Cyrtandra argentii

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Cyrtandra argentii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Gesneriaceae
Genus: Cyrtandra
Species:
C. argentii
Binomial name
Cyrtandra argentii
Olivar, H.J.Atkins & Muellner[1]

Cyrtandra argentii is a species of flowering plant in the family Gesneriaceae, endemic to the Philippines.[2] Discovered in 1997, it is characterized by its pendulous inflorescences, white woolly indumentum, and ovoid fruits. This species thrives in rainforest environments with high humidity and constant moisture. Cyrtandra argentii is classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and deforestation.

The plant species is named after tropical botanist George Argent, who significantly contributed to the understanding of Philippine flora.[2][3]

Description[edit]

Cyrtandra argentii has pendulous compound cymose inflorescences of 10–15 flowers, subequal leaves, white woolly indumentum, glabrous corolla, and ovoid fruits.[4]

In detail, stems are slightly grooved and covered with white, woolly hairs. Leaves are subequal, 4–7 cm (1.6–2.8 in) petioles with blades that are oblong to oblong-elliptical, asymmetrical, and typically measure in ranges between 13–30 cm (5.1–11.8 in) x 7–15 cm (2.8–5.9 in). Compound cyme inflorescence type, pedunculate attachment, and the typical number of flowers inflorescence range from 10-15. Calyx is densely hirsute externally, glabrous internally, acuminate, and persistent. Corollas are white and glabrous both internally and externally.[2]

Habitat[edit]

Cyrtandra argentii is endemic to the Philippines, specifically thriving in its tropical rainforest environments.[2] These rainforests are characterized by high humidity, consistent moisture, and low light conditions, which are ideal for the growth of Cyrtandra species.[2] The plant is typically found at elevations where the climate provides the necessary conditions for its survival.[5] Habitat loss due to deforestation poses a significant threat to its natural environment.[6]

Conservation[edit]

Cyrtandra argentii is classified as a Near-threatened species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria Cyrtandra argentii is classified as Near-threatened by the IUCN due to deforestation and insufficient formal protection.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Cyrtandra argentii Olivar, H.J.Atkins & Muellner". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Olivar, Jay Edneil C.; Atkins, Hannah; Hauenschild, Frank; Muellner-Riehl, Alexandra N. (2020-06-30). "Cyrtandra argentii, a new species of Cyrtandra (Gesneriaceae) from the Philippines, and a review of the C. villosissima group". European Journal of Taxonomy (676). doi:10.5852/ejt.2020.676. ISSN 2118-9773.
  3. ^ Wilkie, P.; Conlon, T.; Hardy, G. (2020-08-10). "A Biography of G. Argent". Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 77 (3): 311–335. doi:10.1017/s0960428620000141. ISSN 1474-0036.
  4. ^ Olivar, Jay Edneil C.; Atkins, Hannah J.; Bramley, Gemma L.C.; Pelser, Pieter B.; Hauenschild, Frank; Muellner-Riehl, Alexandra N. (2022-05-13). "A synopsis of Philippine Cyrtandra (Gesneriaceae)". Taxon. 71 (5): 1084–1106. doi:10.1002/tax.12725. ISSN 0040-0262.
  5. ^ Coastal and Marine Division, DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau (2015-06-10). "Status of Mangrove Biodiversity Management in the Philippines". State of the Mangrove Summit: Northwestern Luzon Proceedings: 13. doi:10.13185/sm2014.00104. ISSN 2449-4976.
  6. ^ Bone, R. E.; Atkins, H. J. (2013-10-18). "FOUR NEW SPECIES OF CYRTANDRA (GESNERIACEAE) FROM THE LATIMOJONG MOUNTAINS, SOUTH SULAWESI". Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 70 (3): 455–468. doi:10.1017/s0960428613000152. ISSN 1474-0036.