Metopium

Description

Metopium is a genus of trees in the cashew family, Anacardiaceae, native to the tropical Americas. It consists of three species, which are known for their beautiful and colorful wood. The trees are also valued for their medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Metopium trees can grow up to 30 meters tall and have a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 1 meter. The bark is gray or brown and can be smooth or rough, depending on the species. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 7-13 leaflets, and are glossy and dark green. The flowers are small and greenish-white and are followed by a small, fleshy fruit that contains a single seed.

Care Guide

Metopium trees prefer well-drained soil and full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. They require regular watering, especially during the growing season, and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months. Metopium trees are hardy in USDA zones 10-11 and can be damaged by frost or cold temperatures.

Common Pests & Diseases

Metopium trees can be susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including spider mites, scale insects, and fungal infections. Regular monitoring and treatment with insecticides and fungicides can help prevent and control these problems.

Habitat

Metopium trees are native to the tropical Americas, including the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America. They are found in a variety of habitats, including dry and moist forests, savannas, and coastal areas.

Question and Answer

Q: What is the medicinal use of Metopium?
A: The bark and leaves of Metopium trees have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and skin conditions.

Q: What is the common name for Metopium?
A: The common name for Metopium is Caribbean rosewood.

Q: How do you propagate Metopium?
A: Metopium can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.

Q: Is Metopium endangered?
A: One species of Metopium, M. toxiferum, is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and overexploitation.

Related Plants

• Anacardium occidentale (cashew)
• Pistacia vera (pistachio)
• Spondias mombin (yellow mombin)

References

• Bach, P. (2015). Metopium. In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (Eds.), Flora of North America North of Mexico. Oxford University Press.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (2021). Metopium toxiferum. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T32351A2822655. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T32351A2822655.en
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Metopium. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=METOP