Image: Wikimedia Commons (See link for license)
Chrysobalanus
Parinari laurina
γͺγ₯γ¦γγ₯γ¦γ·γγΏγγ’γγ
An evergreen tall tree growing in coastal forests of Okinawa and the Southwest Islands. Chrysobalanaceae is a family of Rosales widely distributed in the tropics; in Japan, only a few species are known from the Southwest Islands. It bears hard drupes.
Identification Points
- βLeaves coriaceous, elliptic, and alternate
- βSmall white to pale pink 5-petaled flowers in clusters
- βFruits are hard drupes
Habitat
Coastal forests of Okinawa and the Southwest Islands
Season
AprilβJune (flowers)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Growth form
Tree
Evergreen/Deciduous
Evergreen
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Round
Habitat
Coastal
Leaf type
Simple
Venation
Pinnate
Petal count
5 petals
Stipules
Present
Leaf dissection
Undivided
Ovary position
Superior
Stamen count
5
Phylogenetic Positionγ―γͺγ½γγ©γγΉη§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Core eudicots > Rosales > Chrysobalanaceae
Divergence Era
Paleogene (approx. 55β50 million years ago)
Evolution Notes
Chrysobalanaceae belongs to Rosales; the hard drupes serve dual roles of animal seed dispersal and adaptation to salt-tolerant coastal environments.
View on evolution timeline βSources & References
AI-generated, needs verification