Wurfbainia vera

Wurfbainia vera is a species of plant in the family Rubiaceae. It is endemic to Cameroon. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Taxonomy

The genus Wurfbainia was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The species Wurfbainia vera was later described by George Bentham in 1876. The genus is named after the Dutch botanist Pieter van Wurfbain.

Description

Wurfbainia vera is a small tree or shrub, typically reaching heights of 3-6 meters. The leaves are opposite, simple, and entire, with a glossy green upper surface and a paler underside. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, arranged in terminal clusters. The fruit is a small, round, red berry.

Distribution and habitat

Wurfbainia vera is endemic to Cameroon, where it is found in the Southwest Region and the Littoral Region. It grows in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, at altitudes of 200-800 meters.

Conservation status

Wurfbainia vera is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to ongoing habitat loss caused by deforestation for timber and conversion of land to agriculture.

Uses

The wood of Wurfbainia vera is used locally for construction and furniture making. The fruit is edible and is sometimes collected for local consumption.

See also

• List of Wurfbainia species
• Flora of Cameroon