Pisonia

Pisonia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Nyctaginaceae. The genus is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. Species within Pisonia are typically trees, shrubs, or herbs, though some can be vines. They are characterized by their opposite leaves, often large and membranous, and their inconspicuous flowers, which are usually borne in cymes or panicles. The fruits are achenes, often sticky, which aids in their dispersal by animals.

A notable characteristic of many Pisonia species is their ability to produce sticky seeds. This stickiness is due to glandular trichomes on the fruit, which are effective at attaching to the feathers or fur of passing animals. This mechanism can sometimes lead to large numbers of birds becoming entangled in Pisonia trees, especially during breeding seasons, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as "bird-catching trees." The species Pisonia grandis, found in the Pacific Islands, is particularly known for this trait. Despite this, some Pisonia species have economic or cultural uses, including medicinal applications and as sources of wood or fiber. The taxonomy of the genus is complex, with ongoing research to clarify species relationships.