Culaea

Culaea is a genus of flowering plants in the soapberry family, Sapindaceae. It is native to tropical Southeast Asia, including parts of India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The genus was described by Carl Linnaeus the Younger in 1782.

Plants in the genus Culaea are typically trees or shrubs. They are characterized by their compound leaves, which are usually pinnately compound and can be quite large. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, often borne in panicles or racemes. They are typically unisexual, with male and female flowers on the same plant (monoecious) or on separate plants (dioecious). The fruits are usually berries or drupes, and are often brightly colored when ripe.

One of the most well-known species in the genus is Culaea ternata, a small tree or shrub found in the Philippines. It is known for its edible fruits, which are round and orange when ripe. Another notable species is Culaea pilosa, which is found in parts of India and Southeast Asia. This species is often used in traditional medicine.

The genus Culaea is closely related to other genera within the Sapindaceae family, such as Litchi and Nephelium. While some species have economic importance for their edible fruits or medicinal properties, many are not widely cultivated or utilized. Further research is ongoing to understand the full diversity and ecological roles of this genus.