Otoptera

Otoptera
Flowers of O. burchellii, Namibia
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Subfamily:	Faboideae
Tribe:	Phaseoleae
Genus:	Otoptera DC. (1826)
Species [1]
2; see text

Otoptera is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae. It includes two species native to southern Africa and Madagascar. ^[1] It belongs to the subfamily Faboideae. According to Moteetee and Van Wyk, the generic name Otoptera is derived from a characteristic spur at the base of each wing petal and is derived from the Greek oto meaning 'ear' and ptero meaning 'wing'. ^[2] The proper words in ancient Greek for 'ear' and 'wing' are however oûs, genitiveōtós (οὖς, genitive ὠτός) and pterón (πτερόν). ^[3] Members of the Otoptera genus can be identified by the spur at the base of the petals and spoon shaped styles with two distinct lips. ^[2]

The genus contains two species; Otoptera burchellii which is native to areas of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe ^[4] and Otoptera madagascariensis which is native to parts of Madagascar. ^[5]

Species

• Otoptera burchellii DC.
• Otoptera madagascariensis R.Vig.

References

1. Otoptera DC. Plants of the World Online . Retrieved 11 September 2023.
2. Moteetee, A. N.; Van Wyk, B. -E. (2011-04-01). "Taxonomic notes on the genus Otoptera (Phaseoleae, Fabaceae) in southern Africa". South African Journal of Botany. 77 (2): 492–496. doi: 10.1016/j.sajb.2010.10.007 . ISSN   0254-6299.
3. Liddell, H.G. & Scott, R. (1940). A Greek-English Lexicon. Revised and augmented throughout by Sir Henry Stuart Jones with the assistance of Roderick McKenzie.Oxford: Clarendon Press.
4. "Otoptera burchellii\". International Legume Database & Information Service. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
5. "Otoptera madagascariensis". International Legume Database & Information Service. Retrieved May 23, 2020.