Vallesia glabra
{{Short description|Species of shrub}}
{{Speciesbox
|image = Vallesia Glabra.jpg
|image_caption = Leaves and fruit
|status = LC
|status_system = IUCN3.1
|status_ref =
|genus = Vallesia
|species = glabra
|range_map = Distribution of Vallesia glabra 2.png
|range_map_caption = Distribution map
|synonyms =
- Rauvolfia glabra
- Vallesia antillana
- Vallesia chiococcoides
- Vallesia cymbifolia
- Vallesia dichotoma
- Vallesia glabra var. pubescens
- Vallesia inedita
- Vallesia punctata
}}
Vallesia glabra, the pearlberry, is a species of plant, a shrub of the family Apocynaceae. It is native to tropical America. It also has the common names smooth vallesia{{cite web|author= |title=Campus Arboretum |publisher=The University of Arizona |url= https://apps.cals.arizona.edu/arboretum/taxon.aspx?id=714 |date= |accessdate=26 June 2018 }} and tear shrub.{{cite web|author= |title=Plant Listings |publisher=Leon Levy Native Plant Reserve |url= http://www.levypreserve.org/Plant-Listings/Vallesia-antillana |date= |accessdate=26 June 2018 }}
Characteristics
This plant is a source of shelter, food and liquid for numerous birds, which rest under its shade and feed on its fruits that are similar to small, white grapes or pearls, hence giving the plant its English common name of pearlberry.
Growth
The shrubs can reach a height of between 2 and 6 metres (6 feet 6 inches and 19 feet 8 inches).
Distribution
This species is found in Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador (including the Galapagos Islands), Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, the Bahamas, Cuba and the United States (it is a native plant in Florida and has been introduced in California).
References
{{Reflist}}
- [http://en.hortipedia.com/wiki/Vallesia_glabra Hortipedia]
External links
- {{Commons-inline}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q14831061}}