Diazotinnissa

Diazotinnissa is a genus of flowering plants in the family Tropaeolaceae, commonly known as the nasturtium family. It is a small group of species endemic to the tropical regions of Central and South America.

The genus was first described by the French botanist Louis-Marie Aubert du Petit-Thouars in 1836. It is characterized by its annual or perennial herbs, with alternate leaves that are lanceolate to elliptical in shape. The flowers are small and yellowish-green in color, with five petals and a distinctive sinus-shaped notch between the largest petal and the two smaller petals below.

There are approximately six species within the Diazotinnissa genus, including D. vestita and D. violacea. These species are typically found in a range of habitats, including dry forests, savannas, and grasslands. They are often epiphytic, growing on the branches of other plants, and are notable for their ability to fix nitrogen through a process called diazotrophy.

Diazotinnissa species are often studied by botanists and horticulturists due to their unique ability to fix nitrogen. This process can have significant benefits for plant growth and soil health, making them a valuable subject of research in the field of ecology. However, more research is needed to fully understand the ecology and conservation status of these plants. As a result, they are listed as data deficient on the IUCN Red List.