Synonyms:
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Common names:
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Frequency:
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Uncommon |
Status:
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Native |
Description:
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Erect annual herb, up to 18 cm. Stems simple or branching at the apex, 4-ridged. Leaves opposite, widely spaced, sessile, ovate to elliptic-oblong. Flowers terminal, 4-numerous, whitish with greenish veins. Fruit a small ellipsoid, beaked capsule. This species is easily distinguished as is the only Swertia in Zimbabwe with 4 corolla lobes. |
Notes:
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The Zimbabwe population is well separated and isolated from those elsewhere in East Africa. |
Derivation of specific name:
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Habitat:
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In damp montane grassland. |
Altitude range: (metres) |
2100 - 2300 m |
Flowering time: | |
Worldwide distribution:
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Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. |
Zimbabwe distribution:
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E |
Growth form(s):
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Annual.
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Endemic status:
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Red data list status:
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Insects associated with this species:
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Spot characters:
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Display spot characters for this species |
Images last updated: |
Tuesday 28 February 2006 |
Literature:
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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 53.
Paiva, J. & Nogueira, I. (1990). Gentianaceae Flora Zambesiaca 7(4) Page 31.
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