Aenigmanu

Last updated

Aenigmanu
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Picramniales
Family: Picramniaceae
Genus: Aenigmanu
W.W.Thomas (2021)
Species:
A. alvareziae
Binomial name
Aenigmanu alvareziae
W.W.Thomas (2021)

Aenigmanu alvareziae is a species of flowering plant in the family Picramniaceae. It is the sole species in genus Aenigmanu. It is native to the Amazon Rainforest of Peru and northwestern Brazil's Acre state. [1] It is an understory rainforest tree to about twenty feet (six meters) in height. Its most curious characteristic is the fruit, which is like an orange paper lantern. It was discovered by Robin Foster in 1973, but resisted classification for many years. [2]

Etymology

The generic name means "Enigma from Manu" National Park, Peru. The specific name honors Patricia Alvarez-loayza the taxonomist who finally solved the riddle.

References

  1. Aenigmanu alvareziae W.W.Thomas. Plants of the World Online . Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  2. anonymous (October 6, 2021). ""Mystery Plant" from the Amazon Declared a New Species After Nearly 50 Years of Flummoxing Scientists" . Retrieved November 6, 2021.