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cornutia
Scientific Name: Cornutia
Family: Verbenaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Cornutia: A Tropical Beauty
The genus Cornutia, belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae), offers a glimpse into the diverse flora of the Western Hemisphere. This page delves into the characteristics, distribution, and fascinating facts about this genus and some of its notable species.
Considerations for Pets
Some species of Cornutia, such as Cornutia grandifolia, are known for their fragrant, velvety leaves. The text mentions potential uses in perfume, so further research into the chemical composition and potential skin irritation is recommended before planting around pets.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cornutia L.
- Family: Lamiaceae (formerly sometimes placed in Verbenaceae)
- Subfamily: Viticoideae
- Synonyms:
- Cornutia grandifolia (Schltdl. & Cham.) Schauer is considered a synonym of Cornutia pyramidata L. by some sources.
- Cornutia grandifolia var. intermedia Moldenke
- Cornutia ternata Sess & Moc.
- Vitex hawaiiensis H.J.Lam
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to tropical parts of the Western Hemisphere, including:
- Southern Mexico
- Central America
- Puerto Rico (Cornutia obovata is endemic to forested slopes)
- Costa Rica (Cornutia grandifolia)
- Specific locations mentioned include: Rio Abajo, Aricedo Observatory, and Barrenquitas.
Morphological Characteristics
- Cornutia can be trees or shrubs.
- Leaves are simple, usually aromatic.
- Inflorescence is terminal and dense.
- Cornutia grandifolia is described as a fast-growing shrub.
- Cornutia pyramidata is a shrub or small tree with 4-angled branches, opposite, simple, ovate-elliptic leaves, and a terminal panicle inflorescence.
- Cornutia grandifolia features fragrant, velvety leaves and produces tall stalks with lavender-blue flowers.
Ecological Role
- Cornutia grandifolia attracts butterflies.
Interesting Species
- Cornutia obovata: A rare tree species endemic to forested slopes in Puerto Rico.
- Cornutia pyramidata: Known as "Azulejo". An indigenous shrub/tree found in deciduous seasonal forests and savannas.
- Cornutia grandifolia: Also known as Tropical Lilac, African Lilac, or Jamaican Lilac, is a fragrant, showy shrub with purple flowers and deep green foliage.
Quirky Facts
- Leaves of Cornutia grandifolia var. intermedia have yielded ten novel neo-clerodane diterpenoids, named cornutins C-L.
- The Cornutia grandifolia plant is being explored in Anya's Garden in Miami for its medicinal and perfume potential, requiring further research.
Further Information
- World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)
- Discover Life
- The Plant List
- IPNI (International Plant Names Index)
- NYBG Virtual Herbarium
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
- EOL (Encyclopedia of Life)
- ARKive