Amyris elemifera

Amyris elemifera
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1) [1]
Secure  (NatureServe) [2]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Sapindales
Family:	Rutaceae
Genus:	Amyris
Species:	A. elemifera
Binomial name
Amyris elemifera L.

Amyris elemifera is an evergreen ^[3] species of flowering plant in the citrus family, Rutaceae, commonly named sea torchwood, smooth torchwood, ^[2] candlewood, sea amyris, tea, cuabilla, and bois chandelle. ^[4] It is native to Florida in the United States, the Caribbean, and the Central American countries of Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. It is also known from northern South America. ^[2] The species name elemifera is from the Greek, meaning "resin bearing". ^[5]

Description

Amyris elemifera on Guadeloupe

Sea torchwood attains a maximum average height of 4 to 12 metres (13 to 39  ft ), ^[4] but ranges up to 50 ft (15 m) in ideal conditions. ^[6] The smooth, gray bark matures into a rough and furrowed surface with plates. The wood is close-grained. ^[7] The species has a vertical branching habit. It has a weak taproot, but the lateral roots are stiff and strong. The yellow-gray twigs turn gray with age. The hanging foliage is fragrant. The compound leaves are opposite or sub-opposite. A 3 cm (1.2 in) petiole supports three to five oval or lance-shaped leaflets. ^[5]

Ecology

Sea torchwood tolerates full sun to light shade, preferring many soil types in well-drained sites, but thrives on 750 to 2,000 mm (29.53 to 78.74 in) of yearly precipitation in Puerto Rico. It often grows in soil over rock and coastal sand, occupying hammock edges in Florida. Young plants linger in the understory until gaps allow further growth. ^{[7] [4]}

Uses

This species has been used for fences, fuel, and honey production. ^[4] The fine-grained, fragrant wood is resistant to dry wood termites. It is too scarce for common use. ^[4] The plant has yielded taxaline, an oxazole with antibiotic activity against Mycobacterium . ^[4] The fragrant, globose drupe is black and contains a single brown seed. The tiny, fragrant white flowers and fruit attract wildlife such as birds. ^[5] In Florida, sea torchwood is a food source for the endangered Schaus' Swallowtail (Papilio aristodemus ponceanus). ^{[8] [4]} Contrary to popular belief and unlike the implication of its name, sea torchwood possesses minimal tolerance to salinity.

References

1. IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group & Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) (2020). "Amyris elemifera". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2020: e.T156771939A156771941. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T156771939A156771941.en . Retrieved 7 November 2022.
2. NatureServe (5 April 2024). "Amyris elemifera". NatureServe Network Biodiversity Location Data accessed through NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, Virginia: NatureServe. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
3. Nelson, Gil (1994). The Trees of Florida: A Reference and Field Guide . Sarasota, Florida: Pineapple Press. p. 278. ISBN   1-56164-053-0 – via Google Books.
4. Francis, J. K. "Amyris elemifera L." (PDF). United States Department of Agriculture. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 November 2004. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
5. "Torchwood (Amyris elemifera)". School of Forest Resources and Conservation. University of Florida. Archived from the original on 2007-11-17. Retrieved 2007-12-03.
6. Plant material introduced by the division of foreign plant introduction, Bureau of Plant Industry, October 1 to December 31, 1931 (Nos. 94283–95551) (Report). 109. Washington, D.C.: United States Department of Agriculture. June 1933. p. 32 – via Google Books.
7. "Common torchwood (Amyris elemifera)". Natives for Your Neighborhood. Institute for Regional Conservation. Retrieved 2007-12-03.
8. "Schaus swallowtail butterfly". Conservation Management Institute. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Archived from the original on 2006-03-04. Retrieved 2007-12-03.