Home | > | List of families | > | Aizoaceae | > | Zaleya | > | pentandra |
Synonyms: |
Trianthema pentandra L. |
Common names: | African purslane (English) |
Frequency: | |
Status: | Native |
Description: |
Many-stemmed more or less prostrate herb. Stems slightly succulent, up to c. 60 cm long. Leaves opposite, usually of different size in a pair, oblanceolate to more or less broadly elliptic, up to 4.5 cm long, slightly hairy below, often only on the midrib; petiole up to 2 cm, thinly winged and sheathing at the base. Flowers in 5-20-flowered axillary sessile clusters, pale green to purple. Fruit splitting c. 1/3 from the base along a thickened rim. |
Notes: | |
Derivation of specific name: | pentandra: with five stamens. |
Habitat: | In open areas in woodland, near riversides and in disturbed and cultivated areas. |
Altitude range: (metres) | 200 - 1400 m |
Flowering time: | |
Worldwide distribution: | Throughout tropical Africa from northern South Africa to Egypt and Senegal; also in Arabia, Palestine and Madagascar. |
Zimbabwe distribution: | W,C,E,S |
Growth form(s): | |
Endemic status: | |
Red data list status: | |
Insects associated with this species: | |
Spot characters: | Display spot characters for this species |
Images last updated: | Friday 20 February 2015 |
Literature: |
Chapano, C. & Mamuto, M. (2003). Plants of the Chimanimani District National Herbarium and Botanic Garden, Zimbabwe Page 59. Da Silva, M.C., Izidine, S. & Amude, A.B. (2004). A preliminary checklist of the vascular plants of Mozambique. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 30 Sabonet, Pretoria Page 20. Gonçalves, M.L. (1978). Aizoaceae Flora Zambesiaca 4 Pages 520 - 521. (Includes a picture). Mapaura, A. & Timberlake, J. (eds) (2004). A checklist of Zimbabwean vascular plants Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 33 Sabonet, Pretoria and Harare Page 15. Phiri, P.S.M. (2005). A Checklist of Zambian Vascular Plants Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 32 Page 20. Setshogo, M.P. (2005). Preliminary checklist of the plants of Botswana. Sabonet Report no. 37. Sabonet, Pretoria and Gaborone Page 20. Wild, H. (1955). Common Rhodesian Weeds Government of Rhodesia, Salisbury Page 16. as Trianthema pentandra (Includes a picture). |
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