Risk of genetic vulnerability and aspects of the reproductive biology of Psychotria ipecacuanha (Rubiaceae), a threatened medicinal plant species of Brazilian forests

ABSTRACT Psychotria ipecacuanha, commonly known as Ipeca, is a medicinal plant of pharmacological and economic value. The species is distylous; it has populations with two floral morphs, one with long and one with short styles. Apart from the presence of two floral morphs in a balanced ratio (1:1), reciprocal herkogamy of the reproductive organs between alternative morphs is desirable to maintain cross-pollination. The risk factors for genetic erosion and conditions for sexual reproduction in natural populations of P. ipecacuanha were investigated. The main risks for genetic erosion in four po...