Trichostigma is a small genus of flowering plants in the family Petiveriaceae, placed within the order Caryophyllales. The genus was first described by A. Richard in 1845 in R. de la Sagra's Historia Física de Cuba. It was formerly included in the broader family Phytolaccaceae before that family was reorganised.
The genus comprises perennial shrubs or vines that produce axillary or terminal racemes bearing between 5 and 30 flowers. Plants in this genus are native to the Caribbean islands, Central America, and South America. With only two to four accepted species, Trichostigma is a small genus, and its members are most commonly encountered in tropical and subtropical habitats across their native range.
The best-known species is Trichostigma octandrum, commonly called Hoopvine, a scrambling vine found across the Caribbean. Trichostigma peruvianum occurs in South America and is cultivated in botanical gardens.
Distribution
Trichostigma is native to the Caribbean islands, Central America, and South America, where its species inhabit tropical and subtropical environments.
Taxonomy Notes
Trichostigma was described by A. Richard in 1845 and was long placed in the family Phytolaccaceae. Modern classifications assign it to Petiveriaceae, a segregate family within the order Caryophyllales. GBIF still records the family as Phytolaccaceae, reflecting the ongoing revision of this group.
