Biology:Gustavia angustifolia
| Gustavia angustifolia | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Lecythidaceae |
| Genus: | Gustavia |
| Species: | G. angustifolia
|
| Binomial name | |
| Gustavia angustifolia Benth.
| |
Gustavia angustifolia is a small tree, native to South America, with large white flowers. It is an endangered species.[1]
Description
Leaves
Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of G. angustifolia is its leaves.[2] G. angustifolia has an abaxial leaf surface that is covered in short, fine velvety hairs which is an uncommon trait among the genus Gustavia.[2] In general the leaves are sessile but they can have petioles up to 30 mm long.[2] The leaf blades tend to be narrow, having an oblong to oblanceolate shape, while the leaf bases are attenuate to acute in shape.[2]
Flowers and reproduction
Gustavia angustifolia has a gametic chromosome number of n=17.[2] The inflorescence of G. angustifolia is racemose and terminal, occurring at the end of the branches. Each raceme typically has 4–10 flowers and each flower has 8 petals.[2] The pedicels of the flowers range from 35 to 100 mm in length.[2] The buds of G.angustifolia are tomentose with a gray coloration.[2] These flowers can grow to be 10–14.5 cm in diameter. The petals have an elliptical shape and are 50–65 mm long and 20–25 mm wide.[2] The androecium of G.angustifolia is fused. The fruit are globe shaped with a flat summit.[2]
Habitat and ecology
Gustavia angustifolia is native to the dry deciduous forests of the coastal plain of Ecuador and Colombia.[2] Pubescent leaves are beneficial in hot, dry environments such as these.[3] The tiny hairs help to keep the leaves cool by reflecting light and casting tiny shadows on the leaf surface.[3] In addition the hairs also provide a barrier between the leaf and the air thereby reducing the amount of exposed surface.[3] Deflecting sunlight and decreasing exposed surface area of the leaf are both adaptations for preventing water loss in the plant.[3] The flowers of this plant bloom in October and begin fruiting in November.[2]
Synonyms and common names
While Gustavia angustifolia is the official scientific name, in the past it has been called Japarandiba angustifolia, Japarandiba ruizana, Gustavia angusta, Gustavia ruiziana, and Gustavia corymbosa.[4] Its common names are Membrillo de Monte and Membrillo de Montaña (Mountain quince).[2]
References
- ↑ "Listado de las especies por categoría". http://www.humboldt.org.co/conservacion/libros_rojos/descargas_lr/lr_plantas/09_novena_parte.pdf. Retrieved 2012-04-28.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 Prance, Ghillean (1979). The actinomorphic-flowered new world lecythidaceae. Bronx, New York: The New York Botanical Garden. pp. 150–151. https://archive.org/details/lecythidaceaepar00pran_657.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Gilmer, Maureen. "Pubescence Protects Plants". Scripps Networks, LLC. http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/pubescence-protects-plants/index.html. Retrieved 2012-04-28.
- ↑ Stang, David. "Gustavia angustifolia". http://zipcodezoo.com/Plants/G/Gustavia_angustifolia/#Notes. Retrieved 2012-04-28.
Wikidata ☰ Q5471385 entry
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