Decagonocarpus oppositifolius Spruce ex Engl.

  • Authority

    Maguire, Bassett & Wurdack, John J. 1958. The botany of the Guayana Highland--Part III. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 10: 1-156.

  • Family

    Rutaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Decagonocarpus oppositifolius Spruce ex Engl.

  • Description

    Distribution and Ecology - VENEZUELA: Amazonas: frequent on granitic summit of Piedra Nunca (just north of Piedra Cucuy), elev. 200-250 m, Rio Negro, Apr 1953, Maguire & Wurdack 34952; frequent on open lower and middle slopes of Piedra Arauicaua, elev. 120-170 m, rios Pacimoni-Yatua, Feb 1954, Maguire, Wurdack & Bunting 37475; frequent in open areas on Piedra Tururumeri, rios Pacimoni-Yatua, Casiquiare, elev. 110-220 m, Feb 1954, Maguirr, Wurdnclc & Bunting 37493.

  • Discussion

    Until Maguire et al. made several collections of this species, this monotypic genus was known in Venezuela only by the type collection. In the first installment of the ''Botany of the Guyana Highland" these collections were reported and observations concerning the morphology and ecology of the species were recorded there.

    The collections cited above, from the type region, add little to our knowledge of the species morphologically. It is interesting to note that in all three collections, the corollas and the under sides of the leaves are sparsely to distinctly pubescent, as described originally, while the collections from farther north are glabrous; there do not appear to be any other differences.

  • Distribution

    VENEZUELA: Amazonas: frequent on granitic summit of Piedra Nunca (just north of Piedra Cucuy), elev. 200-250 m, Rio Negro, Apr 1953, Maguire & Wurdack 34952; frequent on open lower and middle slopes of Piedra Arauicaua, elev. 120-170 m, rios Pacimoni-Yatua, Feb 1954, Maguire, Wurdack & Bunting 37475; frequent in open areas on Piedra Tururumeri, rios Pacimoni-Yatua, Casiquiare, elev. 110-220 m, Feb 1954, Maguirr, Wurdnclc & Bunting 37493.

    Venezuela South America|