FLORA
OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
VOLUME 26
EDITED BY
R. A. DYER L. E. CODD
AND
H. B. RYCROFT
Price R4.60 4. Overseas R5.75
Post Free
PUBLISHED IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA AND
PRINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER, PRETORIA
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL TECHNICAL SERVICES
FLORA OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
VOL. 26
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2016
https://archive.org/details/floraofsoutherna26unse
FLORA OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
THE REPUBLIC OE SOUTH AFRICA, BASUTOLAND,
SWAZILAND AND SOUTH WEST AFRICA
VOLUME 26
Edited by
R. A. DYER and L. E. CODD
Botanical Research Institute,
Department of Agricultural Technical Services
and
H. B. RYCROFT
National Botanic Gardens, Kirstenbosch,
Department of Education, Arts and Science
Published in the Republic of South Africa and printed
by the Government Printer, Pretoria
1963
CONTENTS
Page
New name published in this Volume iii
Introduction v
Plan of Contents of Volumes vi
Myrsinaceae I
Primulaceae 9
Plumbaginaceae 15
Sapotaceae 31
Ebenaceae 54
Oleaceae 100
Salvadoraceae 128
Loganiaceae 134
Gentianaceae 171
Apocynaceae 244
Index
297
NEW NAME PUBLISHED IN THIS VOLUME
Diospyros dichrophylla (Gaud.) de Winter, comb. nov.
IV
INTRODUCTION
THE Flora of Southern Africa is planned to occupy 33 volumes as shown below.
Provision is made for the subdivision of some of the volumes into two or three parts,
as in the case of the large family Compositae with over 2,000 species. No order of
publication has been fixed and each volume will be submitted for press as it is completed,
irrespective of its order in the plan of the whole work. This explains the appearance of
Volume 26 as the first in the series.
For a key to the families, the Flora must be used in conjunction with Phillips’s
Genera of South African Flowering Plants , which follows the system of De Dalla Torre
and Harms — in principle, the Engler System. The genera are numbered accordingly to
facilitate reference.
In the preparation of the text, efforts will be made to co-ordinate the nomenclature
with that used in the Flora Zambesiaca and the Floras of other parts of Tropical Africa.
In the citation of literature the generally accepted abbreviations are used except in
the following cases which appear frequently and are therefore given as initials only: — -
F.C Flora Capensis, 1859-1925.
F.T.A Flora of Tropical Africa, 1868-1934.
F.T.E.A Flora of Tropical East Africa , 1 952—
F.S.A Flora of Southern Africa.
F.Z Flora Zambesiaca, 1960-
Phill., Gen The Genera of South African Flowering Plants by E. P.
Phillips, ed. 2: 1951.
I.C.B.N International Code of Botanical Nomenclature.
The abbreviation “ l.c. ” is used for previously cited references, even though “ op.
cit.” would in some cases be more correct. In some works square brackets are used to
indicate the portion of the author reference which may be omitted when abbreviating
the reference e.g. [Harv. ex] Wright or Harv. [in Wright]. The portion within brackets
is omitted if abbreviation is desired. Square brackets are omitted from this Flora
because the International Rules make it clear that the author who supplied the
description is the accepted author and the one to be retained where abbreviation is
desirable.
It should be noted that the spelling of the names of some localities has been
brought into line with the findings of the Committee on Standardisation of Place
Names.
In the index synonyms are in italics and exotic species are signified by an asterisk *.
v
PLAN OF CONTENTS OF VOLUMES
Vol. 1
Introduction
1 . Cycadaceae
2. Taxaceae
3. Pinaceae
4. Gnetaceae
5. Typhaceae
6. Potamogetonaceae
7. Najadaceae
8. Aponogetonaceae
9. Juncaginaceae
JO. Alismataceae
1 1 . Hydrocharitaceae
Vol. 2
12. Gramineae
Vol. 3
13. Cyperaceae
1 4. Palmae
15. Araceae
J 6. Lemnaceae
1 7. Flagellariaceae
Vol. 4.
