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| Nicotiana insecticida M.W.Chase & Christenh. in Chase & Christenhusz, 2021. DOI: 10.1111/curt.12402 Illustration: Deborah Lambkin. |
Summary
The new species Nicotiana insecticida, which is remarkable in its insect trapping abilities, is described here. It is illustrated from plants that were grown from seeds collected near the Minilya Roadhouse on the Northwest Coastal Highway in Western Australia, Australia. They were cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its distinguishing features, taxonomy, ecology, cytology and cultivation are discussed.
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| Nicotiana insecticida M.W.Chase & Christenh. A, flower, × 3; B, corolla, face view, opened out, × 3; C, corolla, opened out, × 3; D, style and ovary, × 3; E, leaf, × 3/4; F, habit, × 1/6; G, upper stem, × 9; H, fruit, with calyx, × 3; I, fruit, calyx removed, × 3; J, stem hairs showing dead insects, × 3; K, calyx hairs, × 9. Drawn by Deborah Lambkin from specimens cultivated at Kew. |
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| Nicotiana insecticida M.W.Chase & Christenh. Illustration by Deborah Lambkin |
Nicotiana insecticida M.W.Chase & Christenh., spec. nov.
Etymology: From the Latin for insect killer, a reference to this species killing numerous small insects with its extremely sticky hairs covering all parts of these plants.
Mark W. Chase and Maarten J. M. Christenhusz. 2021. 994. NICOTIANA INSECTICIDA: Solanaceae. Curtis's Botanical Magazine. DOI: 10.1111/curt.12402
Illustrations by Deborah Lambkin
newscientist.com/article/2286616-insect-killing-plant-found-by-australian-highway-is-new-to-science/