Uncarina, also called succulent sesame, mousetrap plant, or local names include farehitra or farehitsy, is a genus of semi-succulent flowering plants in the Pedaliaceae (the sesame family) found in Madagascar. As most species within the genus are inhabitants of dry, semi-arid or seasonally-dry regions, many mature into water-storing pachycauls, or "caudiciformes"—a common colloquial term to describe plants that normally inhabit drier climates and develop a large, woody base, or "foot", known as a caudex. In these species, a plant's lower half gradually accumulates and stores water (similarly to a camel's hump); over time, the caudex changes shape, swelling to an often impressive size, as it adds to its own moisture "reservoir" for future periods of drought.
Etymology The genera name is derived from the Greek word unca meaning hook.Ib Friis and Olof Ryding (Editors)
Species
Species include:
Image Scientific name Distribution Uncarina abbreviata (Baill.) Ihlenf. & Straka Madagascar Uncarina decaryi Humbert ex Ihlenf. Madagascar Uncarina grandidieri (Baill.) Stapf Madagascar Uncarina ihlenfeldtiana Lavranos Madagascar Uncarina leandrii Humbert Madagascar Uncarina leptocarpa (Decne.) Ihlenf. & Straka Madagascar Uncarina peltata (Baker) Stapf Madagascar Uncarina perrieri Humbert Madagascar Uncarina roeoesliana Rauh Madagascar Uncarina sakalava Humbert Madagascar Uncarina stellulifera Humbert Madagascar Uncarina turicana Lavranos Madagascar
References
External links Uncarina on PlantSystematics.org Descriptive Catalogue, (Pandanaceae - Zamiaceae) – includes Uncarina of family Pedaliaceae