Krameria

Krameria lappacea - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-084

Krameria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Krameriaceae. The genus is native to the Americas, with species distributed from the southwestern United States to South America. Krameria plants are commonly known as rhatany or ratany.

Description

Krameria species are perennial shrubs or subshrubs, often with a sprawling or prostrate growth habit. They typically have small, simple leaves and produce distinctive flowers with five petals. The flowers are usually red or purple and are adapted for pollination by specialized bees. The fruit is a small, nut-like capsule.

Taxonomy

The genus Krameria was first described by Antonio José Cavanilles in 1799. It is the sole genus in the family Krameriaceae, which is part of the order Zygophyllales. The genus name honors the Austrian botanist Johann Georg Heinrich Kramer.

Species

There are approximately 18 recognized species within the genus Krameria. Some notable species include:

• Krameria erecta - Littleleaf rhatany
• Krameria grayi - White rhatany
• Krameria lanceolata - Trailing krameria
• Krameria lappacea - Peruvian rhatany

Uses

Krameria species have been used traditionally for their medicinal properties. The roots of some species, particularly Krameria lappacea, are rich in tannins and have been used as an astringent in herbal medicine. The roots are also used to produce a red dye.

Ecology

Krameria plants are often found in arid and semi-arid environments, such as deserts and scrublands. They are adapted to dry conditions and can survive in poor soils. The flowers of Krameria are pollinated by specialized bees of the genus Centris, which collect oils from the flowers.

Conservation

Some species of Krameria are considered to be at risk due to habitat loss and overharvesting for medicinal use. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting natural habitats and promoting sustainable harvesting practices.

Gallery

• Krameria erecta.jpg

  Krameria erecta

• Krameria grayi.jpg

  Krameria grayi

• Krameria lanceolata