Kingdom Plantae Rank Genus Genus Trevoa; Miers ex Hook | Order Rosales Family Rhamnaceae | |
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Similar Retanilla, Discaria, Colletia, Adolphia, Chamaebatia | ||
Trevoa
Trevoa is a genus of actinorhizal plants; these dicotyledon flora are trees or small shrubs. The genus was first proposed by Miers in 1825, but was not fully described until 1830 by Sir William Jackson Hooker. Genus members are notable for their ability to fix nitrogen. Species of this genus are generally found in the near coastal forests and arid shrubland of South America. Some species are localized in the mountains of central Chile; for example, the species Trevoa trinervis occurs in the La Campana National Park and other proximate areas of central Chile.
Contents
Along with some related plants in the family Rhamnaceae, they fix nitrogen via root nodules which contain Frankia bacteria. Other nitrogen-fixing genera in this family include Ceanothus, Colletia, Discaria, Kentrothamnus and Retanilla.
Species
The botanist Karl Friedrich Reiche, publishing in the years 1894–1911, recognized 6 species. Trevoa quinquenervia Gillies & Hook., which has also been classified as Talguenea quinquenervia, is currently the only accepted species in the genus. Trevoa trinervis Miers is now considered a synonym of Retanilla trinervia (Gillies & Hook.) Hook. & Arn.