Bushicuri
Common Name: Wild Mesple / Rat‑apple
Papiamento Name: Bushicuri
Scientific Name: Morisonia americana L.
Morisonia americana is a shrub or small tree belonging to the caper family (Capparaceae), native to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and northern South America.
It is recorded in Aruba as an indigenous species. Typical height: described as “small tree or shrub, to 10 m tall” in botanical sources.
Identification
FLOWERS
Small, pale-colored flowers grow in short clusters along the branches. They are not very showy but attract pollinators when in bloom..
FRUITS
Produces round, rough-textured fruits that resemble tiny apples. Fruits turn from green to yellow or orange when ripe.
LEAF STRUCTURE
Leaves are simple (not divided) and grow one at a time along the stem. They are oval to slightly pointed in shape and may have a rough or leathery feel.
OTHER MARKERS
Bark is light gray and can feel smooth or slightly bumpy Young twigs may have small, rusty-brown scales. Grows as a small tree or large shrub, with a spreading shape in open areas
Habitat & Range
Native range spans from Mexico through Central America, the Caribbean (including Aruba) and into northern South America. In Aruba it is found in dry streambeds and remnant dry‑forest patches, though extremely rare (only a handful of wild individuals known).
Ecological Role
- Provides fruit that may feed birds or small mammals in dry‑forest ecosystems.
- Acts as part of the native shrub/tree layer in dry forest and scrub habitat, contributing to biodiversity and structure.
- Because of its rarity in Aruba, it is indicative of remnant native dry‑forest patches and their conservation value.
Suitability for Landscaping & Urban Use
- Leaf Behavior:
Likely semi‑deciduous in dry conditions, though specific local leaf‑drop behavior is not well documented. - Root System:
Details limited, but surviving in tough dry‑forest conditions implies resilience to drought and poor soils. - Growth Characteristics:
Being a shrub or small tree (up to ~10 m) it is suitable for smaller native‑plant gardens, restoration of dry zones, and as a feature in conservation‑oriented landscaping.
Cultural Significance
Known locally in Papiamento as “Bushicuri”, Morisonia americana is part of Aruba’s native plant heritage. It is listed among very rare species in the wild on Aruba, marking it as culturally and ecologically significant due to its scarcity and native status.