Trema micrantha
Mus. Bot. 2: 58. 1856.
Shrubs to small trees, 2-5.5 (-10) m. Bark dark-brown, smooth when young, developing small, warty projections in maturity. Branchlets copiously pubescent. Leaf-blade ovate to narrowly ovate, 5-6.5 (-9) × 2.5-4 (-4.5) cm, base oblique to cordate, margins evenly serrate, apex acute to long-acuminate; abaxial surface softly, velvety white-pubescent; venation conspicuous but scarcely raised. Flowers: calyx greenish white. Fruits bright red-orange to yellow, 1.5-3.5 mm diam. 2n = 20 (from Costa Rica).
Phenology: Flowering most of year (Mar–Nov).
Habitat: Hammocks and prairies, often weedy along roadsides, in burned areas, and on calcareous ground
Elevation: 0-100 m
Distribution
Fla., Mexico, West Indies, Central America, South America
Discussion
Trema micrantha, as interpreted here, is widespread in tropical regions of the New World. Small-leaved populations may be confused with T. lamarckiana.
The soft wood of Trema micrantha is suitable for the construction of tea chests and match sticks.
Selected References
None.