Research Training Program

Cynthia Morales
University of Illinois
Urbana, Illinois

Laurence Skog, Ph.D.
Project Advisor
Department of Botany

"The RTP is a great program and I'm glad I participated!"

Revision of the Genus Niphaea (Gesneriaceae)

Two species are recognized in the Mesoamerican genus Niphaea: N. oblonga, found only in Guatemala, and N. mexicana, endemic to southern Mexico. This genus is unusual among the Gesneriaceae for its broad, white, rotate corollas each with a very short tube, and confluent anther thecae.18 species have been described as Niphaea based on the corolla character, until Bentham established the genus Phinaea, into which most of the species have since been transferred based on characters of the anther thecae or pollen sacs. For this revision, an extensive compilation and synthesis of literature in different languages portraying a wide range of philosophies was undertaken, in addition to the examination of all available living and preserved specimens. The fact that Niphaea is a genus of few species, rarely cultivated compared to other genera in the Gesneriaceae (which includes well-known African Violets, and Florist's Gloxinia), there were few publications on Niphaea available, and no modern revision.

This research was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (Award: BIR-9300225).