Ceratostema


Ceratostema is a genus of shrubs or dwarf shrubs and lianas in the heather family native to tropical South America.

Description

Vegetative characteristics

Ceratostema are up to 3.5 m tall, terrestrial or epiphytic shrubs with petiolate, alternate, coriaceous leaves.

Generative characteristics

The axillary, solitary inflorescence bears pedicellate, inodorous, 5-merous flowers.

Taxonomy

It was described by Antoine Laurent de Jussieu in 1789. The type species is Ceratostema peruvianum Within the subfamily Vaccinioideae it is placed in the tribe Vaccinieae. It is closely related to Semiramisia.

Species

Distribution and habitat

Ceratostema is native to Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela.