More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Mallows, Rock-roses, and Allies of Zihuatanejo
ORDER MALVALES
West Indian Elm
Guazuma ulmifolia
Flowers by Colour
-Vascular Plants (Phylum Tracheophyta)
-Flowering Plants (Subphylum Angiospermae)
-Mallows, Rock-roses, and Allies (Order Malvales)
-Mallow and Hibiscus Family (Family Malvaceae)
-Subfamily Byttnerioideae
-Genus Guazuma
-West Indian Elm (Guazuma ulmifolia)
The West Indian Elm (Guazuma ulmifolia), known as Guácima or Guásima in Mexico, is a fast-growing tropical tree belonging to the family Malvaceae. It is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. This tree is valued for its various uses in agriculture, traditional medicine, and environmental conservation.
Description
• Guazuma ulmifolia, commonly known as West Indian elm, guácimo, or guásima, is a small to medium-sized tree in the mallow family (Malvaceae). It has a rounded crown, rough bark, and alternate, oval to oblong leaves with toothed margins and prominent veins. Its small yellowish or cream-coloured flowers grow in clusters, followed by rounded to oval, dark brown or blackish fruits with a rough, warty surface. The fruits contain numerous seeds, and the tree provides food and shelter for wildlife.
Range
• Guazuma ulmifolia is native from Mexico through Central America and the Caribbean to much of tropical South America. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.
Habitat
• It grows in tropical dry forests, open woodland, scrub, pastures, forest margins, and disturbed areas. It is well adapted to warm climates and seasonal drought and commonly establishes in open, sunny locations. The species tolerates a range of soil conditions and often grows in areas where vegetation has been disturbed or cleared.
