Nesohedyotis

St Helena dogwood
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Embryophytes
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Subfamily: Rubioideae
Tribe: Spermacoceae
Genus: Nesohedyotis
(Hook.f.) Bremek.
Species:
N. arborea
Binomial name
Nesohedyotis arborea
Synonyms[2]
  • Hedyotis arborea Roxb.
  • Oldenlandia arborea (Roxb.) K.Schum.

Nesohedyotis is a genus of flowering plants endemic to the island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. It in the family Rubiaceae (the family that includes coffee).

It is a monotypic genus containing the single species Nesohedyotis arborea (Roxb.) Bremek., which grows on the central ridge of the island. It is known commonly as the St. Helena dogwood.[1] The vernacular name recalls the similarity between its inflorescences and those of Cornus species, the dogwoods of Europe and North America.[3] Although it is one of the commoner endemic species on Saint Helena its small population size and small geographical distribution make it endangered.

This species is a small, erect tree growing up to 7 meters tall. The leaves are oppositely arranged. They are lance-shaped with a pointed, downcurved "drip tip". The white flowers are 3 or 4 millimeters wide and the fruit is a brown or black capsule.[3]

This tree is a keystone species in the thickets of the island. The leaves collect mist, which condenses and falls from the "drip tips" into the vegetation below, providing water.[3]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Ellick, S.; Lambdon, P.W. (2016). "Nesohedyotis arborea". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016 e.T30378A67379194. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T30378A67379194.en. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
  2. ↑ "Nesohedyotis arborea (Roxb.) Bremek". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 8 June 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 Percy, D. M., & Cronk, Q. C. B. (1997). Conservation in relation to mating system in Nesohedyotis arborea (Rubiaceae), a rare endemic tree from St Helena. Biological Conservation, 80(2), 135-145.

Further reading

  • Cronk, Q.C.B. (1995). The Endemic Flora of St Helena. Anthony Nelson Ltd., Oswestry.
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