Posoqueria latifolia, also known as Needle Flower Tree, is a species of shrub or tree in the family Rubiaceae native to the region spanning from Mexico to tropical South America. Its most remarkable feature is the floral tube of the white flower, which is only 2 or 3 mm wide, but up to 17 cm (6.7 in) long. It is pollinated by a sphinx moth.
Description
Posoqueria latifolia is a 3–25 m tall shrub or tree with smooth, gray bark and numerous branches.
The terminal inflorescence bears pedicellate, tubular, elongate, sphingophilous, nectariferous, fragrant, conspicuous, white flowers. The flower has five petals. The yellow fruit bears numerous seeds.
The chromosome count is 2n = 32, 34, or 36.
Vegetative characteristics
Posoqueria latifolia is a 3–25 m tall shrub or tree with smooth, gray bark and numerous branches.
Generative characteristics
The terminal inflorescence bears pedicellate, tubular, elongate, sphingophilous, nectariferous, fragrant, conspicuous, white flowers. The flower has five petals. The yellow fruit bears numerous seeds.
Cytology
The chromosome count is 2n = 32, 34, or 36.
Taxonomy
It was first described as Solena latifolia Rudge by Edward Rudge in 1805. It was transferred to the genus Posoqueria Aubl. as Posoqueria latifolia (Rudge) Schult. by Josef August Schultes in 1819. Sometimes Josef August Schultes and Johann Jacob Roemer are credited with the transfer.
The specific epithet latifolia means broad-leaved.
