Colletia
Encyclopedia
Colletia is a genus of flowering plants in the family
Rhamnaceae
, with 15 to 17 species of spiny shrub
s. All species
of this genus are native to southern South America
. They are non-legume nitrogen fixers.
Family (biology)
In biological classification, family is* a taxonomic rank. Other well-known ranks are life, domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, genus, and species, with family fitting between order and genus. As for the other well-known ranks, there is the option of an immediately lower rank, indicated by the...
Rhamnaceae
Rhamnaceae
Rhamnaceae, the Buckthorn family, is a large family of flowering plants, mostly trees, shrubs and some vines.The family contains 50-60 genera and approximately 870-900 species. The Rhamnaceae have a worldwide distribution, but are more common in the subtropical and tropical regions...
, with 15 to 17 species of spiny shrub
Shrub
A shrub or bush is distinguished from a tree by its multiple stems and shorter height, usually under 5–6 m tall. A large number of plants may become either shrubs or trees, depending on the growing conditions they experience...
s. All species
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
of this genus are native to southern South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
. They are non-legume nitrogen fixers.
Selected species
- Colletia armata
- Colletia cruciata
- Colletia ferox
- Colletia ferox var. infausta; synonym Colletia infausta
- Colletia hystrix - Pink Crucifixion Thorn
- Colletia paradoxa - Crucifixion Thorn, Thorn of the Cross, Anchor Plant
- Colletia spinosa; synonym Colletia horrida