Carapichea

Carapichea is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. It was first described as a genus in 1830. The genus is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, from southern Mexico to northern Argentina.

Description

The genus Carapichea consists of about 60 species of trees and shrubs. The leaves are opposite, simple, and entire. The flowers are small, with four or five petals, and are usually white or yellow. The fruit is a small capsule containing numerous seeds.

Taxonomy

The genus Carapichea was first described by the French botanist Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in 1830. The name Carapichea is derived from the local name for these plants in Brazil.

Species

There are about 60 species in the genus Carapichea. Some of the more well-known species include:

• Carapichea ipecacuanha - the source of the drug ipecac
• Carapichea guianensis - a tree native to the Guianas
• Carapichea adinantha - a tree native to Brazil

Distribution and habitat

Carapichea species are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. They are found in a variety of habitats, from lowland rainforests to montane forests.

Uses

Some species of Carapichea have medicinal uses. The most well-known is Carapichea ipecacuanha, which is used to produce ipecac, a drug used to induce vomiting.

See also

• List of Rubiaceae genera

External links

• The Plant List: Carapichea