Krameria

Krameria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Krameriaceae. This genus is native to the Americas, with species distributed from the United States to Argentina.

Description

Krameria plants are small shrubs or subshrubs, often with a sprawling habit. They are known for their distinctive flowers, which have a unique structure adapted for pollination by specialized bees. The flowers typically have five sepals and five petals, with the petals often being reduced or modified.

Uses

Several species of Krameria, such as Krameria lappacea (also known as Rhatany), have been used in traditional medicine. The roots of these plants contain tannins and have been used for their astringent properties. They are sometimes used in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery.

Species

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

• Krameria erecta
• Krameria grayi
• Krameria ixine
• Krameria lappacea

Ecology

Krameria species are often found in arid and semi-arid environments. They have adapted to survive in these conditions with features such as deep root systems and drought-resistant foliage. The flowers of Krameria are adapted for pollination by oil-collecting bees, which are attracted to the floral oils produced by the plant.

References

• Flora of North America
• The Plant List

External links

• Krameria on WikiMD