A review of the genus <i>Curtisia</i> (Curtisiaceae)

Abstract

A review of the monotypic southern African endemic genus Curtisia Aiton is presented. Detailed studies of the fruit and seed structure provided new evidence in support of a close relationship between the family Curtisiaceae and Comaceae. Comparisons with several other members of the Comales revealed carpological similarities to certain species of Comus s.I., sometimes treated as segregate genera Dendrobenthamia Hutch, and Benthamidia Spach. We also provide information on the history of the assegai tree, Curtisia dentata (Burm.f.) C.A.Sm. and its uses, as well as a formal taxonomic revision, including nomenclature, typification, detailed description and geographical distribution.

Early diverging asterids of the Late Cretaceous:Suciacarpa starriigen. et sp. nov. and the initial radiation of Cornales

“…This genus differs from Suciacarpa in several respects. The germination valves of Curtisia fruits are elongate Yembaturova et al 2009), whereas those of Suciacarpa are short, and confined to the apical part of the fruit. The endocarp of Curtisia is mostly made up of isodiametric sclereids Yembaturova et al 2009), whereas in Suciacarpa the sclereids may be isodiametric in the valve tissue, but they are elongate in the septum.…”

“…The germination valves of Curtisia fruits are elongate Yembaturova et al 2009), whereas those of Suciacarpa are short, and confined to the apical part of the fruit. The endocarp of Curtisia is mostly made up of isodiametric sclereids Yembaturova et al 2009), whereas in Suciacarpa the sclereids may be isodiametric in the valve tissue, but they are elongate in the septum. The most striking character that separates Curtisia from Suciacarpa and the remaining Cornales is the presence of a central vascular strand in the endocarps of Curtisia.…”

“…Curtisiaceae contains one genus, Curtisia Aiton, with two species (Yembaturova et al 2009), C. dentata (Burm. F.) C.A.…”

Anatomically preserved fossil cornalean fruits from the Upper Cretaceous of Hokkaido: Eydeia hokkaidoensis gen. et sp. nov.

“…These drupaceous fruits with woody endocarps, germination valves, one anatropous, apically attached seed per carpel with a single membraneous integument, are clearly attributable to Cornales (Eyde, 1963, 1967, 1988; Takahashi et al, 2002). Specifically, this fruit morphology is seen in Cornaceae, Alangiaceae, Davidiaceae, Nyssaceae, Mastixiaceae, and Curtisiaceae (Eyde, 1963, 1968, 1988; Mai, 1993; Yembaturova et al, 2009) (Table 2). These families differ in endocarp anatomy and vasculature (Eyde, 1963, 1967, 1988; Yembaturova et al, 2009).…”

Toxicity assessment of aqueous extract of <i>Curtisia dentata</i> (Burm.f) C.A. Sm: stem bark in male Wistar rats

“…It is commonly found along the forest margins, on mountains and grassland of southern Africa. Curtisia dentata is geographically endemic to southern and eastern coasts of South Africa; extending to Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland [2,3]. Curtisia dentata is one of the most threatened plants of South Africa, as a result of the high trading of the stembark and leaves [4].…”