SafePlants

Cyrtandra

Cyrtandra is a genus of flowering plants encompassing approximately 600 species, belonging to the African violet family (Gesneriaceae).

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is often found in forests and gardens, making awareness important for outdoor pets.

Considerations for Children

• The plant may be found in forests where children explore.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Cyrtandra J.R. Forst. &amp G. Forst.
• Family: Gesneriaceae (African violet family)
• Synonyms: Cyrtandra biserrata Hbd. is related to Cyrtandra biserrata. Cyrtandra longifolia Hillebr. var. degenerans C. B. Clarke is also listed.

Common Names

• Forest cyrtandra
• Giffard's cyrtandra
• Ha'iwale (for Cyrtandra spp.)
• Plate Leaved Cyrtandra, Ilihia (Cyrtandra platyphylla)

Distribution and Habitat

• Cyrtandra species are found in various locations, including:
  • Hawaiian montane forests
  • Viti Levu and Vanua Levu (Fiji)
  • Waisali Forest Reserve
  • Alakai Swamp
  • Hakalau Forest NWR
  • Ola'a Forest Reserve
  • Marquesas Islands
  • Malaysia (Cyrtandra pendula)
• Specific habitats include:
  • Montane wet forests
  • Lowland and montane rain forests
  • Metrosideros collina –Weinmannia marquesana wet forest
  • Swampy forests

Morphological Characteristics

• Cyrtandra lessoniana can grow as shrubs 2-3(-4) meters tall with many branched stems.

Ecological Role

• Some species are critically endangered and at risk in fragmented forests.
• Hybrids between some species exist in the wild.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Interactions with insects.

Further Information

• Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cyrtandra giffardii.
• Plants of Hawaii offers images and information for Cyrtandra sp.
• ARKive has photos and facts on Giffard's cyrtandra.
• BioLib.cz features images of Cyrtandra platyphylla.