Corytoplectus


Corytoplectus is a genus in the plant family Gesneriaceae. Plants from Corytoplectus are found in Bolivia, Brazil North, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, southwestern Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, in the cloud-forests of the high cordillera. The genus contains c. 12 species. The genus differs from the closely related Alloplectus in having an erect umbellate inflorescence and berries. The type species is C. capitatus.

Description

Corytoplectus species are herbs or shrubs ranging from 0.5–2 m tall. The stems are erect and subquadrangular, but becoming quadrangular near the top. The fruit is a translucent berry with dark striate seeds. The leaves have dark green upper surfaces with veins which are paler. The inflorescences are mostly erect.

Etymology

According to Rodriques-Flores and Skog, Corytoplectus derives from the Latin coryto and plectus. They believe the name to be suitable, because, in profile, the calyces look like pleated leather pouches. However, an alternative view says that rather than deriving from the Latin coryto, the name derives from the Greek , giving "pleated helmet".

Species

12 species are accepted.