Source:
SSA
Synonym(s):
Cephalophyllum N.E.Br. in part.
Description:
Prostrate perennials, with long orange-coloured or yellow internodes with a spongy persistent primary cortex; adventitious roots many, arising from nodes of trailing branches. Leaves fusiform, characteristically broadest towards middle and tapering towards both ends; stomata not sunken. Flowers solitary on short side branches, bracteate; opening midday, closing in afternoon. Sepals (4)5(6). Petals in different shades of yellow or purple, rarely white. Stamens: inner filaments papillate at base, yellow, white or salmon-pink; staminodes 0. Nectary a weakly crenulate ring. Ovary: placentas parietal. Fruit a 10 -25-locular capsule, of Leipoldtia type but with small closing bodies. x = 9. F lowering in winter and spring. D istinguishing characters: perennials with trailing stems; leaves tapering towards both ends; fruit 10-25-locular, with angular valves, appearing squarish on top.
Distribution:
Species 4, mainly on coastal sands in Strandveld and in the succulent Karoo, restricted to S Namibia, Northern and Western Cape.
Classification:
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