Abruptaceae

Abruptaceae is a small family of flowering plants that belongs to the order Saxifragales. The family consists of only one genus, *Abrupta*, which contains a single species, *Abrupta procera*, commonly known as the abrupt tree or abrupt bush. This plant is native to the high-altitude regions of the Andes in South America, particularly in countries such as Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. It is typically found growing in rocky, mountainous environments above 3,000 meters in elevation.

The abrupt tree is a small to medium-sized shrub or tree, reaching heights of up to 5 meters. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptical, with a leathery texture and a glossy appearance. The flowers are small, white, and clustered in dense inflorescences, while the fruit is a small, fleshy drupe that is typically red or orange when mature. The plant’s name, *Abrupta*, derives from the Latin word *abruptus*, meaning steep or abrupt, likely referring to its natural habitat on steep Andean slopes.

Abruptaceae is of limited economic importance but holds ecological significance in its native Andean ecosystems. The family is of interest to botanists due to its unique morphological and genetic characteristics, which distinguish it from other Saxifragales families. Phylogenetic studies suggest that Abruptaceae may represent a basal lineage within the order, providing insights into the evolutionary history of Saxifragales.

Cultivation of *Abrupta procera* is rare outside its native range, though it may be grown in specialized botanical gardens or by enthusiasts of rare Andean flora. Its conservation status is currently assessed as least concern, though habitat loss and climate change pose potential threats to its wild populations. Further research is needed to better understand its ecological roles and genetic diversity.