Vol. 10
42. Loranthaceae
43. Santalaccae
44. Grubbiaceae
45. Olacaceae
46. Balanophoraceae
47. Aristolochiaceae
48. Rafflesiaceae
49. Hydnoraceae
50. Polygonaceae
51. Chenopodiaceae
52. Amaranthaceae
53. Nyctaginaceae
Vol. 11
54. Phytolaccaceae
55. Aizoaceae
Vol. 12
56. Portulacaceae
57. Basellaceae
58. Caryophyllaceae
59. Nymphaeaceae
60. Ceratophyllaceae
61. Ranunculaceae
62. Menispermaceae
63. Annonaceae
64. Monimiaceae
65. Lauraceae
66. Hernandiaceae
67. Papaveraceae
68. Fumariaceae
Vol. 13
69. Cruciferae
70. Capparidaceae
71. Resedaceae
72. Moringaceae
73. Droseraceae
74. Podostemaceae
75. Hydrostachyaceae
Vol. 14
76. Crassulaceae
Vol. 15
77. Saxifragaceae
78. Pittosporaceae
79. Cunoniaceae
80. Myrothamnaceae
81. Bruniaceae
82. Flamamelidaceae
83. Rosaceae
84. Connaraceae
Vol. 16
85. Leguminosae
Vol. 17
86. Geraniaceae
87. Oxalidaceae
Vol. 18
88. Linaceae
89. Erythroxylaceae
90. Zygophyllaceae
91. Rutaceae
92. Simarubaceae
93. Burseraceae
94. Meliaceae
95. Malpighiaceae
vi
Vol. 19
Vol. 25
96. Polygalaceae
97. Dichapetalaceae
98. Euphorbiaceae
99. Callitrichaceae
100. Buxaceae
101. Anacardiaceae
102. Aquifoliaceae
Vol. 20
103. Celastraceae
104. Hippocrateaceae
105. Icacinaceae
106. Sapindaceae
107. Melianthaceae
108. Balsaminaceae
109. Rhamnaceae
1 10. Heteropyxidaceae
111. Vitaceae
Vol. 21
112. Tiliaceae
113. Malvaceae
114. Bombacaceae
115. Sterculiaceae
Vol. 22
116. Ochnaceae
117. Guttiferae
118. Elatinaceae
119. Frankeniaceae
120. Tamaricaceae
121. Canellaceae
122. Violaceae
123. Flacourtiaceae
124. Turneraceae
125. Passifloraceae
126. Achariaceae
127. Loasaceae
128. Begoniaceae
129. Cactaceae
Vol. 23
1 30. Geissolomaceae
131. Penaeaceae
1 32. Oliniaceae
133. Thymelaeaceae
134. Lythraceae
135. Lecythidaceae
Vol. 24
136. Rhizophoraceae
137. Combretaceae
138. Myrtaceae
139. Melastomataceae
140. Onagraceae
141. Hydrocary aceae
142. Halorrhagidaceae
143. Araliaceae
144. Umbelliferae
145. Cornaceae
146. Ericaceae
Vol. 26
147. Myrsinaceae
148. Primulaceae
149. Plumbaginaceae
1 50. Sapotaceae
151. Ebenaceae
152. Ole aceae
153. Sal vador aceae
154. Loganiaceae
155. Gentianaceae
156. Apocynaceae
Vol. 27
157. Asclepiadaceae
Vol. 28
158. Convolvulaceae
1 59. Hydrophyllaceae
160. Boraginaceae
161. Verbenaceae
162. Labia tae
163. Solanaceae
Vol. 29
164. Scrophulariaceae
Vol. 30
165. Bignoniaceae
166. Pedaliaceae
167. Martyniaceae
168. Orobanchaceae
169. Gesneriaceae
170. Lentibulariaceae
171. Acanthaceae
172. Myoporaceae
Vol. 31
173. Plantaginaceae
174. Rubiaceae
175. Valerianaceae
176. Dipsacaceae
177. Cucurbitaceae
Vol. 32
178. Campanulaceae
179. Goodeniaceae
Vol. 33
vii
180. Compositae
MYRSINACEAE
by R. A. Dyer
Trees or shrubs, rarely subherbaceous. Leaves alternate, rarely subopposite, often
crowded near the ends of branches, petioled or subsessile, entire or toothed, often
glandular or with lepidote scales; stipules absent. Inflorescence terminal or lateral,
a raceme or panicle or flowers in fascicles. Flowers sometimes dioecious, 4-5-merous.
Calyx deeply divided or sepals free. Corolla usually united towards base, very rarely
petals free. Stamens as many as the corolla lobes and attached to them; filaments
present or obsolete. Ovary superior to semi-inferior, unilocular with 1-several or
occasionally many ovules on a free central or basal placenta. Fruit a berry or drupe.
World-wide, mainly in the tropics and subtropics.
