Chamissoa is a genus of flowering plants in the family Amaranthaceae, order Caryophyllales. It is native to North and South America, ranging from Mexico and the Caribbean south to northern Argentina. The genus was named by Carl Sigismund Kunth in honor of 19th century botanist Adelbert von Chamisso. It is sometimes classified in the family Chenopodiaceae. Three species are accepted: Chamissoa acuminata, Chamissoa altissima (commonly known as False chaff flower), and Chamissoa maximiliani. These are herbaceous or somewhat woody plants found across a broad latitudinal range spanning the Americas.
Etymology
The genus Chamissoa was named by Carl Sigismund Kunth in honor of Adelbert von Chamisso (1781–1838), a 19th century German botanist, poet, and naturalist known for his botanical explorations.
Distribution
Chamissoa is native to North and South America, with species ranging from Mexico and the Caribbean southward through Central America to northern Argentina, including Peru, Brazil, and northeastern Argentina.
Taxonomy
Chamissoa is placed in the family Amaranthaceae (order Caryophyllales), though it has sometimes been included in the family Chenopodiaceae. Modern classification systems generally place it within Amaranthaceae.
