Variovorax paradoxus

Variovorax paradoxus is a gram negative, beta proteobacterium from the genus Variovorax. Strains of V. paradoxus can be categorized into two groups, hydrogen oxidizers and heterotrophic strains, both of which are aerobic. The genus name Vario-vorax (various-voracious; devouring a variety of substrates) and species name para-doxus (contrary-opinion) reflects both the dichotomy of V. paradoxus metabolisms, but also its ability to utilize a wide array of organic compounds.