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Anechites Species: Information and Considerations

The genus Anechites, belonging to the Apocynaceae family, is a group of plants with a fascinating taxonomic history and distribution. This page provides a compilation of information regarding this genus, particularly focusing on Anechites nerium, also known as Natal Plum.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Anechites Grisebach
• Accepted Species: The Plant List indicates that out of several names of species rank, only one is currently accepted.
• Type Species: Anechites asperuginis (Sw.) Griseb.
• Synonyms for Anechites nerium:
  • Echites lappulaceus Lam.
  • Echites asperuginis Sw.
  • Echites lappulaceus var. asperuginis A.DC.
• Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)
• Subfamily: Rauvolfioideae
• Tribe: Plumerieae

Distribution and Habitat

• Anechites is indigenous to the Caribbean, Central America, and coastal northern South America.
• A single collection of Anechites was made in Puerto Rico in 1888.

Morphological Characteristics

• Anechites nerium is described as a vine, specifically a perennial vine.
• It can develop in an erect manner, becoming a tree over time.

Considerations for Pets

• Some sources state that these plants have a sapling deportment.

Additional Resources

• The Plant List: For taxonomic information and accepted species names.
• Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS): Record number 513573.
• Tropicos: For information on Anechites lappulaceus.
• NCBI Taxonomy: For a specific view of Anechites nerium.
• Discover Life: For information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Anechites nerium.
• Encyclopedia of Life: For family information about Anechites nerium.
• Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk project (HEAR): (www.hear.org) for bibliographic citations for Anechites nerium.
• B and T World Seeds: Database containing information about Anechites nerium.