Rough Leaf Velvet Seed

Title

Rough Leaf Velvet Seed

Author(s)

Ethan H. Freid

Scientific Name

Guettarda scabra (L.) Vent.

Description

Common Names

Rough Leaf Velvet Seed, Velvet Berry

Rubiaceae

Habit

Guettarda scabra grows as a shrub to small tree up to 10 meters in height (typically 2-3 meters). The leaves are arranged oppositely with triangular stipules between the petioles. The leaves are ovate to elliptical, to 15 cm long, with a mucronate leaf apex and an entire margin. The leaf surfaces are rough and covered with a fine layer of pubescence. There are triangular stipules between the petioles.

The actinomorphic flowers are arranged in few-flowered axillary cymes. The calyx has 2 fused sepals. The corolla has 7 pinkish-white, fused petals. There are 7 stamens that are fused to the perianth forming a hypanthium. The ovary is inferior with a single locule and many seeds. The fruit is a bright red to pink berry at maturity.

Guettarda scabra grows in Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formation- Forest/Woodland/Shrubland/Dwarf Shrublands (coppice of all types) as well as Pine Woodlands and rocky shores.

Guettarda scabra occurs on all island groupings in the Bahamian Archipelago, as well as the Caribbean region and the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America

Guettarda scabra is not used medicinally in the Bahamas.