Definition
Aglaia cinnamomea is a species of flowering plant in the family Meliaceae. It belongs to the genus Aglaia, which comprises trees and shrubs primarily distributed in tropical regions of Asia and the Pacific.
Overview
The taxonomic authority for the name is generally cited as Merr., indicating that the species was described by botanist Elmer Drew Merrill. Aglaia cinnamomea is recorded in botanical databases such as the Plants of the World Online (POWO) and the International Plant Names Index (IPNI). The species is known from parts of Southeast Asia, with herbarium specimens reported from the Philippines and possibly neighboring islands. Its habitat is typically lowland to submontane tropical forests, where it grows as a medium‑sized tree.
Etymology/Origin
The specific epithet cinnamomea derives from the Latin cinnamomeus, meaning “cinnamon‑colored.” This name likely refers to a characteristic of the plant, such as the hue of its bark, leaves, or indumentum, as observed by the describing botanist.
Characteristics
- Growth form: Tree, generally reaching several meters in height.
- Leaves: Compound, pinnate leaves typical of many Aglaia species; leaflets are arranged opposite each other along a central rachis.
- Inflorescence: Small, axillary or terminal panicles bearing numerous tiny flowers.
- Flowers: Bisexual, with five petals; detailed floral morphology has not been extensively published in accessible literature.
- Fruit: A fleshy drupe, characteristic of the genus, which contains a single seed. Specific size, color, and fruiting period for A. cinnamomea are not well documented in publicly available sources.
Related Topics
- Meliaceae – the mahogany family, to which Aglaia belongs.
- Aglaia – the genus encompassing over 100 species of tropical trees and shrubs.
- Tropical forest biodiversity – the ecological context in which A. cinnamomea occurs.
- Elmer Drew Merrill – botanist who described many Asian plant species, including members of Aglaia.
Note: Detailed morphological data, precise distribution limits, and ecological studies for Aglaia cinnamomea are limited in the publicly accessible literature. Consequently, some aspects of its description remain incompletely documented.