lannotus

Lannotus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. The genus is characterized by its distinctive, heart-shaped leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers. Lannotus species are typically epiphytic, meaning they grow on other plants, and are often found in the understory of rainforests.

The genus Lannotus was first described by the Swiss botanist Carl Ludwig Willdenow in 1809. It is named after the French botanist Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck, who was a contemporary of Willdenow. The genus is monotypic, containing only one known species, Lannotus montanus.

Lannotus montanus is a small, epiphytic plant with heart-shaped leaves that are typically 5-10 cm in length. The leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern and have a glossy, dark green surface. The flowers of Lannotus montanus are small and inconspicuous, typically 2-3 mm in diameter. They are produced in a terminal inflorescence and are pollinated by small insects.

Lannotus montanus is a rare and endangered plant species, primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation. It is known to occur in the cloud forests of Colombia and Ecuador. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the remaining populations of this unique plant species.