Ovary inferior or half inferior; seeds many; petals united; fruit crowned by the
persistent calyx 1. Maesa
Ovary superior; seeds solitary:
Petals free, filaments present; often subscandent 2. Embelia
Petals united, filaments present or absent:
Filaments developed, sometimes very short, united at the base by a membrane;
leaves usually 1-4 cm long, twigs thin and woody 3. Myrsine
Filaments obsolete or very nearly so; leaves up to 12 cm long, and then
oblanceolate ; twigs thickish and soft when young 4. Rapanea
6283
1. MAESA
Maesa Forsk., FI. Aeg. Arab. 66 (1775); A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 77 (1844); Baker in
F.T.A. 3: 491 (1877); Mez in Pflanzenr. 4,236: 15 (1902); Harv. ex Wright in F.C.
4, 1: 432 (1906); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 562 (1951).
Trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate, petioled, simple, mostly serrate, often gland-
dotted. Inflorescence a terminal or axillary panicle or raceme. Calyx persistent,
bibracteate at the base, with 4 or, more often, 5 sepals. Corolla tubular at base with 4 or,
more often, 5 lobes. Stamens inserted in the corolla tube, occasionally sterile. Ovary
inferior or half-inferior, with numerous ovules on a basal placenta. Fruit dry or fleshy,
small, globose, crowned by the persistent calyx and style.
A large genus in Africa and Asia.
Leaves elliptic to ovate-elliptic, slightly or coarsely toothed; panicles much branched; mature
leaves usually 8-12 cm long 1. M. lanceolata.
Leaves obovate-cuneate, crenate-dentate to just below middle; racemes simple or subsimple;
mature leaves usually less than 3 cm long 2. M. alnifolia
2
Myrsinaceae
1. Maesa lanceolata Forsk., FI. Aeg. Arab. p. cvi et 66 (1775); Baker in F.T.A. 3:
492 (1877); Mez in Pflanzenr. 4, 236: 26 (1902). Type: Arabia, Forskahl.
M.rufescens A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8 : 81 (1844); Mez, l.c. 25 (1902); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4,1: 432
(1906). Type: Port Natal, Drege. M.pcilustris Hochst. in Flora 27: 825 (1844). Type: Natal, Umlaas
River, Krauss.
A shrub or small tree rarely more than about 7 m tall, glabrous or occasionally the
young branches rusty-tomentose, often with conspicuous lenticels. Leaves elliptic or
ovate-elliptic, 5-15 cm long, but usually about 10 cm, 3-10 cm broad, thickish, with
midrib and lateral veins usually prominent on the lower surface, acute, rarely obtuse,
usually coarsely serrate on margin and only rarely subentire, mainly glabrous,
occasionally pubescent on the lower surfaces and on the veins above; petiole 2-3-5 cm
long. Inflorescence axillary, paniculate, many-flowered, shorter than the leaves, thinly
or densely hirsute or tomentose; pedicels 1-2 mm long. Sepals triangular, 1 mm long,
acute, ciliate. Corolla white or cream, about 2 mm long, shortly tubular; lobes broadly
ovate, spreading, recurved, sometimes slightly crinkled on margin. Stamens exserted,
about 1 mm long with the filaments 0-5 mm long. Ovary f-J inferior. Fruit a small,
globose, many-seeded berry crowned by the persistent calyx segments. — Fig. 1 : 3.
In India, Arabia and almost throughout the African continent, chiefly down the eastern side;
common in bushgroups and at forest margins in the Transvaal, Natal and over the border of the eastern
Cape Province.
Cape. — Port St. Johns: Pegler 1538. Bizana: Marais 1160.
Natal. — Cooper 1209. Durban: Wood 11127. Estcourt: Weenen, Pentz 342. Zululand: Mogg
6229; Ward 2634.
Swaziland. — Mbabane: Compton 25275; 25954.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Galpin 514; Thorncroft 654. Lydenburg: Marais 128. Nelspruit: Kruger
National Park, van der Schijjf 3470. Potgietersrust: Galpin 11604. Pietersburg: Blaauwberg, Smuts
<t- Pole Evans 897. Soutpansberg: Smuts 2670; Codd 6530; van der Schijjf 3798.
In Flora of Tropical Africa, Baker suggested that M. rufescens A.DC. was not specifically distinct
from M. lanceolata Forsk. and later workers, excluding Wright in Flora Capensis, confirmed that we are
dealing with a single species varying greatly in pubescence, leaf shape and size and in the density of the
inflorescence. Without apparent reason, Wright cites Cooper 1209 from Natal under both M. rufescens
and M. angotensis Gilg. The latter species does not occur here. It might, however, be thought to be
a further variant of M. lanceolata.
