Pentastemona egregia (Schott) Steenis

국표에 없다.

Description

Plants almost glabrous, up to 25 cm; Leafblade ovate to broad-ovate, base shallowly emarginate to cordate, apex short or distincdy acute-acuminate, 7-17 by 5-10 cm; Inflorescences shortly peduncled, simple, pauciflor-ous racemes, hidden under the leaves, 2-5 cm long, after flowering bent towards the ground; Flowers campanulate-urceolate, 12-20 mm long, 18-20 mm diameter; Fruit c. 13 mm long, with 10 firm ribs fringed with ander-like emergences which extend on the persisting perianth. Seeds many, almost globular, c. 1.5 by 1.25 mm, glossy.

Pentastemona egregia | Flora Malesiana (cybertaxonomy.org)

Pentastemona egregia: The Enigmatic Beauty of the Rainforest

Pentastemona egregia, commonly known as the Forest Candle, is a captivating plant species that graces the lush rainforests with its vibrant presence. This unique flora not only enchants with its beauty but also plays a pivotal role in its ecosystem. Join us on a journey to explore its origin, characteristics, ecological importance, and much more!

Overview

Pentastemona egregia belongs to the family Thomandiaceae and is endemic to the rainforests of New Guinea. Its unique structure and impressive height make it a notable highlight among the understory plants. The species is particularly famous for its ability to adapt to the humid and temperate conditions of its natural habitat, emphasizing the resilience and diversity of rainforest life.

Physical Characteristics

In its natural form, Pentastemona egregia can grow to impressive heights, reaching up to 2-3 meters. The plant exhibits a bushy, upright growth habit with a robust stem that supports its vertical spread. Leaves are elongated and lanceolate, exhibiting a deep green hue complemented by a glossy texture that captures sunlight beautifully.

Identifiable Traits

One of the most distinctive features of Pentastemona egregia is its flowering structure. The plant produces remarkable inflorescences with vibrant, tubular flowers that can be characterized by the following traits:

• Coloration: The flowers bloom in hues of yellow and red, attracting pollinators from far and wide.
• Shape: The tubular shape of the flowers encourages visits from specific pollinators, enhancing their reproductive success.
• Stamen Arrangement: As the name suggests, the presence of five distinct stamens makes it easily identifiable.

With these features, one can recognize the Forest Candle even from a distance, a testament to its evolutionary strategies in attracting attention in a crowded environment.

Stemonaceae-백부과과

 

https://youtu.be/KNQSH0HQtVI?t=167

https://youtu.be/KNQSH0HQtVI?t=166