Lycianthes synanthera (Sendtn.) Bitter

Solanaceae - Tomato Family

Description. Woody hemi-epiphyte with branches to 3 m; leaves paired, glabrous; flowers sessile in leaf axils, few to numerous, calyx cup-like, 4 mm, without lobes, corolla lavender-blue, anthers yellow; fruit to 6 mm long x 10 mm diameter, yellow when mature.

Similar species. Lycianthes sanctaeclarae is a hemi-epiphyte on the lower Atlantic slope below 900 m, with stellate pubescent leaves and larger blue flowers and yellow fruit.

Local distribution. From 800-1500 m on Pacific slope (common at 1400-1500 m); rare on Atlantic slope (1200-1600 m).

Habitat. Forest canopy and in pasture trees.

Species range. Mexico to Peru.

Abundance. Common

Phenology. Flower: May-Jun, Sep; fruit: Sep.

Herbivores. Oleria vicina, Pteronymia artena, Pteronymia fulvimargo?

Pollinators. Bees

Seed dispersers. Birds

Comments. The attractive flowers produce a very pleasant fragrance. These are often common epiphytes on the trunks of trees in pastures below the level of the cloud forest.

Voucher No. Haber 7140

Plant intro

Images and text copyright © 2001-2006 by William A. Haber, http://efg.cs.umb.edu/

Created: 15 May 2001. Updated: 11 December 2006.