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

Acanthaceae - Acanthoideae - Ruellieae - Petalidiinae - Chaetacanthus Nees

Description :

  • Shrublets or herbs, with woody rootstock or stolons
  • Leaves entire
  • Inflorescence axillary, dichasial cymes; bracteoles 2, usually shorter than calyx
  • Calyx regular; lobes 5; tube longer than lobes
  • Corolla 2-lipped; upper lip 2-lobed, rugula indistinct; lower lip 3-lobed; lobes oblong, truncate or obtuse; aestivation contorted; tube longer than lobes, pubescent, campanulate above
  • Androecium : fertile stamens 2; filaments of stamens and staminodes didynamous, arising in pairs in corolla throat; slightly exserted, linear; anthers 2-thecous; thecae parallel, oblong or linear-oblong, muticous; staminodes 2 or 0
  • Pollen prolate, 3-colporate, with many pseudocolpi; pore lipped; surface pusticulate
  • Disc annular
  • Gynoecium : ovary oblong, with 2 ovules in each locule; style terete, slightly exserted, pubescent; style branch 1; ventral lobe cylindriform
  • Capsule lanceolate, estipitate, with inelastic placental bases
  • Seeds biconvex, with hygroscopic hairs over whole surface

Classification Notes:

  • Could probably be united with Dyschoriste Nees

Nomenclature:

  • Chaetacanthus Nees
    • Nees von Esenbeck: 444 (1836)
    • Clarke: 18 (1901)

Distribution & Notes:

  • Global : Species ± 3, southern Africa
  • Southern Africa : Widespread, mainly in eastern parts

References:

  • CLARKE, C.B. 1901. Acanthaceae . Flora capensis 5,1
  • NEES VON ESENBECK, C.G.D. 1836. Blepharacanthus , Chaetacanthus . In J. Lindley, A natural system of botany , edn 2. Longman, London