Myrcia tomentosa
Myrcia tomentosa
Synonyms: Myrcia hirtiflora, Myrcia prunifolia var. angustior, Myrcia prunifolia, Myrcia prunifolia var. ovata, Aulomyrcia lanuginosa var. pyramidata, Myrcia piauhiensis, Myrcia rosulans, Aulomyrcia lancea, Myrcia alloiota var. obovata, Aulomyrcia tomentosa, Aulomyrcia alloiota var. cuneata, Aulomyrcia prunifolia var. longipes, Aulomyrcia curatellifolia var. australis, Aulomyrcia aureolanata, Aulomyrcia capivarhyensis, Aulomyrcia rosulans, Myrcia leucantha, Myrcia curatellifolia var. grandifolia, Aulomyrcia longipes var. spathulata, Aulomyrcia longipes, Aulomyrcia longipes var. latifolia, Aulomyrcia alloiota var. subcordata, Aulomyrcia alloiota var. ovalis, Aulomyrcia confusa, Aulomyrcia curatellifolia, Myrcia longipes, Myrcia marahanensis, Cumetea tomentosa, Myrcia alloiota var. subcordata, Myrcia puberula, Myrcia pilosa, Myrcia prunifolia var. obovata, Aulomyrcia micrantha, Myrcia lancea, Aulomyrcia ottonis, Aulomyrcia lanuginosa, Aguava tomentosa, Eugenia vallis, Myrtus aubletii, Myrcia alloiota, Myrcia floribunda, Aulomyrcia spathulata, Aulomyrcia alloiota, Aulomyrcia alloiota var. obovata, Myrcia spathulata, Aulomyrcia prunifolia var. brevipes, Aulomyrcia curatellifolia var. grandifolia, Aulomyrcia caracasana, Myrcia lanuginosa, Myrcia verruculata, Aulomyrcia longipes var. obovata, Myrcia caracasana, Myrcia curatellifolia var. parvifolia, Aulomyrcia curatellifolia var. parvifolia, Myrcia capivarhyensis, Aulomyrcia puberula, Aulomyrcia alloiota var. pyramidalis, Myrcia curatellifolia, Aulomyrcia leucantha, Aulomyrcia prunifolia, Myrcia rhodeosepala, Myrcia longipes f. obovata, Myrcia membranacea
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Botanical Description
Myrcia tomentosa is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), widespread in the Cerrado and seasonally dry tropical vegetation of central and southeastern Brazil and adjacent regions of Bolivia and Paraguay. Plants typically reach 3-8 meters in height with a crooked trunk and rough, fissured bark, characteristic of fire-adapted Cerrado trees. The leaves are opposite, simple, ovate to elliptic, 4-10 cm long, with entire margins, acute apices, and prominent reticulate venation; both surfaces, especially the underside and young growth, are densely covered with soft, whitish to tawny tomentum, giving the species its name. Tiny gland dots are visible when leaves are held against the light, releasing an aromatic fragrance when crushed. Inflorescences are terminal or axillary panicles bearing many small white flowers with four to five petals and numerous showy stamens. The fruit is a small fleshy ovoid berry, ripening yellow to red or purplish-black, crowned by the persistent calyx. The species flourishes on well-drained, often nutrient-poor lateritic soils.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.