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Synonyms: |
Maerua pubescens (Klotzsch) Gilg |
Common names: | Small bead-bean (English) |
Frequency: | |
Status: | Native |
Description: |
Usually a much-branched scrambling shrub but occasionally a small tree. Leaves 3-foliolate with elliptic leaflets, the terminal leaflet about twice the size of the lateral leaflets; apex rounded or often notched. Flowers in short terminal or axillary heads; sepals green; petals white; stamens 12-16 (fewer than other species of Maerua), c. 2 cm long. Fruit bean-like, cylindric, up to 10 cm, somewhat constricted between the seeds. |
Notes: | |
Derivation of specific name: | triphylla: with 3 leaflets |
Habitat: | In woodland, often on termite mounds. |
Altitude range: (metres) | |
Flowering time: | Sep - Nov |
Worldwide distribution: | From Kenya and Tanzania south to Zimbabwe and Mozambique, also in Madagascar. |
Zimbabwe distribution: | N,C,E,S |
Growth form(s): | Climber, tree, shrub over 2 m. |
Endemic status: | |
Red data list status: | |
Insects associated with this species: | |
Spot characters: | Display spot characters for this species |
Images last updated: | Monday 1 January 2007 |
Literature: |
Burrows, J.E., Burrows, S.M., Lötter, M.C. & Schmidt, E. (2018). Trees and Shrubs Mozambique Publishing Print Matters (Pty), Cape Town. Page 164. (Includes a picture). Coates Palgrave, M. (1989). Guide to the trees and shrubs of the Mukuvisi Woodlands ?publisher. Page 37. as Maerua triphylla Drummond, R.B. (1975). A list of trees, shrubs and woody climbers indigenous or naturalised in Rhodesia. Kirkia 10(1) Page 238. 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 32. Strugnell, A.M. (2006). A Checklist of the Spermatophytes of Mount Mulanje, Malawi Scripta Botanica Belgica 34 National Botanic Garden of Belgium Page 65. as Maerua pubescens Wild, H. (1960). Capparaceae Flora Zambesiaca 1(1) Pages 222 - 224. As Maerua pubescens (Includes a picture). |
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