The superficial resemblance of M. lanceolata to Choristylis rhamnoides Harv. (Saxifragaceae) led
Harvey in F.C. 2: 308 (1961-62) to identify specimens of the former as the latter.
2. Maesa alnifolia Harv., Thes. Cap. 2: 20, t. 129 (1863); Mez in Pflanzenr. 4, 236: 23,
fig. 1 (1902); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 433 (1906). Type: Eastern Cape, Bowker 233
(TCD, lecto.).
Shrub up to about 1 - 5 m tall, rarely higher, with slender lax branches, brownish
pubescent on the young twigs and petioles. Leaves petiolate, obovate-cuneate, 1 • 5-4 cm
long, 1-2-5 cm broad (on coppice shoots, up to 6 cm long and 5 cm broad) mainly
rounded at apex and crenate-dentate to just below the middle, with midrib and lateral
veins slightly prominent on lower surface; petiole 5-12 mm long. Inflorescence in
axillary racemes, very rarely with branchlets, few- to several-flowered, more or less equal
in length to leaves, pubescent; flowers polygamo-dioecious, the male with 5 perfect
stamens and aborted ovary; the female with minute gland-like subsessile staminodes;
bracts ovate-lanceolate, shorter than the pedicels. Sepals broadly ovate, about 1 mm
long. Corolla 2-5-3 mm long, united about to the middle; lobes broadly reniform-
ovate, slightly undulate. Ovary with free central placenta with many ovules. Fruit a
globose berry 5-6 mm diam., reddish-brown, slightly fleshy, crowned by the small
persistent sepals. — Fig. 1 : 2.
Occurs near bush and forest and may persist in grassveld which has replaced forest, in the eastern
Cape Province from the Katberg and Hogsback mountains into Natal as far as Zululand.
Myrsinaceae
3
Cape. — King William’s Town: Sim 2004. East London: Galpin 8241. Komga: Flanagan 473;
Marais 462. Transkei: Cooper 291 ; Barber (nee Bowker). Kentani: Pegler 701 ; Cocld 9255.
Natal. — Ndwedwe: Wood 1400; Rudatis 1220; 2046. Zululand: Gerstner 3672.
As regards the selection of the lectotype from the specimens cited by Elarvey, Professor D. A. Webb
states in a letter dated 8.8.57 that there is in the Trinity College Herbarium, Dublin, a copy of Harvey’s
Thesaurus 1. 129 “pinned toBowker’s specimen, and pencil sketcheson the sheet show that it was used in
the preparation of the dissections . . . the Sanderson specimen may also have been used. The Gueinzius
and Cooper specimens are definitely out of the running ”. From this note it is evident that Harvey relied
mainly, if not entirely, on Bowker 233 in establishing the species concept of Maesa alnifolia.
6310
2. EMBELIA
Embelia Burm.f, FI. Ind. 62, t. 23 (1768); Mez in Pflanzenr. 4, 236: 295 (1902); Harv. ex
Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 433 (1906); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 563 (1951).
Shrubs or small trees sometimes scandent. Leaves alternate, mostly entire.
Inflorescence a raceme or panicle of small often unisexual flowers. Calyx 4-5-parted or
lobed, sometimes almost free. Petals 4-5, free, spreading or reflexed sometimes
glandular. Stamens 4-5, free, variously attached to the petals; filaments linear; anthers
ovate. Ovary subglobose or ovoid, with a single ovule; stigma discoid, entire or very
rarely lobed; young capsule sometimes thin-walled; fruit globose, up to about 1-4 cm
diam., pericarp fleshy, endocarp woody.
Embelia ruminata ( E . Mey. ex A. DC.) Mez in Pflanzenr. 4, 236: 331 (1902). Type:
Natal, Drege.
Mvrsine ruminata E. Mey. in Drege, Zwei Doc. 204 (1844), nom. nud.; A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 104
(1844).
Embelia kraussii Harv., Thes. Cap. 2: 17, t. 127 (1863); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1: 433 (1909).
Type: Natal, Krauss 407.
Celastrus oleoides sensu Hochst. in Flora 304 (1844).
