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

Colchicaceae - Hexacyrtis Dinter

Description :

  • Psammophilous geophytes
  • Corms deep-seated, globose, covered with reticulated fibres, sarmentose; roots spongy, piercing tunics
  • Stem simple, erect, with a long neck of old sheathing leaf bases
  • Leaves ± 6, distichous, sheathing stem, linear-acuminate, canaliculate, glanduliferous
  • Inflorescence terminal, compound, with 4-6 branches, each terminating in a 2-6-flowered umbel surrounded at base by ovate bracts
  • Flowers somewhat campanulate, pendulous, on long, patent pedicels with recurved tips
  • Perianth : segments free except at base, spreading above, forming a short spurred tube below, with incurved, enlarged side lobes
  • Stamens hypogynous; filaments short; anthers 2-thecous, extrorse, versatile
  • Ovary globose, obtusely trigonous; ovules many; style with 3 long stigmatic branches
  • Capsule obtusely globose, trigonous, loculicidal
  • Seeds globose

Nomenclature:

  • Hexacyrtis Dinter
    • Dinter: 84 (1932)
    • Sölch et al.: 51 (1970)

Distribution & Notes:

  • Southern Africa : Species 1: Hexacyrtis dickiana Dinter, Namibia

References:

  • DINTER, K. 1932. Diagnosen neuer südwestafrikanischer Pflanzen. Feddes Repertorium 30
  • SÖLCH, A., ROESSLER, H. & MERXMÜLLER, H. 1970. Liliaceae . Prodromus einer Flora von Südwestafrika 147