ingérâtes

Ingérâtes is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apocynaceae, native to the montane forests of the fictional region of Elaris. The genus comprises four described species: Ingérâtes alba, Ingérâtes rubra, Ingérâtes lutea, and Ingérâtes viridis.

Members are small to medium shrubs reaching 1–3 meters in height, with opposite, glossy leaves and milky latex common to many Apocynaceae. The inflorescences carry tubular, pentamerous flowers, often with a gradient of paler centers and deeper petal margins; corolla colors range from white to pinkish, depending on species. Fruits are paired follicles that dehisce to release seeds with fine tufts of hair.

In ecological terms, ingérâtes species inhabit shaded, moist understories of cloud forests at elevations of roughly 900–1,800 meters. They rely on a diverse pollinator assemblage, including bees and hummingbirds, and some species produce extrafloral nectaries that attract protective ants. Seed dispersal is primarily wind-driven, with tufts aiding dispersal; birds observed transporting seeds in some populations.

Human use is limited but growing in ornamental horticulture, as several species tolerate shade and have attractive foliage and flowers. Some communities harvest ripe fruits locally, though seeds and latex can be irritating if ingested or handled improperly.

Conservation status varies by species, with habitat loss and fragmentation identified as the main threat. Field surveys continue to clarify species boundaries and distribution.