A scandent shrub or liana in bush or forest; branchlets often reflexed at first,
minutely and somewhat glandular pubescent, becoming glabrous. Leaves petiolate,
obovate to obovate-oblong, 1-5 cm long, 1-2-5 cm broad, obtuse, sometimes acute,
entire, gland-dotted but glands not always evident, when young drying thin and mem-
branous, fine lateral venation; margin often recurved when dry; petiole short, sometimes
appearing slightly winged, canaliculate, occasionally minutely pubescent with semi-
glandular hairs, comparatively large leaf scars. Inflorescence in short, few-flowered,
axillary racemes up to 2 - 5 cm long from axils of leaf scars; bracts concave, oval, shorter
than pedicels. Flowers often unisexual. Calyx small, cup-shaped, 4-5 lobed or toothed.
Petals 4-5, free, oblong, imbricate in bud, minutely and densely papillose within.
Stamens 4-5, opposite and adnate to petals below middle; filaments shorter than petals,
flattish subulate; anthers medifixed with introrse dehiscence. Ovary on a small 5-crenate
disc, 1-celled, with 1 basal ovule; style filiform with discoid or bifid stigma; capsule the
size of a pea. — Fig. 1:1.
In the coastal and slightly inland forests of the eastern Cape, extending to the forests of Zululand.
Cape. — Albany: Britten 5451; Story 3304. Bathurst: Britten 5105; 5451; Acocks 15548. King
William’s Town: Sim 1512; 2382. Victoria East: Acocks 11091; 11902. Komga: Flanagan 284.
Kentani: Pegler 1369.
Natal. — Umzinto: Sim 19087. Pinetown: Isipingo, Ward 957. Durban: Wood 7546; Gerstner
5552. Estcourt: Weenen, Pentz 342. Lower Tugela: Edwards 1773. Eshowe: Pentz 339.
The branchlets are often reflexed, thus assisting the plant in its scandent habit.
4
IVh RSINACEAE
Fig. 1. 1, Embclia ruminata ( Medley Wood 13550); la, fruiting twig ( Acocks 11902); lb, flower
X 10; lc, petal & stamen, x 10. 2, Maesa alnifolia {Acocks 9327). 3, M. lanceolata, fruit, x 5.
5
Embelia sp.
A specimen collected in the Caprivi by Killick & Leistner No. 3387, shows a strong resemblance to
specimens of E. ruminata. The material is only in the young fruiting stage, however, and as the locality
is so far removed from the present distributional records of E. ruminata , I hesitate to name it as such. It
has not been matched exactly with authentically named material from tropical Africa.
S.W.A. — Caprivi: Killick & Leistner 3387.
Natal. — Estcourt: Weenen, Pentz 343.
The material is too incomplete even to confirm that Pentz 343 is specifically equal to the other.
6313 3. MYRSINE
Myrsine L., Sp. PI. ed. 1 : 196 (1753); Gen. PI. ed. 5: 90(1754); Mez in Pflanzenr. 4, 236:
338 (1902); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 434 (1906), in part; Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 563
(1951).
Shrubs, much branched, up to 3 m tall. Leaves broadly to narrowly elliptic, acute
or obtuse, usually toothed in the apical half, glabrous, coriaceous. Inflorescence of
axillary fascicles. Flowers very small, subsessile, often unisexual. Calyx 4-5 partite,
sometimes glandular. Corolla longer than calyx, tube short; lobes 4-5, often ciliate and
glandular. Stamens 4-5, about the same length as corolla; filaments present, inserted
below mouth of corolla tube; anthers often longer than the filaments. Ovary ovoid,
glabrous; style short cylindric; stigma large, disciform or with incised margin. Fruit
globose, slightly fleshy, 1 -seeded.
A small genus in Africa and Asia.
Anthers exserted beyond corolla lobes, elliptic-oblong, pink or red; leaves rounded and often
obtuse, usually less than 2 cm long and 1 cm broad 1. M. africana
Anthers included within corolla lobes, sagittate, brown; leaves rhombic or elliptic, up to 5 cm long
and 2 25 cm broad 2. M. pillansii
1. Myrsine africana L., Sp. PI. ed. 1 : 196 (1753); Baker in F.T.A. 3: 493 (1877); Mez
in Pflanzenr. 4, 236: 340 (1902); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 434 (1906); Adamson, FI.
Cape Penin. 663 (1950). Type: Linn. Herb. 267-1.
An erect much branched evergreen shrub 1-2 m, rarely up to 3 m tall; branchlets
puberulous, sometimes glandular-pubescent or very rarely glabrous, glabrous with age,
sometimes slightly ribbed due to the decurrent petiole. Leaves very shortly petiolate,
very variable in shape and somewhat in size, variably elliptic or orbicular to lanceolate,
0-5-2 cm long; 5-10 mm broad, obtuse or sometimes acute, glossy, glabrous, gland-
dotted, but glands not always evident, coriaceous, tapered into a petiole 0-5-1 -5 mm
long, usually toothed from about the middle to the apex with the small teeth directed
towards the apex. Inflorescence in small axillary fascicles. Flowers 2-2-5 mm long.
