SafePlants

Geniostoma: A Diverse Genus

Geniostoma is a genus consisting of approximately 25 to 35 species of flowering plants. These plants are typically shrubs or small trees.

Considerations for Pets

• Geniostoma ligustrifolium var. ligustrifolium (Hangehange) produces very small seeds that are attractive to birds.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Geniostoma ligustrifolium
• Common Names: Hangehange, Maori privet, papa, NZ privet
• Other Geniostoma species mentioned include Geniostoma astylum, Geniostoma rarotongensis, Geniostoma antherotrichum, Geniostoma micranthum, Geniostoma borbonicum, and Geniostoma rupestre.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Loganiaceae
• Major Group: Angiosperms (Flowering Plants)
• Synonyms/Alternative Names: Geniostoma rupestre var. ligustrifolium, Geniostoma rupestre
• Taxonomic Rank: Genus
• Infraspecific taxa: Geniostoma rupestre var. glaberrimum, Geniostoma micranthum var. paganense, Geniostoma micranthum var. hoeferi, Geniostoma rupestre var. hoeferi

Distribution and Habitat

• Geniostoma ligustrifolium (Hangehange) is endemic to New Zealand. It is commonly found in coastal and lowland forests throughout the North Island and in the Marlborough region of the South Island.
• Geniostoma rarotongensis is (or was) found in the upper slope forest of the central Rarotongan mountains in the Cook Islands.
• The genus is distributed from Madagascar to Polynesia.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Geniostoma ligustrifolium (Hangehange) is a bushy shrub that can grow up to 4 meters in height. The leaves of G. ligustrifolium var. ligustrifolium are described as bright green and shiny.
• Some varieties of Geniostoma rupestre have hairs on their leaves and midvein edges.

Etymology

• Geniostoma: derived from "genio" meaning hairy, and "stoma" meaning mouth, referring to the hairy throat of the corolla.
• ligustrifolium: derived from the genus Ligustrum (privet) and the Greek word "phylum" (leaf), meaning privet-leaved.

Ecological Role

• Geniostoma ligustrifolium is described as a forest diversity plant.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The seeds of Geniostoma ligustrifolium var. ligustrifolium are loved by birds.

Further Information

• IUCN Red List (for Geniostoma astylum)
• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
• Discover Life