Sterigmapetalum

Sterigmapetalum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. It was first described as a genus in 1895. The genus is native to tropical South America.

Description

Sterigmapetalum species are small to medium-sized trees. The leaves are opposite, simple, and entire. Flowers are small, with a tubular corolla. The fruit is a small capsule containing numerous small seeds.

Taxonomy

The genus Sterigmapetalum was first described by the German botanist Karl Moritz Schumann in 1895. The name is derived from the Greek words sterigma, meaning "support", and petalon, meaning "petal", referring to the distinctive structure of the flowers.

Species

There are about 20 species in the genus. Some of the more well-known species include:

• Sterigmapetalum acuminatum
• Sterigmapetalum panamense
• Sterigmapetalum peruvianum

Distribution and habitat

Sterigmapetalum species are native to tropical South America, with a distribution range that extends from Panama to Peru. They are typically found in lowland rainforests and cloud forests at elevations up to 1,500 meters.

Uses

Some species of Sterigmapetalum are used in traditional medicine in their native regions. The bark and leaves are often used in decoctions for treating various ailments.

Conservation

Many species of Sterigmapetalum are threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation for agriculture and logging. Conservation efforts are needed to protect these species and their habitats.

See also

• List of Rubiaceae genera