Sepals usually 4-partite, about 1 mm long, broadly ovate to ovate-elliptic, gland-dotted,
ciliate or rarely glabrous. Corolla shortly united, usually 4-lobed, about 2 mm long;
petals oblong, gland-dotted, ciliate. Stamens with filaments united at base and attached
to corolla tube; anthers comparatively large, red, partly exserted from the corolla,
dehiscing laterally, apiculate. Ovary ovoid, glabrous; style short, cylindric; stigma
large, disciform or with incised margins. Fruit globose, slightly fleshy, 3-4 mm diam.,
purple-red.
From the Azores into Africa and down the eastern mountains to sea level along the southern coast
of the Cape Province, and to Asia as far as mid China; a common pioneer for bush groups on mountains,
in temperate places throughout Southern Africa.
6
Myrsinaceae
Cape. — Piketberg: Howes 211. Ceres: Thode 2267. Peninsula: Hutchinson 31. Riversdale:
Muir 142. Bathurst: Britten 5145. King William’s Town: Flanagan 2153. Queenstown: Cooper 233;
234. Middelburg: Acocks 15996. Burghersdorp : Flanagan 1533.
O.F.S. — Zastron: Heydorn 16. Bethlehem: Phillips 3153; 3180. Senekal: Goossens 910.
Basutoland. — Dieterlen 64; Cooper 738.
Natal. — Bergville: Hutchinson, Forbes & Verdoorn 60; Killick 973; Bayer & McClean 106.
Zululand: Gerstner 4377.
Swaziland. — Miller S 130.
Transvaal. — Lydenburg: Burtt Davy 1527; 1581. Pretoria: Mogg 15129. Rustenburg: Rose
/wnes 98; 183. Potchefstroom; Louw 1515. Potgietersrus: Galpin 9022. Soutpansberg: Galpin 14222.
This species is as common in the Republic as M. pillansii is rare. There are over 100 records in PRE.
The seed, known as “ Kurjan seed ”, is used as a vermifuge in Abyssinia.
2. Myrsine pillansii Adamson in Journ. S. Afr. Bot. 7:204 (1941). Type: Cape
Peninsula, Pillans 4782 (BOL, holo.!).
Shrub, freely branched up to about 3 m tall, glabrous, the twigs somewhat angled.
Leaves shortly petiolate, ovate-elliptic or ovate-rhomboid, 2 • 5-5 cm long, 0 • 7-2 cm broad,
cuneate at base, dark glossy green above, lighter on under surface, fairly thick, with the
lateral veins slightly prominent on drying, the margin entire or with 1-3 small teeth on
one or both sides above the middle, shortly acute, occasionally obtuse or slightly
emarginate at the apex, upper surface of young petioles and lower part of midrib minutely
glandular-pubescent. Inflorescence of 1-4 flowers, fasciculate, sometimes buds
developed successively, generally in the axils of the lower leaves or from above leaf scars,
occasionally from much abbreviated twigs, bracts small, broadly ovate; pedicels 1-2 mm
long. Calyx divided nearly to base; segments 4-5, broadly ovate, 1-1-5 mm long, and
broad, gland-(resin ?) dotted and minutely ciliate. Corolla 2-4 mm long; tube about
0-5-0-75 mm long; lobes ovate-lanceolate ciliate; gland-dotted. Stamens attached
within the corolla tube; filaments short and broad and united at the base to a very short
membranous lobed collar; anthers about 1 -25 mm long resting within the corolla lobes,
saggitate. Ovary broadly bottle-shaped at first, becoming subglobose, style short with
an absciss layer below stigma which very readily falls; stigma discoid, often asym-
metrically lobed, sometimes persisting on drying; fruit peppercorn-like, 1-5-2 mm
diam. — Fig. 2: 2.
A rare species in low shrub or bush with a remarkable distribution range : below 300 m on the Cape
Peninsula, at Stellenbosch and[at Knysna ; jumping to nearly 2,000 m in the Natal National Park and not
recorded from the intervening country.
Cape. — Peninsula: Zeylier s.n.; Pillans 4782. Stellenbosch: Malleson in BOL 17679. Knysna: Keel
1035.
Natal. — Bergville: National Park, Edwards 2461; Sim s.n.; Schelpe 146.
