More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Soapberries, Cashews, Mahoganies and Allies of Zihuatanejo
ORDER ROSALES
Bread and Cheese -Fruit
Paullinia pinnata
Flowers by Colour
-Vascular Plants (Phylum Tracheophyta)
-Flowering Plants (Subphylum Angiospermae)
-Soapberries, Cashews, Mahoganies, and Allies (Order Sapindales)
-Soapberry Family (Family Sapindaceae)
-Genus Paullinia
-Bread and Cheese (Paullinia pinnata)
Paullinia pinnata, commonly known as the Bread and Cheese Plant, is a tropical climbing plant in the Sapindaceae family. The plant produces small, white to yellowish flowers that grow in clusters. The plant is known for its small, capsule-like fruits that contain seeds. When ripe, the fruits can split open to reveal the seeds inside. The name "Bread and Cheese Plant" likely comes from the soft, fleshy texture of the fruit pulp, which can be eaten and has a mild taste.
Description
Paullinia pinnata is a woody climbing vine in the soapberry family (Sapindaceae), commonly known as winged-stem paullinia.
It has compound leaves, typically with five leaflets, and climbing stems that use tendrils to ascend surrounding vegetation.
Its small flowers grow in clusters and are followed by dry fruits that split open to reveal seeds, often with a fleshy covering.
The plant is notable for its vigorous climbing growth and its use in traditional medicine in parts of the tropics.
Range
It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America.
It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.
Habitat
Grows in tropical dry forests, moist forests, forest edges, thickets, and disturbed areas.
Commonly climbs through shrubs and trees in sunny openings and along forest margins.
Can occur in seasonally dry environments, where it grows actively during favourable conditions.
