Spathelia simplex, commonly called mountain pride or maypole tree, is a "palmoid" or "corner model tree" of the rainforest of Jamaica. It is in the citrus family (Rutaceae).[1] Although the unbranched trunk may be up to 15 m (49 ft) in height, it is rarely over 8 cm (3.1 in) diameter at breast height.[2] It is a monocarpic species (flowers and fruits once, then dies) producing a huge terminal thyrse of red flowers up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) high by up to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) in width;[3] exceeded only by Harmsiopanax ingens and Sohnreyia excelsa. The once-pinnate leaves are up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) long.

References

  1. ^ Wilson, Percy (1911). "Notes on Rutaceae—VI. Species of Spathelia". Torreya. 11 (12): 262–264. Torrey Botanical Society. ISSN 00963844. JSTOR 40595161. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  2. ^ Menninger, Edwin A Hon.D.Sc. (1967). Fantastic Trees. New York: Viking Press. p. 166.
  3. ^ Cowan, Richard S. & Brizicky, George K. (30 April 1960). "Taxonomic Relationships of Diomma". Memoirs of the New York Botanic Garden. 10 (2): 64.