Wyonia

Wyonia is a genus of flowering plants traditionally placed in the family Apocynaceae and native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia. The genus currently includes three species: Wyonia alba, Wyonia rubra, and Wyonia lutea. Plants are typically lianas or scrambling shrubs, reaching several meters in height, with opposite, elliptical leaves. The flowers are small and tubular, with five lobes, and exhibit color variation among species—white to pale pink in alba, crimson in rubra, and yellowish tones in lutea. Inflorescences are loose panicles that appear at the ends of branches, often producing a conspicuous display when several flowers open together. The fruit consists of paired follicles that dehisce to release numerous seeds bearing tufts of hair for wind dispersal.

Taxonomy and naming: The genus Wyonia was described in the late 20th century by botanist L. M. Ortega. The name is a patronym honoring a contemporary tropical botanist recognized for work in regional flora. The type species is Wyonia alba, which helps anchor the definition of the genus.

Distribution and habitat: Wyonia species are found in humid tropical forests, forest margins, and disturbed habitats across parts of Southeast Asia, including coastal and inland regions. They favor sheltered understory and drier secondary forests where maturation and flowering can align with seasonal cues.

Ecology and uses: Pollination is primarily by native bees, with occasional visitation by small birds. While not widely cultivated, some local communities use Wyonia species in traditional practices, though commercial applications are limited. Conservation status varies by region, with habitat loss as a common threat.

See also: Apocynaceae, List of genera in Apocynaceae.