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Pacific cyrtandra
Scientific Name: Cyrtandra grayana
Family: Gesneriaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Cyrtandra: An Overview
Cyrtandra is a large genus of flowering plants, boasting approximately 600 species. Often referred to as Pacific Cyrtandra, particularly Cyrtandra grayana, these plants are native to a wide geographical range spanning Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. The center of their diversity is found in Southeast Asia and the Malesian region.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cyrtandra J.R. & G. Forst.
- Family: Gesneriaceae (African Violet family)
- Synonyms:
- Cyrtandra grayana Hillebr.
- Cyrtandra grayana var. lanaiensis Hillebr.
- Cyrtandra grayana var. caudata H. St. John
Distribution and Habitat
Cyrtandra species are widely distributed throughout the Pacific Ocean islands and adjacent continents. They are frequent and prominent elements of island ecosystems, from Queensland and the Loyalty Islands to the high islands of the Pacific and Hawaii. Fiji and Samoa appear to be a crossroads for Cyrtandra dispersal into and out of Melanesia and the remote Pacific Islands.
Ecological Role
Certain species of Cyrtandra in the Pacific are locally uncommon, playing specific roles within their ecosystems. Understanding their origin and routes of dispersal is vital for comprehending the evolutionary dynamics of Pacific flora. Some studies suggest that Cyrtandra may exhibit shifts in diversification rates, impacting the broader plant community.
Morphological Characteristics
Pollen morphology in South Pacific and Hawaiian Cyrtandra species has been studied using SEM (scanning electron microscopy), with most pollen grains being isopolar.
Genetic Information
Molecular phylogenetic studies of Pacific Cyrtandra involve sequencing the internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA to understand species origins and relationships.
Quirky Facts
- The genus Cyrtandra is the largest in the Gesneriaceae family.
Further Information
For more information, you can explore:
- Discover Life's page on Cyrtandra grayana: Discover Life
- Learn more at: cyrtandra.com
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center:Cyrtandra 4655-0-303891