PlantaeDB Logo
Login Sign-up

Genus Guarea in Family Meliaceae

In botanical taxonomy, a genus (plural genera) is a rank used to group closely related species within a family. In the hierarchy, genus sits below family and above species.

Genera are defined by shared morphological, anatomical, and genetic characteristics (for example, features of flowers, fruits, seeds, or leaves) that indicate a close evolutionary relationship among the species they contain.

Each genus can include one or more species. Examples include Rosa (roses) and Solanum (nightshades, including tomato and eggplant).

Do you wish to read more about plant taxonomy? Click here!

Genus Description

Suggest a correction!

Guarea (family Meliaceae) comprises approximately 60–80 species of trees and shrubs found predominantly in the Neotropics, with centers of diversity in Amazonian and Atlantic forests and the Guianas; Guarea guidonia (L.) Sleumer is often treated as the type species (Flora of Brazil, 2023; POWO, 2024). Morphologically, Guarea is distinguished by opposite, pinnately compound leaves with terminal folioles, tetragonal young twigs lacking interpetiolar stipules, and terminal or pseudo-axillary paniculate or thyrsoid inflorescences bearing small, 5-merous flowers with cup-shaped hypanthia and free, glabrous stamens fused into a cylindrical staminal tube enclosing the ovary; fruits are typically tardily dehiscent drupes with a thin exocarp and single stone containing four distinct pyrenes, each with a single seed (Flora Neotropica, 2008; Flora of Brazil, 2023). The genus shows high endemism in lowland tropical rainforest from sea level to ~1500 m, with concentrations in western Amazonia and the Guiana Shield, and disjunct species in Central America and Mexico (Flora Neotropica, 2008). Specific pollination mechanisms remain incompletely resolved, though floral morphology suggests generalist pollination; dispersal is likely facilitated by frugivorous birds or mammals attracted to the fleshy drupes, which turn orange to red when mature (Flora Neotropica, 2008; Pennington & Styles, 1975). Cytological data indicate a base chromosome number of x=21 (2n=42) (Kumar & Kumar, 2007).

Taxonomically, Guarea is placed within Meliaceae subfamily Sapindoideae (APG IV, 2016). While the genus is broadly circumscribed, modern treatments recognize major morphological groups (e.g., G. subgen. G. and G. subgen. Phyllodrepanum) and ongoing studies aim to refine sectional divisions based on molecular phylogenetics; recent analyses suggest the genus may not be strictly monophyletic, requiring future recircumscription (Koenen et al., 2020). Historically broad interpretations including some species now segregated in Ruagea and Gomphilia have been refined (Flora Neotropica, 2008; WFO, 2024). Guarea guidonia remains widely accepted despite historical synonymy debates with G. macrophylla (Flora of Brazil, 2023).

Guarea timber (e.g., G. pallida, G. guidonia) is valued regionally for furniture and construction due to its fine grain and durability, though species' slow growth limits commercial exploitation; the genus is rarely cultivated ornamentally (Flora Neotropica, 2008; Bergo & Schwartsburd, 2021). Some species, notably G. guidonia, can become weedy in disturbed habitats but lack invasive behavior globally. Major conservation concerns include extensive deforestation across its range, fragmenting populations and threatening endemics; research priorities include resolving phylogenetic relationships and completing comprehensive regional treatments (Pennington et al., 2021). Continued taxonomic clarity and sustainable management of forest resources will be crucial for the genus' long-term viability (POWO, 2024).

Pick a Species to see its components: