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Alyxia: An Overview
The genus Alyxia belongs to the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, and comprises approximately 106 species.
Considerations for Pets
- Some species of Alyxia may have branches that produce white latex.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Alyxia
- Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)
- Major Group: Dicot
- Tribus: Alyxieae
- Synonyms (for Alyxia oliviformis): Alyxia myrtillifolia, Alyxia olivaeformis, Alyxia oliviformis f. ampla, Alyxia oliviformis f. angusta
Common Names
- Maile (for Alyxia oliviformis in Hawaiian)
- Sea Box, Dysentery Bush (for Alyxia buxifolia)
Distribution and Habitat
- Alyxia stellata is found in Australia, New Caledonia, and extends into the Pacific region, including Hawaii.
- Alyxia oliviformis is native to Hawaii.
- Alyxia buxifolia is native to Western Australia.
Morphological Characteristics
- Alyxia buxifolia is a shrub that can grow up to 2 meters in height but is more often less than 50 cm.
- Alyxia oliviformis can be a twining vine or a sprawling shrub with smooth, glossy leaves that are dark green on top and paler underneath.
- Some Alyxia species are climbers, scramblers, or shrubs with branches that can sometimes feature large corky protuberances.
Etymology
- Alyxia spicata: "Alyxia" is derived from the Greek "halysis," meaning chain, and "spicata" comes from the Latin "spicatus," meaning with spikes.
Species Examples
- Alyxia stellata
- Alyxia tisserantii
- Alyxia oliviformis
- Alyxia buxifolia
- Alyxia taiwanensis
- Alyxia ruscifolia
- Alyxia reinwardti
- Alyxia schlechteri
- Alyxia baillonii
- Alyxia celebica
- Alyxia amoena
Further Information
- Alyxia taiwanensis information can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.1998.RLTS.T34754A9887586.en
- EEB Greenhouse Accession Data for Alyxia ruscifolia is available.