Geogenanthus Poeppigii

''Geogenanthus poeppigii'', commonly called the seersucker plant, is a flowering plant species in the family '' Commelinaceae'' (the dayflower & spiderwort family). As currently circumscribed, the genus ''Geogenanthus'' includes two other species, ''G. ciliatus'' and ''G. rhizanthus''. This species is named after 19th century German naturalist Eduard Friedrich Poeppig. ''Geogenanthus undatus'' is an outdated synonym for ''G. poeppigii''.

Etymology

The specific epithet ''poeppigii'' is named after the man who first discovered this species, Eduard Friedrich Poeppig (1798-1868). This species got its common name, 'seersucker plant', because of its close resemblance to the puckering of seersucker fabric.

Systematics

''Geogenanthus poeppiggi'' belongs to the genus ''Geogenanthus'' of the flowering plant family ''Commelinaceae''. ''Commelinaceae'' is a well defined family of 41 genera and about 650 species. ''G. poeppiggi'' is placed under the subtribe ''Dichorisandrinae'', within the tribe ''Tradescantieae''. ''Tradescantieae'' consists 7 subtribes and the subtribe ''Dichorisandrinae'' consists of 5 new world genera and around 51 species. The 5 genera is divided into two monophyletic groups. ''Dichorisandra'', ''Siderasis'' and ''Geogenanthus'' are one monophyletic group and the second group contains ''Cochliostema'' and ''Plowmanianthus''. ''Dichorisandrinae'' subtribe displays a range of morphological and ecological variation within it. All members of the subtribe share a similar karyotype of 19 large chromosomes. The genus ''Geogenanthus'' is distinguished by a particular 6-celled stomatal complex and basal axillary inflorescences. An analysis of DNA sequences indicate ''Geogenanthus'' is closely related to the genus ''Plowmanianthus'' followed by ''Cochliostema''. Roots of ''Geogenanthus'' are tuberous and they penetrate the soil, which makes the genus different from its close relatives. Analysis of morphological characters in ''Commelinaceae'' indicate ''Geogenanthus'' is closely related to ''Dichoriscantieae'' and ''Siderasis'', but ''Geogenanthus'' is placed as the sister to ''Dichoriscantieae'' and ''Siderasis'' in the cladogram from the combined morphology and sequence analysis, with high bootstrap value supporting the placement.

Based on the estimates of origin and diversification of the order ''Commelinales'', which might have been sometime during the mid to late cretaceous period i.e. between 123 and 66 million years ago, it can be very roughly estimated that the genus ''Geogenanthus'' could have originated 66 million years ago.

Distribution

Native to Amazonia. It has been documented in the lowlands of Peru and western Brazil, and is typically found on the floor of primary rainforests.

Morphology

The bottom of the leaf is purple and the top of its leaves are green with darker green stripes. The surface as a whole has a "puckered" appearance; hence the common name seersucker plant. This plant is particularly unique because its cymes rise from the lower nodes, which often looks like they're growing out of the ground. The three upper stamens are hairy and the three lower ones longer and smooth. Nodes and internodes are prominent on the stem. The stem of the plant is covered in minute brown hairs and, underground, plants possess a short, branching rhizome.

Uses

This species is adaptable to a low light environments which has made it preferable for a house plant. It also likes humidity and, in a pot, it should not be allowed to dry out for too long.

Horticulture

Bright, indirect sunlight is best. As with many related species, these plants do not flower or set seed freely, so stem cuttings are usually used to propagate this species.Plant Encyclopedia

References

*
*

{{Taxonbar, from=Q5535025

Commelinaceae