Monttea

Monttea is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Calceolariaceae. These plants are native to South America, specifically to the Andes region of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.

Monttea species are typically shrubs or small trees, characterized by their woody stems and distinctive flowers. The flowers are zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical) and often possess a pouch-like structure, a common trait within the Calceolariaceae family. This unique floral morphology facilitates pollination by specific insect species.

The genus Monttea is of interest to botanists and horticulturists due to its evolutionary relationships within the Calceolariaceae family and its potential for ornamental use. Further research is ongoing to fully understand the species diversity, ecological roles, and conservation status of Monttea plants.