Pteleopsis

Pteleopsis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Combretaceae. This genus is native to tropical Africa and Asia. The species within Pteleopsis are typically trees or shrubs characterized by their opposite or whorled leaves, and small flowers borne in axillary or terminal cymes. The fruits are usually winged achenes, a common feature in the Combretaceae family.

The taxonomy of Pteleopsis has seen some revisions over time. Historically, some species now placed in other genera were once considered part of Pteleopsis, and vice versa. Current classifications generally recognize a few distinct species within the genus. For example, Pteleopsis suberosa is a well-known species found in tropical Africa, recognized for its corky bark.

The ecological roles of Pteleopsis species vary depending on their habitat. They can be components of various forest types, savanna woodlands, and even dry shrublands. Their flowers, though often small, can attract pollinators, and their fruits serve as a food source for some wildlife. Their wood may have local uses, but they are not typically of major commercial timber importance. Further research into their ethnobotany and specific ecological interactions continues to be an area of interest for botanists and ecologists.