Botany Photo of the Day

Well, the software has been updated, but not everything is functioning as it used to yet. It might be a few days before things are patched as I'll need to communicate with some programmers.

In any case, thanks once again to Jackie Chambers for a photograph and a write-up.

Calycophyllum candidissimum is native to southern Mexico, Cuba, and Central & South America. It has the distinction of being the national tree of Nicaragua, where it has the common name El Madroño. Other common names include degami (or dagame) and lemonwood, which refers to the light brown yellow colour of the wood.

This small to medium size hardwood tree can reach 12-15m in height. For an idea of size and growth habit, see the "tree form" photographs on this website.

The species name candisissimum means "very white" and must refer to the showy flower clusters produced in December and January. The white leaf-like forms beneath the flowers are actually bracts and are a component of the flower cluster. Their role is to attract pollinators.

The fruit is a brown capsule that splits open once it is mature (January - May). Leaves are a dark green and simple in an opposite arrangement along the stem. The leaves may be shed during periods of drought. The link above regarding flower clusters also provides detailed photos of leaves, capsules and seeds.

Calycophyllum candidissimum is used in archery, as it is apparently a very good wood for making bows.