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Aneilema: A Diverse Genus in the Commelinaceae Family

Aneilema is a genus of monocotyledonous flowering plants encompassing approximately 60 species. This genus belongs to the family Commelinaceae.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Aneilema R.Br.
• Family: Commelinaceae
• Major Group: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)

Distribution and Habitat

• The vast majority of Aneilema species are native to sub-Saharan Africa.
• Some species are also found in other regions, including:
  • West Africa
  • East Africa
  • New Guinea
  • Maluku
  • Solomon Islands
  • Queensland
  • Somalia
  • KwaZulu Natal

Morphological Characteristics

• Many Aneilema species are perennial herbs, often trailing or creeping.
• They typically have slender, evergreen leaves.
• Some species, such as Aneilema acuminatum, are herbaceous plants with ascending stems reaching up to approximately 40 cm in height. Aneilema acuminatum leaves are discolorous.
• Others, like certain tufted perennial herbs, can grow up to 1 meter with erect or straggling stems.

Specific Species

• Aneilema aequinoctiale: A flowering shrub native to West and East Africa, sometimes referred to as "clinging aneilema." Several varieties have been described, including Aneilema aequinoctiale var. minor and Aneilema aequinoctiale var. adhaerens. Some observations note it has lanceolate and pale green leaves with bright yellow flower petals.
• Aneilema acuminatum: A herbaceous plant native to New Guinea, Maluku, Solomon Islands, and Queensland.
• Aneilema siliculosum: A species with the botanical name Aneilema siliculosum R.Br.
• Aneilema trispermum: A species from central and southern Somalia, noted for being unique within the genus.
• Aneilema nudiflorum: Referenced in The PLANTS Database.
• Other mentioned species: Aneilema arenicola, Aneilema brunneospermum, Aneilema dregeanum, Aneilema hockii, Aneilema indehiscens, Aneilema johnstonii, Aneilema beniniense, Aneilema paludosum, Aneilema unbrosum, Aneilema ehrenbergii, Aneilema tacazzeanum and Aneilema lanceolatum.

Ecological Role and Interactions

• Some Nigerian species of Aneilema are common as undergrowth in rubber plantations.
• Studies have explored isolating mechanisms among sympatric species of Aneilema in Kenya.

Further Information

• Smithsonian Contributions to Botany Number 76: "The Morphology and Taxonomy of Aneilema R. Brown (Commelinaceae)" by RB Faden (1991).
• The PLANTS Database.
• Australian Plant Name Index
• Index Nominum Genericorum (ING)