In view of the smallness of the flowers, special care is required to detect the collar uniting the base
of the filaments.
Excluded Species
Myrsine gerrardii Harv.fex Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 434 (1906) is Cassine eucleiformis (E. & Z.) Kuntze;
see Dyer in Kew Bull.4932: 449. Type: Zululand, Gerrard 1157.
6314
4. RAPANEA
Rapanea Aubl., Hist. PI. Guiane Franc. 1 : 121, t. 46 (1775); Mez in Pflanzenr. 4, 236: 342
(1902). Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 563 (1951).
Myrsine sensu Bak. in F.T.A. 3: 493 (1877); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 434 (1906), partly.
Myrsinaceae
7
Fig. 2. — 1, Rapanea melanophloeos (Long 722); la, in fruit ( Galpin 8316); lb, longitudinal section
of flower, x 10; lc, ovary, X 10. 2, Myrsine pillansii, leaf ( Keet 1035); 2a, calyx, X 10; 2b,
longitudinal section of flower, x 10; 2c, ovary, x 10.
8
Myrsinaceae
Trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate, sessile or shortly petiolate, entire, punctate, often
with lepidote scales when young. Inflorescence in small fascicles on the branches or in
the axils of leaves; flowers bisexual or unisexual. Calyx 4-5-partite, sometimes almost
free, often glandular-dotted. Corolla longer than calyx, sometimes tube very short;
lobes oblong to ovate, sometimes glandular-ciliate. Stamens included, inserted in the
throat of the corolla; anthers sessile or subsessile, comparatively large. Ovary globose;
style thick, sometimes obsolete; stigma ovoid or discoid and sessile. Fruit dry or fleshy,
1 -seeded.
A large genus widely spread in tropical countries, and throughout most of Africa to Bathurst
district in the Cape Province.
Leaves oblong or oblong-lanceolate, flat, 5-7 cm long, glands usually inconspicuous; fruits globose
up to about 5 mm diam 1. R. melanophloeos
Leaves oblanceolate, margin and apex recurved, 3-4 cm long, glands usually conspicuous; fruits
ellipsoid, up to 9 mm long 2. R. gilliana
1. Rapanea melanophloeos ( L .) Mez in Pflanzenr. 4, 236: 375 (1902). Type: Linn.
Herb. 261-3.
Sideroxylon melanophloeos L., Mant. 48 (1767), excl. syn.
Myrsine melanophloeos (L.) R.Br., Prodr. 533 (1810); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 434 (1906).
A tree 3-20 m tall with trunk up to 0-6 m diam. and twigs rather thick and soft;
the very young parts sometimes brown-tomentose but soon glabrous. Leaves petiolate,
glabrous, oblong or oblong-lanceolate, 6-12 cm long, 1-5-4 cm broad, tapering into
petiole, apex subacute, rounded or sometimes emarginate, rather thick and veins mostly
sunken, margins slightly recurved when dry, minutely and sometimes obscurely gland-
dotted on both surfaces; petiole 5-15 mm long, slightly grooved along upper surface
and sometimes with few hairs along margin in young stage. Inflorescence in few — several-
flowered fascicles from the axils of the lower leaves or from above leaf scars or on very
abbreviated twigs ; bracts minute, broadly ovate ; pedicels stout, 3-5 mm long, angular,
glabrous, functionally male, female or bisexual. Calyx 5-parted with segments ovate-
lanceolate, minutely ciliate. Corolla 3-4 mm long, united into a tube about 1 mm long,
lobes oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, minutely papillose along the inner margin, dark
spotted. Stamens inserted within the corolla tube, sessile or subsessile; anthers oblong,
1 • 5 mm long, minutely papillose on the obtuse apex. Ovary with very short style and
thick stigma. Drupe globose, 4-5 mm diam. — Fig. 2:1.
A pioneer in ravines or a component of medium or high forest, forming a well-shaped tree. From
the Cape Peninsula through the eastern Cape, Natal and eastern Transvaal, into the Rhodesias and
Nyasaland.
Cape. — Peninsula: Pillans 3696; Hutchinson 108. Mossel Bay: Muir 935. Oudtshoorn: Britten
1655. Humansdorp: Britten s.n. Albany: Britten 2184. King William’s Town : Dyer 1 19. Queens-
town : Galpin 7970 ; 8136; 8316. Komga: Flanagan 111. Kentani: Pegler 773.
