Scientists Discover New Giant Tree Genus Daturodendron in the Andes

Key facts

• A new genus of giant tree named Daturodendron has been officially recognised in the Andean cloud forests, reaching heights of 66 feet (20 metres).
• The tree belongs to the Solanaceae family and the Datureae tribe, making it a relative of tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and Brugmansia.
• Researchers from the University of Cartagena and the Royal Botanic Gardens identified the genus using phylotranscriptomic analysis of nearly 300 genes.
• The Daturodendron genus is found exclusively in the high-altitude Andes of Colombia and Peru.
• The tree produces tropane alkaloids, specifically scopolamine and hyoscyamine, and provides insights into the evolution of fleshy berries into dry dehiscent capsular fruits.