Crinodendron
Crinodendron is a genus of evergreen shrubs or trees belonging to the family Elaeocarpaceae native to South America. Some are cultivated as ornamentals in Europe and elsewhere. They have narrow, leathery evergreen leaves and pendent bell-shaped flowers in red, pink or white.
Description
Crinodendron are tall, evergreen trees or shrubs.
Taxonomy
It was published by Giovanni Ignazio Molina in 1782 with Crinodendron patagua as the type species.
Species
It has four species:
- Crinodendron brasiliense
- Crinodendron hookerianum
- Crinodendron patagua
- ''Crinodendron tucumanum''
Etymology
The generic name Crinodendron is composed of two Greek words: krinon, meaning lily, in reference to the fragrant, white, lily-like flowers of Crinodendron patagua, and dendron, meaning tree.
Evolution
This genus is most closely related to the Australian Peripentadenia. They appear to descend from a common ancestor that dispersed across the Antarctic land bridge during the Late Cretaceous.
Distribution
It is native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and has been introduced to the Juan Fernández Islands.
Ecology
Pollination
Crinodendron patagua is insect pollinated, Crinodendron hookerianum is hummingbird pollinated, and Crinodendron tucumanum is insect pollinated.
Horticulture
In cultivation in temperate areas they require a sheltered location.