Prickly Yellow

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Prickly Yellow

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Fagara caribaea

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Sapindales, it is classified under the family Rutaceae. Its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Zanthoxylum, where it is known as Zanthoxylum caribaeum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several key regions within the country of Mexico. Its distribution is notably extensive, covering the diverse landscapes of Mexico Central and Mexico Northeast. Furthermore, the species can be found throughout the humid environments of Mexico Gulf. It also stretches across the arid reaches of Mexico Northwest. Finally, the geographical range extends into the varied terrains of Mexico Southwest.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Zanthoxylum caribaeum is characterized by its ability to thrive across a broad altitudinal gradient, ranging from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum elevation of 1100 m AMSL. Within this vertical distribution, the species demonstrates a specific habitat preference for clearings located within the bosque alto, where it can access sufficient light and space for growth compared to the denser forest interior.

Elevational range max:

1100 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Clearings in bosque alto

Life history

The life history of Zanthoxylum caribaeum is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a long-term presence in its natural habitat. As part of its seasonal biological cycle, the plant exhibits a deciduous growth habit, meaning it sheds its foliage periodically, typically in response to seasonal climatic changes or periods of environmental stress. This cycle of leaf senescence and subsequent regrowth is a fundamental aspect of its survival strategy, ensuring the plant can manage its resources effectively throughout its extended lifespan.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Xanthoxylum carybaeum is characterized by its robust, woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a self-supporting tree. This terrestrial species typically reaches an average height of 11 meters, though it has the capacity to grow up to a maximum height of 20 meters. As an independent organism, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior and functions as a non-epiphytic, terrestrial plant rather than a climber, liana, or vine. Its structural development is defined by its woody nature, supporting its significant vertical stature within its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

20 m

Plant height mean:

11 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Zanthoxylum cariibeum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon assimilation processes and metabolic efficiency. The plant's leaf morphology and resource investment are reflected in its specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf dry matter content (LDMC) metrics. The SLA values range from a minimum of 109.6 cm²/g to a maximum of 164.2 cm²/g, with an overall mean of 136.9 cm²/g, indicating a moderate capacity for light interception and leaf expansion. Complementing these architectural traits, the LDMC fluctuates between a minimum of 363.1 mg/g and a maximum of 500 mg/g, maintaining a mean value of 431.55 mg/g, which suggests a robust structural investment in leaf tissue. Furthermore, the species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, relying instead on external soil nutrient availability for its nitrogen requirements.

Leaf dry matter content (LDMC) max:

500 mg/g

Leaf dry matter content (LDMC) mean:

431.55 mg/g

Leaf dry matter content (LDMC) min:

363.1 mg/g

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) max:

164.2 cm²/g

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

136.9 cm²/g

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) min:

109.6 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Xanthoxylum caribaeum is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, specifically relying on insects to facilitate the transfer of pollen. The species exhibits a lack of self-fertilization, meaning it is an obligate outcrosser that requires external agents to ensure genetic diversity. Following successful fertilization, the plant utilizes an autochorous dispersal syndrome, where seeds are dispersed through mechanisms inherent to the plant itself. The resulting seeds are highly uniform in their physical dimensions, maintaining a consistent seed length of exactly 4.3 mm. Furthermore, the seeds demonstrate a highly stable mass, with both the mean, minimum, and maximum values recorded at 0.02156 g, indicating a very low variance in seed size and weight within the population.

Dispersal syndrome :

autochorous

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed length mean:

4.3 mm

Seed mass mean:

0.02156 g

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Zanthoxylum caribaeum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Coumarins, Terpenoids.

Coumarins

1. Metabolites

Terpenoids

1. Metabolites