Turneria

Turneria

Turneria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, commonly known as the pea family. It belongs to the subfamily Faboideae and is native to South America. The genus was named after William Turner, an English botanist and physician who made significant contributions to the field of botany during the 16th century.

Taxonomy

The genus Turneria is classified under the tribe Phaseoleae, which includes other well-known legume genera such as Phaseolus (common bean) and Vigna (cowpea). Within the tribe, Turneria is further classified into the subtribe Phaseolinae, which consists of several other genera.

Description

Turneria plants are herbaceous perennials or annuals, depending on the species. They typically have twining or climbing stems and compound leaves with three leaflets. The flowers are usually borne in racemes or clusters and have a characteristic pea-like shape, with a banner, wings, and a keel. The colors of the flowers vary among species, ranging from white and yellow to shades of pink and purple.

Distribution and Habitat

The genus Turneria is primarily found in South America, particularly in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. These plants are adapted to a variety of habitats, including open grasslands, savannas, and forest edges. Some species of Turneria are also cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens and landscapes.

Uses

Turneria species have various uses and benefits. Some species, such as Turneria ulmifolia, have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine to treat ailments like respiratory problems and skin infections. Additionally, Turneria species are known to fix nitrogen in the soil, which helps improve soil fertility and benefit other plants in their vicinity.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of Turneria species varies depending on the specific species and its distribution range. Some species are considered to be of least concern, while others may be threatened or endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation. It is important to monitor and protect the natural habitats of Turneria species to ensure their long-term survival.

References

<references>

See Also

• Fabaceae
• Phaseolus
• Vigna

External Links

• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List
• UBC Botanical Garden