Randia armata
| Randia armata | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Rubiaceae |
| Genus: | Randia |
| Species: | R. armata |
| Binomial name | |
| Randia armata (Sw.) DC. | |
| Subspecies | |
| |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Randia armata, also known as cruceta, epsinho de judeu, or esporão de galo, is a species of plant in the family Rubiaceae. It is a shrub or tree native to Mexico and tropical America.
Description
Randia armata is small, growing up to 10 m (33 ft) tall, and often branches near the ground. The branches have sharp spines that grow in opposite pairs, as well as scars from stipules falling off, and the bark is green or cream in color. It has simple, opposite leaves that drop briefly in the dry season. When they grow back, flowers are also produced. These flowers are long, white tubes that grow alone at the end of branches. Synchronous flowering is common.
The fruit is large, smooth, and spherical. It starts green and matures into yellow late in the wet season.
Flower
Ripe fruit
Immature fruit
Seeds
Distribution and habitat
Randia armata grows in forests in wet, tropical biomes.
Uses
Randia armata may be used as medicine or as food for both animals and humans.
References
- ↑ Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI); IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group (2019). "Randia armata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019 e.T150115885A150115887. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T150115885A150115887.en.
- 1 2 3 4 "Randia armata (Sw.) DC". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2026-11-04.
- 1 2 3 4 "Randia armata (Sw.) DC". World Flora Online. Retrieved 4 November 2026.
- ↑ CONABIO. "Cruceta (Randia armata)". EncicloVida (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved 2026-11-04.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "STRI Research Portal - Randia armata". panamabiota.org. Retrieved 2026-11-04.