Cyrtandra argentii is a species of flowering plant in the family Gesneriaceae. It is endemic to the Philippines.[2] Discovered in 1997, it is characterized by its pendulous inflorescences, white woolly indumentum, and ovoid fruits. This species thrives in rainforest environments with high humidity and constant moisture. Cyrtandra argentii is classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and deforestation.
| Cyrtandra argentii | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Gesneriaceae |
| Genus: | Cyrtandra |
| Species: | C. argentii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Cyrtandra argentii Olivar, H.J.Atkins & Muellner[1]
| |
The plant species is named after tropical botanist George Argent, who significantly contributed to the understanding of Philippine flora.[2][3]
Description
editThe stems are slightly grooved and covered with white, woolly hairs. The leaves are opposite and subequal. The petioles, which connect the leaf blade to the stem, are 4–7 cm (1.6–2.8 in). The densely hirsute leaf blades are oblong to oblong-elliptical, asymmetrical, and typically measure 13–30 cm (5.1–11.8 in) long and 7–15 cm (2.8–5.9 in) wide. The pendulous, compound cymose inflorescences have 10–15 flowers. The inflorescences grow on densely hirsute peduncles that measure 5–6 cm (2.0–2.4 in) long. The calyx is densely hirsute externally, glabrous internally, and acuminate. After the flower has been pollinated, the calyx persists and completely encloses the fruit. The corollas are white and glabrous both internally and externally. The fruits are green, ovoid, and glabrous.[2][4]
Habitat
editCyrtandra argentii is endemic to the Philippines, specifically thriving in its tropical rainforest environments. These rainforests are characterized by high humidity, consistent moisture, and low light conditions, which are ideal for the growth of Cyrtandra species. The plant is typically found next to streams.[2] Habitat loss due to deforestation poses a significant threat to its natural environment.[5]
Conservation
editCyrtandra argentii is classified as a near-threatened species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria due to deforestation and insufficient formal protection.[2]
References
edit- ^ "Cyrtandra argentii Olivar, H.J.Atkins & Muellner". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Olivar, Jay Edneil C.; Atkins, Hannah; Hauenschild, Frank; Muellner-Riehl, Alexandra N. (2020-06-30). "Cyrtandra argentii, a new species of Cyrtandra (Gesneriaceae) from the Philippines, and a review of the C. villosissima group". European Journal of Taxonomy (676). doi:10.5852/ejt.2020.676. ISSN 2118-9773.
- ^ Wilkie, P.; Conlon, T.; Hardy, G. (2020-08-10). "A Biography of G. Argent". Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 77 (3): 311–335. doi:10.1017/s0960428620000141. ISSN 1474-0036.
- ^ Olivar, Jay Edneil C.; Atkins, Hannah J.; Bramley, Gemma L.C.; Pelser, Pieter B.; Hauenschild, Frank; Muellner-Riehl, Alexandra N. (2022-05-13). "A synopsis of Philippine Cyrtandra (Gesneriaceae)". Taxon. 71 (5): 1084–1106. doi:10.1002/tax.12725. ISSN 0040-0262.
- ^ Bone, R. E.; Atkins, H. J. (2013-10-18). "Four New Species of Cyrtandra (Gesneriaceae) from the Latimojong Mountains, South Sulawesi". Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 70 (3): 455–468. doi:10.1017/s0960428613000152. ISSN 1474-0036.