Lithraea molleoides (syn. Lithraea molleoides var. lorentziana Lillo, Lithraea ternifolia, Schinus brasiliensis Marchand ex Cabrera, Schinus leucocarpus M., Schinus molleoides (Vell.) Engler, Lithraea aroeirinha Marchand ex Warm.[1]) is a tree (2.5 and 8 m tall) that is native to South America, specially in Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Cerrado vegetation of Brazil.
| Lithraea molleoides | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus: | Lithraea |
| Species: | L. molleoides
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| Binomial name | |
| Lithraea molleoides | |
Landscaping
editThe plant is commonly considered as unsuitable to landscaping, as it is a poisonous plant: it produces volatile substances that propagate from touching the leaves, through contact with droplets, or through the tree's pollen. These substances are allergenic[2] and contact with them may produce general allergic sensitivity, skin disease, fever, and visual problems.[3] Planting this tree where it can be accessible to the general public is therefore strongly discouraged.
Popular custom
editIn Uruguay, folk tradition states that people are supposed to salute the tree in a way according to the time of day. [citation needed] For example, if somebody encounters the tree during the day, they are supposed to say "Good night, Mr. (or Mrs.) Aruera". Similarly, if it is during the night, they would say "Good day, Mr. Aruera".
References
edit- ^ "Lithraea molleoides". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 16 January 2018.
- ^ Cf. Paulo Backes & Bruno Irgang, Mata Atlântica: as árvores e a paisagem, Porto Alegre, Paisagem do Sul, 2004, page 100
- ^ Shimizu, Mario Tsunezi; Bueno, Leandro de Jesus Franco; Rodrigues, Rosa Fátima Oliveira; Sallowicz, Fabiano Augusto; Sawaya, Alexandra Christine Helena Frankland; Marques, Márcia Ortiz Maio (October–December 2006). "Essential oil of Lithraea molleoides (Vell.): chemical composition and antimicrobial activity". Brazilian Journal of Microbiology. 37 (4): 556–560. doi:10.1590/S1517-83822006000400028. hdl:11449/26633.