Aspidosperma pyrifolium | Dried Botanical ID

Name and publication

Aspidosperma pyrifolium Mart., Nov. Gen. et Sp. 1: 60 (1824).

Description

The capsules of pereiro-branco, commonly called pereiro halves in the potpourri trade, may appear as large hearts but more commonly break apart as pear-shaped paddles. This tree bears 5-10 cm long capsules enclosing winged seeds. The inside of the capsule is smooth, the outside slightly pebbled.

Nativity and distribution

Aspidosperma pyrifolium is native to Brazil.

Family

Apocynaceae

fruits, outer surface (bottom left) and inner surface (top left and right); photo © The Lebermuth Company, Inc.

fruits, inner surface (left) and outer surface (right); photo by Lyndon Photography