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island cyrtandra

Scientific Name: Cyrtandra wainihaensis

Family: Gesneriaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cyrtandra: A Diverse Genus of Pacific Flora

Cyrtandra is a large genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Gesneriaceae. With approximately 600 or more species, it represents a significant component of the flora in Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cyrtandra J.R. Forster & G. Forster
  • Family: Gesneriaceae (African violet family)

The genus name is attributed to J.R. Forster & G. Forster, with its original publication in *Char. gen. pl.*

Common Names

  • Some Hawaiian Cyrtandra are known as ha`iwale.
  • Cyrtandra wainihaensis is also known as Island Cyrtandra.
  • Cyrtandra nanawaleensis is also referred to as haiwale.

Te Manga Cyrtandra is also another common name.

Distribution and Habitat

Cyrtandra species are primarily found in Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Centers of diversity include Borneo, New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands. Specific locations mentioned include:

  • Hawaiian Islands (Kaua'i, Hawai'i Island, Oahu, Maui)
  • Cook Islands (Rarotonga)
  • Fiji (Viti Levu, Vanua Levu)
  • Sulawesi, Indonesia
  • Palawan, Philippines
  • Solomon Islands
  • Marquesas Islands
  • Nicobar Islands
  • Rotoma Island

Habitats range from cloud forests to shady wet or mesic forests.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Cyrtandra platyphylla is described as a sparsely or unbranched shrub with broad leaves.
  • Cyrtandra paliku is noted for its thick stems with shaggy characteristics.

Ecological Role

  • Species of Hawaiian Cyrtandra occupy similar ecological habitats.

Genetic Information

  • Research involves sequencing the internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA to understand the origin of oceanic Pacific island species of Cyrtandra.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Ongoing research involves the reproductive barriers among species.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cyrtandra wainihaensis.
  • ARKive provides photos and facts on Giffard's cyrtandra.