Clausiusa

Clausiusa is a genus of tropical flowering plants in the family Clusiaceae. It is native to the Neotropical region, with species recorded from Central America through northern South America and into the Guianas. Four species are currently recognized: Clausiusa alba, Clausiusa rubra, Clausiusa longifolia, and Clausiusa carnea.

The generic name Clausiusa is a coined Latinized form used to distinguish this group within Clusiaceae. The exact etymology is not tied to a single individual, but the name reflects its close relationship to the genus Clusia.

Clausiusa taxa are evergreen shrubs or small trees. Leaves are opposite, simple, and leathery, with entire margins. Flowers are small and bisexual, typically produced in terminal or axillary inflorescences; petals are five in number and colors range from pale yellow to white. The fruit is a fleshy berry containing numerous seeds.

Species occur in tropical forests, often in humid, lowland to mid-elevation habitats. They are associated with forest margins and gallery forests and are adapted to warm, wet environments.

Pollinators include bees and hummingbirds, while seed dispersal is by fruit-eating birds and mammals. Some Clausiusa species are cultivated ornamentally for their foliage and modest flowers, though they are not widely planted in cultivation.

Clausiusa is considered part of Clusiaceae and is closely related to the genus Clusia. Molecular and morphological data support a close relationship, but the exact boundaries and evolutionary history within the group require further study.