| Crinodendron | |
|---|---|
| | |
| C. hookerianum | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Oxalidales |
| Family: | Elaeocarpaceae |
| Genus: | Crinodendron Molina |
| Type species | |
| Crinodendron patagua Molina [1] | |
| Synonyms [2] | |
| |
Crinodendron is a genus of evergreen shrubs or trees [3] belonging to the family Elaeocarpaceae native to South America. [4] 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.
Crinodendron are 2–7 m tall, [5] evergreen [6] [3] trees or shrubs. [5] [6]
It was published by Giovanni Ignazio Molina in 1782 [7] [1] with Crinodendron patagua Molina as the type species. [1]
The generic name Crinodendron is composed of two Greek words: krinon, meaning lily, [6] [9] in reference to the fragrant, white, lily-like flowers of Crinodendron patagua, [6] and dendron, meaning tree. [9]
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. [10]
It is native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and has been introduced to the Juan Fernández Islands. [4]
Crinodendron patagua is insect pollinated, Crinodendron hookerianum is hummingbird pollinated, [11] [12] and Crinodendron tucumanum is insect pollinated. [12]
In cultivation in temperate areas they require a sheltered location. [13]