Apuverbitena

Apuverbitena, also known as Apuverbita, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Solanaceae, native to South America. The genus is characterized by its small, fragrant flowers and is often cultivated for its ornamental value. Apuverbitena species are typically shrubs or small trees, with simple, ovate leaves and showy, tubular flowers that are often white or pinkish in color. The flowers are typically arranged in clusters at the ends of branches, and they are often visited by bees and other pollinators.

The genus Apuverbitena was first described by the French botanist Aimé Bonpland in 1811, and it is named after the Spanish botanist and explorer Francisco Hernández de Mesa y Tovar, who was known as "Apu" to his friends. The genus is closely related to other members of the Solanaceae family, such as potatoes and tomatoes, and it shares many of their characteristics, including the presence of toxic alkaloids in its leaves and stems.

Apuverbitena species are often grown as ornamental plants in gardens and nurseries, and they are valued for their attractive flowers and foliage. They are also sometimes used in traditional medicine, although their medicinal properties are not well-documented. The genus is represented by several species, including Apuverbitena bracteata, Apuverbitena corymbosa, and Apuverbitena glabra.