Moutabea is a neotropical genus of Polygalaceae with about 10 species. It was first described in 1775 by Jean Aublet.
Description
Moutabea are erect or scandent trees, shrubs, and lianas. Its leaves are alternate, petiolate, and usually glabrous. Its zygomorphic flowers are white or yellow and contain 5 petals which are subequal and 5 sepals which are equal. Its 8 stamens are joined into 2 groups of 4. Its ovary is usually 4-locular, though it can be 2- to 5-locular. The berry it produces is edible, globose, and indehiscent. They contain 2 to 5 seeds.
Species
, Plants of the World Online accepted the following species: Moutabea aculeata (Ruiz & Pav.) Poepp. & Endl. Moutabea angustifolia Huber Moutabea arianae Jans.-Jac. & Maas Moutabea chodatiana Huber Moutabea excoriata Mart. ex Miq. Moutabea floribunda J.C.Huber ex J.B.Silveira & Secco Moutabea gentryi T.Wendt Moutabea guianensis Aubl. Moutabea pacifica (Morat & Meijden) Byng & Christenh. – formerly placed in the monotypic genus Balgoya Moutabea victoriana J.B.Silveira & Secco