , 2: 1974 (1759)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001062958
Common Names
- Laetia americana
- Laetia
- Americana
Description
Laetia americana (also called American Laetia, among many other common names) is a small evergreen tree or shrub native to Central and South America. It has a single trunk with a rounded crown and leathery, glossy leaves. It is found in tropical and subtropical moist forests, and in humid and wet montane forests.
Uses & Benefits
Laetia americana is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used for timber, fuel, and to make charcoal.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Laetia americana has small, white, star-shaped flowers that are clustered in the leaf axils. The fruit is a small, round drupe with a single seed. The seedlings have oval-shaped leaves with a pointed tip.
Cultivation and Propagation
Laetia americana is a tropical evergreen shrub that can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early fall. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should be about 6 inches long. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone and place in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place in a warm, bright location. The cuttings should root in about one month.
Where to Find Laetia americana
Laetia americana is native to Central and South America and can be found in tropical and subtropical rainforests.
Species in the Laetia genus
Species in the Salicaceae family
Abatia angeliana,
Abatia americana,
Abatia canescens,
Abatia glabra,
Abatia mexicana,
Abatia microphylla,
Abatia parviflora,
Abatia rugosa,
Abatia spicata,
Abatia stellata,
Azara alpina,
Azara celastrina,
Azara dentata,
Azara integrifolia,
Azara intermedia,
Azara lanceolata,
Azara microphylla,
Azara petiolaris,
Azara salicifolia,
Azara serrata,
Azara uruguayensis,
Banara acunae,
Banara arguta,
Banara axilliflora,
Banara boliviana,
Banara brasiliensis,
Banara brittonii,
Banara caymanensis,
Banara cordifolia,
Banara domingensis,
Banara excisa,
Banara glauca,
Banara guianensis,
Banara ibaguensis,
Banara larensis,
Banara leptophylla,
Banara minutiflora,
Banara nitida,
Banara orinocensis,
Banara parviflora,
Banara portoricensis,
Banara quinquenervis,
Banara regia,
Banara riparia,
Banara riscoi,
Banara saxicola,
Banara selleana,
Banara serrata,
Banara splendens,
Banara tomentosa,