e-Key v3 - Sutherlandia
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Interactive keys to the identification of seed plants of southern Africa using keys based on plant morphology.

Fabaceae - Papilionoideae - Galegeae - Coluteinae - Sutherlandia R.Br. ex W.T.Aiton

Description :

  • Shrublets or halfshrubs with herbaceous branches
  • Leaves imparipinnate, pubescent to albo-tomentose, stipulate
  • Flowers in 2-7-flowered racemes, often ornamental
  • Calyx with campanulate tube; lobes variable
  • Petals : vexillum shorter than keel, slightly narrowed to base; wings clawed, with ear usually shorter than claw; keel clawed, eared, with claws connate except at base
  • Stamens diadelphous; tube ± 3 times longer than free portions; anthers equal
  • Ovary stalked, many-ovuled; style curved, laterally bearded above, with small capitate stigma
  • Pod membranous, bladdery
  • Seeds many, black, flattened, with funicle
  • x = 8 (1 report)

Nomenclature:

  • Sutherlandia R.Br. ex W.T.Aiton
    • Aiton: 327 (1812) name conserved
    • Harvey: 212 (1862)
    • Phillips & Dyer: 69 (1934)

Distribution & Notes:

  • Global : Species 5; Africa, mainly southern Africa
  • Southern Africa : Widespread throughout

References:

  • AITON, W.T. 1812. Hortus kewensis edn 2,4. Longman, London
  • HARVEY, W.H. 1862. Leguminosae . Flora capensis 2
  • PHILLIPS, E.P. & DYER, R.A. 1934. Revista sudamericana de botanica 1