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Synonyms: |
Dicliptera spinulosa Hochst. ex K. Balkwill |
Common names: | |
Frequency: | Common |
Status: | Native |
Description: |
Erect or decumbent annual herb with opposite and decussate, widely spreading branches. Leaves often absent at flowering time; lamina 1.5-7 cm, ovate or elliptic. Inflorescences axillary, consisting of 2-3 umbels of 3-5 cymules per axil, developing at the lowermost stem nodes, becoming compound and forming dense axillary fascicles. Cymule bracts with length to width ratio 1.2-1.5:1; larger bract 5-8.5 mm long. Corolla 4-6 mm long, pink to purple, often found in bud only and then probably cleistogamous. Seeds with minute hooked tubercles. |
Notes: | |
Derivation of specific name: | verticillata: arranged in whorls |
Habitat: | In disturbed ground, sometimes in bare shady places where little else will grow, e.g. under trees. |
Altitude range: (metres) | |
Flowering time: | Jun - Aug |
Worldwide distribution: | Widespread in tropical and South Africa; also in Madagascar, tropical Arabia and India |
Zimbabwe distribution: | N,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 |
Literature: |
Burrows, J.E. & Willis, C.K. (eds) (2005). Plants of the Nyika Plateau Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 31 SABONET, Pretoria Page 48. (Includes a picture). Darbyshire, I., Vollesen, K. & Kelbessa, E. (2015). Acanthaceae (Part 2) Flora Zambesiaca 8(6) Pages 262 - 263. 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 13. as Dicliptera spinulosa Setshogo, M.P. (2005). Preliminary checklist of the plants of Botswana. Sabonet Report no. 37. Sabonet, Pretoria and Gaborone Page 18. also as Dicliptera spinulosa |
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