Elaeocarpus

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Elaeocarpus
File:Elaeocarpus sylvestris6.jpg
Elaeocarpus sylvestris, branch with fruits
Scientific classification
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Elaeocarpus

Type species
Elaeocarpus serratus
Species

Some 350, see text

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Elaeocarpus is a genus of tropical and subtropical evergreen trees and shrubs. The approximately 350 species are distributed from Madagascar in the west through India, Southeast Asia, Malaysia, southern China, and Japan, through Australia to New Zealand, Fiji, and Hawaii in the east. The islands of Borneo and New Guinea have the greatest concentration of species. These trees are well-known for their attractive, pearl-like fruit which are often colorful. A notable feature of the family is the drooping, often frilly, small clusters of flowers. [1]

Many species are threatened, in particular by habitat loss.

In Darjeeling and Sikkim areas, the fruit of several species of Elaeocarpus is called bhadrasey and is used to make pickles and chutney. The seeds of Elaeocarpus ganitrus are used to make rudraksha, a type of Hindu prayer beads.

Selected species

References

  • Coode, M J E (2001). "Elaeocarpus in New Guinea - new taxa in the Debruynii subgroup of the Monocera group. Contributions to the Flora of Mt Jaya, V". Kew Bulletin, Kew, United Kingdom.
  • Red Data Book of Indian Plants. Botanical Survey of India.
  • Zmarzty, Sue (2001). "Revision of Elaeocarpus (Elaeocarpaceae) section Elaeocarpus in southern India and Sri Lanka" Kew Bulletin, Kew, United Kingdom.
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