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cymbocarpa

Scientific Name: Cymbocarpa

Family: Burmanniaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cymbocarpa: A Genus of Myco-heterotrophic Plants

Cymbocarpa is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Burmanniaceae. First described in 1840, these fascinating plants are native to Central America and northern South America.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cymbocarpa Miers
  • Family: Burmanniaceae
  • Rank: Genus
  • Synonym: Gymnosiphon (not accepted)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Central America and northern South America.
  • Specifically found in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and Peru.
  • Observed in areas near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Myco-heterotrophic: Lacking chlorophyll and obtaining nutrients from fungi.
  • Characterized by exogenous roots and imbricate scales.

Species

  • Cymbocarpa refracta Miers - Also known as "cat's milk".
  • Cymbocarpa saccata Sandwith

Ecology

  • These plants are achlorophyllous, meaning they don't produce chlorophyll and obtain their nutrients from fungi.

Quirky Facts

  • Cymbocarpa refracta has the common name "cat's milk."

Further Information

  • World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)
  • Tropicos database