Kopsia Blume

Timothy M. A. Utteridge and Laura V. S. Jennings (2022). Trees of New Guinea. Kew Publishing. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Distribution

A small genus of 23 species from southern China throughout South-East Asia to northern Australia and Vanuatu; a single species in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands: Kopsia flavida Blume.

Morphology General Habit

Shrubs and small trees to 9 m

Morphology Leaves

Leaves opposite, with an intrapetiolar ridge, petioles partly clasping the stem, colleters in the axils, usually coriaceous (in New Guinea: leaves elliptic, glossy on the upper surface, midrib raised below)

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescences terminal, axis short, basic unit a dichasium, may appear cincinnate

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers 5-merous; calyx lobes with an abaxial gland just below the apex; corolla tube narrow, widening around stamens, corolla lobes twisted to the right; stamens included, inserted in the upper half of the corolla tube; 2-lobed disk present; ovary apocarpous, 2-carpellate, united by a common style, 2 ovules per carpel, style head with a collar below

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Fruit of paired or single drupes, each one flattened ellipsoid with a hook-like appendage on one side of the fruit (in New Guinea).

Ecology

In New Guinea, the genus is found in lowland habitats, including swamp forest, primary and secondary forest from sea level to 40 m.

Recognition

The fruit of Kopsia is very distinctive with each drupe being flattened and having a spur-like extension on one side. The genus can also be recognised by the opposite leaves with intrapetiolar ridges, short inflorescence axis and the corolla twisting to the right; the flowers are recorded as being white with red tints at the base.