Geoffroea

Geoffroea is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae. It belongs to the subfamily Papilionoideae and is native to South America.

The genus is characterized by trees or shrubs with pinnately compound leaves. The flowers are typically yellow or orange and are arranged in racemes or panicles. The fruit is a legume, often indehiscent and containing one or a few seeds.

Commonly known species within the Geoffroea genus include:

• Geoffroea decorticans (Chañar): A drought-resistant tree found in arid regions of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. The fruit is edible and the wood is used for various purposes.

Geoffroea species play ecological roles within their native habitats, contributing to soil stabilization and providing food and shelter for wildlife. Some species have economic importance due to their edible fruits, timber, or medicinal properties.

The taxonomic classification of Geoffroea places it within the following hierarchy:

Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Fabales Family: Fabaceae Subfamily: Papilionoideae Genus: Geoffroea