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

Apocynaceae - Asclepiadoideae - Ceropegieae - Orbeanthus L.C.Leach

Description :

  • Glabrous succulent perennials
  • Stems obtusely 4-angled, creeping; stems and branches with adventitious roots and sharp, tuberculiform, widely spreading teeth often slightly reflexed, rarely over 3 mm long, lacking stipular denticles along angles
  • Flowers 1 or 2, usually arising towards base of stems or branches, opening successively, at least 25 mm in diameter, with a broad, smooth (not rugulose nor verrucose), glabrous annulus
  • Corona hairy, outer lobes deeply bifid, spreading-erect, greatly exceeding anthers
  • Staminal column hollowed below anther wings, with a nectarial orifice behind anther wings
  • Anthers horizontal above style head, margins often not shrinking back and frequently covering pollinia
  • Pollinia ± D-shaped, pellucid margin twisting onto dorsal surface
  • Follicles erect, terete-fusiform, glabrous, smooth
  • x = 11

Nomenclature:

  • Orbeanthus L.C.Leach
    • Leach: 71 (1978)

Distribution & Notes:

  • Southern Africa : Species 2, Northern Province

References:

  • LEACH, L.C. 1978. A contribution towards a new classification of Stapelieae ( Asclepiadaceae ) with a preliminary review of Orbea Haw. and descriptions of three new genera. Excelsa, Taxonomic Series 1