No images found for this plant ID: 31207.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "31207" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
Atea: A Genus in the Wild Plane Family
Atea is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Ochnaceae family, also known as the wild plane family.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Atea Aubl.
- Family: Ochnaceae
- Type Species: Atea guianensis Aubl.
- Synonyms: Includes Atea guildingi (Planch.) (based on Gomphia guildingii Planchon)
Distribution and Habitat
- Occurs in the Mata Atlântica and the eastern portion of the Serra Geral, in Rio Grande do Sul.
- Some species, such as Atea spectabilis, are found in Brazilian savannas.
- Atea fieldingiana occurs frequently in the "Caatinga" Dominium.
- Atea schusteri is found in Kenya.
- Some species are found in Mesoamerica.
Morphological Characteristics
- Atea guildingii is described as an indigenous, quite rare shrub or small tree.
- Several species, like yellow-flowering Atea sp., exhibit distinct floral characteristics.
Uses
- Atea parviflora provides valuable edible oil from its fruits.
- In the Lesser Antilles, Sauvagesia erecta is used for tea.
Ecological Role
- Atea spectabilis is described as a ubiquitous tree species in Brazilian savannas.
Genetic and Cytological Information
- Atea species are a rich source of flavonoids and biflavonoids, which can be used as chemotaxonomic markers.
- Biflavonoids from Atea species act as DNA topoisomerase inhibitors.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Pollen viability is very high in some species like Atea spectabilis.
Further Information
- ARKive provides photos and facts about Atea.
- PlantSystematics.org and DiversityOfLife.org also contain information about Atea within the Ochnaceae family.