Posoqueria longiflora
Species of flowering plant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Posoqueria longiflora, also known as needle flower tree[3] or needle flower[4][5] is a species of shrub or tree in the family Rubiaceae[6] native to subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest[1] of Northern South America.[7]
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| Posoqueria longiflora | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Rubiaceae |
| Genus: | Posoqueria |
| Species: | P. longiflora |
| Binomial name | |
| Posoqueria longiflora | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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Description
Vegetative characteristics
Posoqueria longiflora is a 2–5 m tall shrub or tree[6] bearing lanceolate, acuminate leaves with a wavy leaf margin.[8]
Generative characteristics
The pendent, elegant, terminal inflorescences[8] bear fragrant,[9] nectariferous,[4] sphingophilous,[4][9] tubular,[8] pure white, flowers 28–35 cm (rarely to 38 cm) long,[10] while not over 2 mm diameter.[11] The five petals[4] are reflexed.[4][8] The yellow[12] or orange fruit has five linear, pointed, leathery, persistent sepals.[13]
Taxonomy
It was described by Jean Baptiste Christophore Fusée Aublet in 1775.[14] It is the type species of its genus.[7]
Etymology
The specific epithet longiflora means having long flowers.[15]
Ecology
Pollination
It is pollinated by a sphinx moth.[4][9] When a sphinx moth inserts its proboscis into the flower, it touches a trigger mechanism which causes the four lateral stamens (two pairs) to move away from the center, while the middle stamen lunges forward like a catapult coating the lower surface of the moth with pollen[16][failed verification] to pollinate the stigma of the next flower visited. The role of the lateral stamens remains unclear.
Herbivory
The fruit is eaten by fish.[9]