Moutabea
Genus of flowering plants
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Moutabea is a genus of flowering plants in the family Polygalaceae with 11 species.[1][2] It was first described in 1775 by Jean Aublet.[3] Most species are neotropical, ranging from Costa Rica to Bolivia and central Brazil, with one species, M. pacifica, native to New Caledonia.[1]
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| Moutabea | |
|---|---|
| |
| Moutabea guianensis | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Polygalaceae |
| Tribe: | Moutabeae |
| Genus: | Moutabea Aubl. (1775)[1] |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Description
Moutabea are erect or scandent trees, shrubs, and lianas.[4][5] Its leaves are alternate, petiolate, and usually glabrous.[5] Its zygomorphic flowers are white or yellow and contain 5 petals which are subequal and 5 sepals which are equal. Its 8 stamens are joined into 2 groups of 4.[4][5] Its ovary is usually 4-locular, though it can be 2- to 5-locular. The berry it produces is edible, globose, and indehiscent. They contain 2 to 5 seeds.[5]
Species
As of April 2024[update], Plants of the World Online accepted the following species:[1]
- Moutabea aculeata (Ruiz & Pav.) Poepp. & Endl.
- Moutabea angustifolia Huber
- Moutabea arianae Jans.-Jac. & Maas
- Moutabea chartacea Aymard & L.M.Campb.
- Moutabea chodatiana Huber
- Moutabea excoriata Mart. ex Miq.
- Moutabea floribunda J.C.Huber ex J.B.Silveira & Secco
- Moutabea gentryi T.Wendt
- Moutabea guianensis Aubl.
- Moutabea pacifica (Morat & Meijden) Byng & Christenh. – formerly placed in the monotypic genus Balgoya[6]
- Moutabea victoriana J.B.Silveira & Secco