Friday 10 April 2009

Eugenia latifolia

Still ruminating over Eugenia latifolia. Previous posting had rejected legitimate identity as Eugenia latifolia Aubl., Hist. Pl. Guiane 1: 502 (1775). on the grounds that this Guinean plant was not in cultivation in Europe in 1885. Proposed as a possible contender was Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry .

However the 1885 description describes the "Eugenia latifolia" as widespreading and "with six large arms and with roots protruding from the branches somewhat like a Banyan". The inclination here is to say that the Journalist confused his notes with the adjacent Metrosiderus robusta (mentioned in the same sentence). But what if he didn't?

Are there any Eugenias with aerial roots? Along with Metrosiderus what other Myrtaceae have aerial roots and wide spreading branches?

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