Leathery-leaved Seguieria vine (Seguieria coriacea)

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Seguieria coriacea: Botanical Characteristics and Distribution

Native to the Neotropical regions of South America, Seguieria coriacea thrives as a wild climbing plant in its natural habitat. It plays an integral role in local ecosystem dynamics by interacting with regional flora and fauna.

Members of this genus are typically characterized as scandent shrubs or lianas, well-adapted to the conditions of their environment. The specific epithet coriacea indicates leathery leaves, a morphological trait that often helps plants conserve water.

Taxonomy

  • царство Plantae
  • division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
  • subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • Angiosperms
  • mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
  • eudicots
  • Superasterids
  • order Caryophyllales
  • family Petiveriaceae
  • genus Seguieria (Seguier's vine)
  • species Seguieria coriacea (Leathery-leaved Seguieria vine)

Living Pulse

Morphology

Seguieria coriacea is morphologically distinguished by its leathery foliage, as suggested by its scientific name. The leaves are typically simple and alternately arranged along the woody stems.

Plants in the genus Seguieria are generally woody vines that produce distinctive winged fruits known as samaras. These structures facilitate wind dispersal of the seeds over considerable distances.

Interesting facts

The development of winged seeds within the genus Seguieria provides a distinct evolutionary advantage for canopy-dwelling plants. This anatomical feature allows seeds to glide on wind currents away from the parent plant.

Geography of distribution

  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Paraguay

Sources

  • Plants of the World Online (POWO)
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
  • Tropicos

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

See also

True Araucarias

True Araucarias

Araucaria sect. Araucaria

Araucaria sect. Araucaria is a botanical section of evergreen conifers native to South America. It …