Moutabea

Moutabea is a genus of flowering plants in the family Polygalaceae with 11 species.^[1][2] It was first described in 1775 by Jean Aublet.^[3] Most species are neotropical, ranging from Costa Rica to Bolivia and central Brazil, with one species, M. pacifica, native to New Caledonia.^[1]

Moutabea
Moutabea guianensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Polygalaceae
Tribe:	Moutabeae
Genus:	Moutabea Aubl. (1775)[1]
Synonyms[1]
Acosta Ruiz & Pav. (1794), nom. illeg. Balgoya Morat & Meijden (1991) Cryptostomum Schreb. (1789)

Description

Moutabea are erect or scandent trees, shrubs, and lianas.^[4][5] Its leaves are alternate, petiolate, and usually glabrous.^[5] Its zygomorphic flowers are white or yellow and contain 5 petals which are subequal and 5 sepals which are equal. Its 8 stamens are joined into 2 groups of 4.^[4][5] Its ovary is usually 4-locular, though it can be 2- to 5-locular. The berry it produces is edible, globose, and indehiscent. They contain 2 to 5 seeds.^[5]

Species

As of April 2024^[update], Plants of the World Online accepted the following species:^[1]

• Moutabea aculeata (Ruiz & Pav.) Poepp. & Endl.
• Moutabea angustifolia Huber
• Moutabea arianae Jans.-Jac. & Maas
• Moutabea chartacea Aymard & L.M.Campb.
• Moutabea chodatiana Huber
• Moutabea excoriata Mart. ex Miq.
• Moutabea floribunda J.C.Huber ex J.B.Silveira & Secco
• Moutabea gentryi T.Wendt
• Moutabea guianensis Aubl.
• Moutabea pacifica (Morat & Meijden) Byng & Christenh. – formerly placed in the monotypic genus Balgoya^[6]
• Moutabea victoriana J.B.Silveira & Secco