Family: Melastomataceae
Author: Naudin
Bibliography: Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 3, 13: 28 (1850)
Year: 1850
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Nepsera
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. America
Description
Altea, scientifically known as Nepsera aquatica, is a distinguished member of the Melastomataceae family, first documented in the year 1850. This plant’s origins trace back to tropical regions of America, where it thrives in its native habitat. Nepsera aquatica captures interest not only due to its botanical characteristics but also for its historical significance in botanical studies.
Jean Charles Naudin, an eminent botanist, is credited with the formal description of this species. His work, published in the third series of Annales des Sciences Naturelles, Botanique, volume 13, page 28, laid the foundation for subsequent research and recognition of Altea within the scientific community.
Known for its resilience and adaptability, Altea has become a subject of study and admiration among botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Understanding its ecological preferences and role within its environment offers valuable insights into the biodiversity of tropical American flora.
Through continued research and conservation efforts, the legacy of Nepsera aquatica endures, celebrating both its unique beauty and its contribution to the rich tapestry of the natural world.
Common Names
Eng: altea
En: Altea
Synonyms
- Spennera aquatica (Mart. ex DC.)
- Homonoma aridum (Bello)
- Aciotis aquatica (G.Don)
- Rhexia aquatica (Sw.)
- Tibouchina aquatica (M.Gómez)
- Spennera sieberi (Steud.)
- Aciotis sieberi (Triana)
- Spennera hydrophila (Miq.)
- Xeracina aquatica (Raf.)
- Spennera asphalti (Crueg.)
- Melastoma aquaticum (Aubl.)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Mar 4, 2022 by Gladys Nazario (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2021 by Macedo Luzia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O.Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O.Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O.Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O.Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O.Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O.Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O.Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O.Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O.Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O.Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3188525)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:573916-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Nepsera aquatica (Aubl.) Naudin)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub, Forb/herb