A synopsis of the genus Herrania

Abstract

:Includes historical notes, systematy, ecology, uses, a specific key, and descriptions of 17 species and 3 varieties, with indexes to exsiccatae and native names. Eight new species are described. One species spreads northward to Costa Rica, and the others are limted to the humid tropics of South America, occurring in dense forests and savannas and both Andean slopes. The trees are 9- to 30-ft. tall and are saved in agricultural clearings for their fruits. The genus is closely allied to Theobroma and may have interest for breeding disease-resistant Cacao.