Xenoscapa
Source:
SSA
Synonym(s):
Anomatheca Ker Gawl. section Xenoscapa Goldblatt: 88 (1972).
Description:
Seasonal perennials.Rootstocka small globose corm rooting from below, basal in origin, tunics of fine fibres.Stemshort or long, erect, terete, often with 1-3 short branches.Leavesfew, lower 2 or 3 cataphylls; foliage leaves 2 or 3, unifacial, with a definite midrib, prostrate, soft-textured.Inflorescenceof solitary flowers terminal on axes; bracts green, coriaceous, inner often slightly longer, or slightly shorter than outer, often notched apically.Flowerszygomorphic, tubular or hypocrateriform, whitish or pink, sometimes with contrasting markings on lower tepals, sometimes sweetly scented, with nectar from septal nectaries; perianth tube cylindric and elongate.Tepalssubequal, spreading or dorsal ones erect, slightly larger, and cucullate.Stamensunilateral and arcuate, arising shortly below mouth of tube; anthers exserted; pollen monosulcate, operculate, exine perforate.Stylefiliform, exserted, branches short, deeply divided and recurved.Capsulesoblong to cylindric, cartilaginous.Seedsstrongly angled, with a chalazal crest, rugulose, matte, surface areolate.x= 11.
Distribution:
Species 2, 1 widespread in the winter-rainfall region and one highly localised in Namaqualand (Northern Cape), either on granite or clay soils.