Viburnum triphyllum

Viburnum triphyllum is a plant of the family Adoxaceae, native to South America. Commonly known in Spanish as chuchua or chuque.

Viburnum triphyllum
Viburnum triphyllum in Paipa, Colombia.
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Dipsacales
Family: Adoxaceae
Genus: Viburnum
Species:
V. triphyllum
Binomial name
Viburnum triphyllum
Synonyms
  • Oreinotinus laurifolius Oerst..
  • Oreinotinus triphyllus (Benth.) Oerst.

Description

It is a tree that can reach up to 15 meters high, has a crooked trunk that is a characteristic of the vegetation of the high Andean forests. Its leaves are lemon green and pale green on the underside and its texture is similar to that of cardboard paper. Its flowers are white, grouped in an umbrella-shaped inflorescence (umbel), which exhales a pleasant smell. The fruits are fleshy, their color is red wine when ripe.[1]

Distribution

It is distributed in the Andean forest areas at a height of between 2400 and 3400 meters above sea level; in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.[2]

Ecology

This species is of great importance in ecological restoration due to its high rate of foliar exchange, its association with fungi (mycorrhizae) and nitrogen fixing bacteria. In addition, they usually support nutrient-poor, shallow and eroded soils.[3]

Uses

Its wood is used in construction and as fuel for wood furnaces, the tree has tannins in its bark, used in tanneries; from its fruits a violet dye is obtained that can be used in handicraft work. Ornamental is planted in parks and road separators. Ecologically provides good food for birds and insects, especially bee). It is useful in watershed protection, and is an inductor of restoration processes.[4] It is also used as a live fence and windbreaker.[5]

Common names in Spanish

Bodoquero, chucua, chuque, garrocho, juco, morochillo, pelotillo, pita, ruque, sauco de monte.[2]

References
  1. Maecha, G.; Ovalle, A.; Camelo, D.; Rozo, A.; Barrero, D. (2013). Vegetación del Territorio de la CAR, 450 especies de sus llanuras y montañas (in Spanish) (2nd ed.).
  2. "Viburnum triphyllum Benth". Kewscience Plants of the world online. Retrieved 21 November 2019.
  3. Baptiste, B.; Andrade, G .; Amat, G.; Arias, F. (2014). Carlos A. Lasso (ed.). "Biota Colombiana" (in Spanish). 15. ISSN 0124-5376. Retrieved 21 November 2019. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  4. Moreno, Milena (30 May 2014). "VEGETACIÓN ÁRBOREA DEL CAMPUS (PUJ)". Pontificia Universidad JAVERIANA (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 November 2019.
  5. "El árbol Chuque para sombra y madera". COntextoganadero (in Spanish). 10 January 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2019.
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