Strombosia is a genus of approximately 10–11 species of shrubs and trees placed in the order Santalales. It is currently recognised in the family Strombosiaceae, though it has historically also been classified within the broader family Olacaceae.
The genus is distributed mostly across tropical Africa, with additional species occurring in tropical Asia, particularly in lowland forest habitats. Members of the genus are woody plants bearing bisexual flowers with five petals. The fruit is a drupe — a pitted, fleshy stone fruit with a thin pericarp — and it is the distinctive shape of this fruit, resembling a top or pear, that gave the genus its name: Strombosia derives from the Greek strombos, meaning "pear-shaped" or "spinning-top-shaped".
As of 2021, Plants of the World Online recognised 11 species, including Strombosia ceylanica from Sri Lanka, Strombosia javanica from Java, Strombosia scheffleri and Strombosia nigropunctata from tropical Africa, and Strombosia pustulata from West Africa.
Etymology
The name Strombosia is derived from the Greek word strombos, meaning "pear-shaped" or "spinning-top-shaped", a reference to the characteristic shape of the genus's drupe fruits.
Distribution
Strombosia species are found predominantly in tropical Africa, with further representatives in tropical Asia (including Sri Lanka, Java, and the Philippines). Their typical habitat is lowland tropical forest.
Taxonomy Notes
Strombosia has historically been placed in the family Olacaceae, but is now recognised in the segregate family Strombosiaceae within the order Santalales. GBIF accepts Strombosiaceae as the current placement while some references continue to cite Olacaceae.
