Coronillo: modest but strong

Scutia buxifolia

By Botanic Garden of the City of Buenos Aires "Carlos Thays"

Jardín Botánico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires

Scutia buxifolia (2021-02-02)Botanic Garden of the City of Buenos Aires "Carlos Thays"

The coronillo is a small and thorny tree, typical of the flora of the province of Buenos Aires, associated with forests of 'tala' (Celtis erhenbergiana) and 'sombra de toro' (Jodina rhombifolia)

Scutia buxifolia (2021-02-02)Botanic Garden of the City of Buenos Aires "Carlos Thays"

Scutia buxifolia

Scutia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rhamnaceae.

Scutia buxifolia (2021-02-02)Botanic Garden of the City of Buenos Aires "Carlos Thays"

It has dark green, glossy, single, persistent leaves.

Scutia buxifolia (2021-02-02)Botanic Garden of the City of Buenos Aires "Carlos Thays"

Its wood, almost indestructible, is ideal for external use as bridge supports, posts etc.

Scutia buxifolia (2021-02-02)Botanic Garden of the City of Buenos Aires "Carlos Thays"

In older trees, the rough bark peels off in 'scales'.

Scutia buxifolia (2021-02-02)Botanic Garden of the City of Buenos Aires "Carlos Thays"

It is not only humans who make use of the coronillo.

Scutia buxifolia (2021-02-02)Botanic Garden of the City of Buenos Aires "Carlos Thays"

Several species of birds also use its thorny branches to make their nests and the fruits are eaten by the matchstick (Thraupis sayaca), the chalchalero thrush (Turdus amaurochalinus) and the blue fruiteater Stephanophorus diadematus), among others.

Scutia buxifolia (2021-02-02)Botanic Garden of the City of Buenos Aires "Carlos Thays"

Historical specimen

Scutia buxifoliaBotanic Garden of the City of Buenos Aires "Carlos Thays"

It is a host species for the “Argentine flag” butterfly (Morpho epistrophus argentinus) whose red larvae, usually in large groups, feed on the leaves.

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Visitors can find it walking along the inner paths of our garden.

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Jardín Botánico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires

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Botanic Garden of the City of Buenos Aires "Carlos Thays"

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