Plumbago
Source:
SSA
Description:
Shrubs, shrublets, or subherbaceous. Leaves alternate, auricled at base or petiole amplexicaul. Inflorescence a terminal elongate spike or raceme. Calyx 5-lobed, tubular, outside covered with setae, mostly glandular, sessile or stalked glands, hyaline between the 5-ribs, persistent. Corolla funnel-shaped, 5 lobes spreading, tube longer than calyx; blue, red or white. Stamens free, broadened at base; filaments filiform from a dilated base pressed to ovary; anthers linear-oblong. Ovary +/- conical; style terminal, filiform, hairy, divided above into 5 branches, stigmatic along their inner surface; distyly occurs. Capsule membranous, circumscissile near base, the caducous part often splitting towards apex with 5 valves. x = 7 (6, 8) (polyploidy).
Distribution:
Species +/- 24, in warmer regions of both hemispheres; 5 in sthn Afr., widespread in all countries and provinces, rarely common.