Overview
The List of Ocotea species is a compiled inventory of the taxonomic species that belong to the genus Ocotea, a large group of evergreen trees and shrubs in the family Lauraceae. The genus is primarily distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, with several species also occurring in Africa, Madagascar, and the Azores. It is one of the most speciose genera in Lauraceae, with estimates ranging from roughly 300 to 470 accepted species, depending on the taxonomic authority consulted.
Purpose and Content
The list serves as a reference for botanists, ecologists, conservationists, and other researchers who require an authoritative catalogue of Ocotea species. Typical entries in the list include:
- The accepted scientific name (genus Ocotea + specific epithet).
- Author citation for the species name.
- Synonyms, when relevant.
- Geographic distribution (countries or biogeographic regions).
- Notes on taxonomic status (e.g., “species incertae sedis,” “formerly placed in Ocotea”).
Some compilations also provide common names, economic uses (e.g., timber, essential oils, medicinal applications), and conservation status as assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Key Sources
The most widely referenced versions of the list are produced by:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) – maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, offering a continuously updated taxonomic backbone.
- World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP) – also managed by Kew, providing a vetted subset of accepted Ocotea names.
- The International Plant Names Index (IPNI) – supplying bibliographic details for each name.
- Regional floras (e.g., Flora of Brazil, Flora of the Caribbean) that contribute region‑specific entries.
Taxonomic Context
Ocotea is part of the Lauraceae subfamily Lauraceae. Species in the genus are characterized by:
- Simple, alternate leaves with aromatic glands.
- Small, unisexual or bisexual flowers arranged in paniculate inflorescences.
- Fruits that are drupaceous (fleshy with a single seed).
Molecular phylogenetic studies have indicated that Ocotea is polyphyletic, leading to ongoing revisions where some species are transferred to or from related genera such as Nectandra, Cinnamomum, and Aiouea. Consequently, the list is subject to periodic updates as new systematic evidence emerges.
Representative Species
A non‑exhaustive selection of entries commonly found in the list includes:
| Species | Authority | Distribution | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocotea alba | (L.) Mez | Brazil (Amazonas) | Timber species (“Lacewood”) |
| Ocotea bullata | (Burch.) Baill. | South Africa (Cape Province) | Endangered; valued for hardwood |
| Ocotea guianensis | (Aubl.) A.H.Gentry | Northern South America | Source of essential oil (camphor) |
| Ocotea veraecrucis | Mez | Central America (Costa Rica, Panama) | Known as “cinnamon bark” |
| Ocotea odorifera (Vell.) Mez | Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) | Ornamental; aromatic leaves |
Usage and Limitations
The list is a valuable tool for:
- Biodiversity assessments and species inventories.
- Phytochemical research focusing on Lauraceae secondary metabolites.
- Forestry and sustainable management planning.
However, users should be aware that:
- Taxonomic opinions differ; some authorities recognize more or fewer species.
- Synonymy can be complex, especially for historically described taxa with limited type material.
- The conservation status of many Ocotea species remains poorly evaluated, leading to gaps in Red List coverage.
Maintenance
Because taxonomic revisions occur regularly, reputable databases update the list continuously. Researchers are encouraged to cite the specific version or database accession date when referencing the list in scientific publications.