18. Nectouxia Kunth in A. von Humboldt et al., Nov. Gen. Sp. 3(fol.): 8; 3(qto.): 10; plate 193. 1818.
Trans-Pecos stinkleaf, puckering nightshade [For Hippolyte Nectoux, 1759–1836, French botanist who accompanied Napoleon to Egypt]
Ellen A. Dean
Herbs, perennial, rhizomatous, pubescent, hairs simple, glandular. Stems erect or ascending, branched. Leaves alternate or geminate. Inflorescences axillary, solitary flowers. Flowers 5-merous; calyx campanulate, incised nearly to base, lobes 5, linear-subulate, lengthening in fruit; corolla yellow-green, black when dried, radial, salverform, corona present between tube and limb; stamens inserted beyond middle of corolla tube, equal; anthers basifixed, oblong to lanceolate, (connective with 2 wings), dehiscing by longitudinal slits; ovary 2-carpellate; style filiform; stigma ± expanded, capitate or 2-lobed. Fruits berries, narrowly ovoid, juicy. Seeds reniform-lenticular.
Species 1: Texas, Mexico.
Nectouxia is closely related to the South American genus Salpichroa; the corollas of both genera turn black upon drying (A. T. Hunziker 2001). C. Carrizo García et al. (2018) concluded that Nectouxia and Salpichroa should be combined into a single genus. In that case Nectouxia would have priority, requiring name changes for over 20 Salpichroa species. A proposal is under consideration to conserve the name Salpichroa over Nectouxia (G. E. Barboza et al. 2016).
Stems of Nectouxia exhibit sympodial growth. The branching from the nodes of the first sympodium is poorly to very well developed.
SELECTED REFERENCE Carrizo García, C. et al. 2018. Unraveling the phylogenetic relationships of Nectouxia (Solanaceae): Its position relative to Salpichroa. Pl. Syst. Evol. 304: 177–183.
