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

Malpighiaceae - Sphedamnocarpus Planch. ex Hook.f.

Description :

  • Scandent shrubs or climbers
  • Leaves opposite, ternate or rarely subopposite, with 2 stalked glands slightly above or below apex of petiole; stipules present
  • Flowers ± regular, in few-flowered axillary umbels terminating in leafy branches, rarely solitary
  • Calyx 5-partite
  • Petals caducous, yellow to orange, unguiculate, entire to slightly fimbriate
  • Stamens 10; filaments somewhat broadened and connate at base
  • Ovary 3(4)-locular, with dorsal wing usually hairy; styles 3(4); stigmas thickened
  • Fruit breaking into 3(4) samaras
  • x = 10

Nomenclature:

  • Sphedamnocarpus Planch. ex Hook.f.
    • Hooker: 256 (1862)
    • Launert: 119 (1963)
    • De Villiers & Botha: 66 (1986)

Distribution & Notes:

  • Global : Species 12, southern tropical and subtropical Africa, Madagascar and Mauritius
  • Southern Africa : Species 1: Sphedamnocarpus pruriens (Juss.) Szysyl., with 2 subspecies, Namibia, Botswana, Northern Province, Mpumalanga, Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal

References:

  • DE VILLIERS, P.D. & BOTHA, D.J. 1986. Sphedamnocarpus . Flora of southern Africa 18, 3
  • HOOKER, J.D. 1862. Malpighiaceae . In G. Bentham & J.D. Hooker, Genera plantarum . Lovell Reeve, London
  • LAUNERT, E. 1963. Malpighiaceae . Flora zambesiaca 2