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Macaranga

(Genus)

Macaranga is a large genus of Old World tropical trees of the family Euphorbiaceae and the only genus in the subtribe Macaranginae. Native to Africa, Asia and the South Pacific, the genus comprises over 300 different species. These plants are noted for being recolonizers, that is, they are among the first plants to appear on disturbed ground.

Macaranga peltata from the Western Ghats
Macaranga peltata from the Western Ghats

Macaranga species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Endoclita malabaricus.

Macaranga are morphologically adapted with thin stem walls to create domatia (housing) for an ant species from the genus Crematogaster, who in turn protects its plant against herbivores. [1]

Use

Macaranga gum, a crimson resin is obtained from Macaranga indica.

Synonymy

  • Adenoceras Rchb.f. & Zoll. ex Baill.
  • Mappa A.Juss
  • Mecostylis Kurz ex Teijsm. & Binn.
  • Pachystemon Blume
  • Panopia Noronha ex Thouars
  • Phocea Seem.
  • Tanarius Kuntze

Species Include:

  • Macaranga acerifolia
  • Macaranga attenuata
  • Macaranga beillei
  • Macaranga bicolor
  • Macaranga capensis
  • Macaranga caudatifolia
  • Macaranga cogostiflora
  • Macaranga conglomerata
  • Macaranga grandifolia
  • Macaranga huahineensis
  • Macaranga indica
  • Macaranga mappa
  • Macaranga mauritiana
  • Macaranga paxii
  • Macaranga peltata
  • Macaranga quadricornis
  • Macaranga raivavaeensis
  • Macaranga taitensis
  • Macaranga tanarius
  • Macaranga venosa

Photos

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Map

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Taxonomy

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The Genus Macaranga is further organized into finer groupings including:

References

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  1. ^ Heil, M., B. Fiala, K. E. Linsenmair, G. Zotz, P. Menke, and U. Maschwitz. 1997. Food body production in Macaranga triloba (Euphorbiaceae): A plant investment in anti-herbivore defense via symbiotic ant partners. Journal of Ecology 85:847 – 861.

Sources

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Last Revised: May 30, 2008