Natal.— Cooper 1221. Inanda: Wood 588. Pinetown: Galpin 12067. Lions River: Schlechter
3312. Umzinto: Rudatis 400. Pietermaritzburg: Killick 597. Bergville: Killick 1023. Utrecht:
Devenish 35. Nkandla: Qudeni, Bayer 835. Hlabisa: Pole Evans 3614.
Swaziland. —Rogers 12971 ; Codd <fe Dyer 2923 ; Compton 25957.
Transvaal. — Piet Retief: Devenish 25. Barberton: Galpin 516; Liehenberg 3070. Pilgrims Rest:
van der Schijff 5162. Letaba: Scheepers 714. Soutpansberg: Pole Evans 3714; Codd 3055.
The Cape Beech or Boekenhout (not to be confused with Faurea saligna, the Boekenhout of the
Transvaal). In the early days of the Cape, the wood was prized by cabinet-makers. The species is very
variable in leaf size and luxuriance of growth.
Myrsinaceae
9
2. Rapanea gilliana ( Sond .) Mez in Pflanzenr. 4, 236: 376 (1902). Syntypes: Eastern
Cape, Gill s.n.; Zeyher 3371 ; Ecklon & Zeyher (Euph. 47, 48).
Myrsine gilliana Sond. in Linnaea 23 : 76 (1850); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 435 (1906).
Shrub or small tree with twigs rather soft, minutely brown puberulous, glabrescent
with age. Leaves very shortly petiolate, oblong-oblanceolate, gradually narrowed to the
subcuneate base, up to 6 cm long and 1 -75 cm broad, coriaceous; apex shortly acute and
retuse or occasionally obtuse; margin entire, rarely somewhat crenulate, recurved, in
very young stage with lepidote scales on under-surface, the scales very soon falling
exposing minute sunken glands, minutely glandular above. Inflorescence 4-7-flowered,
arising from axils of lower leaves or leaf scars or on very short branchlets. Flowers
about 3-5 mm long; pedicels stout, 5 mm long, puberulous. Calyx divided almost to
the base, segments 5, ovate, minutely ciliate (marked with dark ducts also in corolla).
Corolla about 3-5 mm long with tube about 1 mm long; lobes ovate-oblong, minutely
glandular-pubescent on or near the margin, obtuse, recurved. Stamens attached to
corolla at mouth of tube; filaments obsolete; anthers 1-5 mm long, sagittate with a small
ovate terminal glabrous lobe. Ovary narrowed into the capitate stigma, 0-5 mm diam. ;
style obsolete. Drupe ellipsoid, 7-8 mm long, acute with persistent style base.
Frequent locally in scrub on sand dunes or rocky outcrops near sea level, from Humansdorp
Division to Bathurst in the eastern Cape.
Cape. — Humansdorp: Thode A. 2489. Port Elizabeth: Burchel! 4347; Long 990; 1056. Bathurst:
Britten 2302; Acocks 18342.
Generally readily distinguished by its dense, subsessile, oblanceolate or oblong-lanceolate leaves.
PRIMULACEAE
by R. A. Dyer
Herbs, annual or perennial, only occasionally becoming slightly woody from the base
upwards. Flowers usually regular, hermaphrodite, often heterostylic. Calyx free or
more or less adnate to the ovary below, 5-fid or partite, rarely 4-7-lobed. Corolla
hypogynous when ovary is free, rotate or subcampanulate, 4-5-fid or partite or hypo-
crateriform with a spreading 5 (rarely 4-7) -partite limb. Stamens as many as corolla
lobes, inserted on the tube opposite the lobes or on the lobes and sometimes with
alternating staminodes. Ovary free, superior (except in Samolus), 1-celled, with a free
central placenta and few to numerous ovules. Fruit a capsule, seeds usually angular and
sometimes with narrow wings.
Cosmopolitan, but chiefly northern hemisphere.
Staminodes present; ovary half inferior 1. Samolus
Staminodes usually absent; ovary superior:
Inflorescence a raceme or panicle; filaments glabrous 2. Lysimachia
Inflorescence reduced to solitary axillary flowers; filaments bearded; leaves
opposite 3. Anagalh's
10
Primulaceae
6328
1. SAMOLUS
Samolus L., Sp. PI. ed. 1:171 (1753); Gen. PI. ed. 5: 78 (1754); Pax & Knuth in Pflanzenr.
4, 237 : 336 (1905); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 430 (1906); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 564 (1951).
Herbs with soft or wiry flowering branches. Leaves somewhat rosulate and petioled
in early growth, often dying when flowering stem is produced, alternate on flowering
stems, either soft or somewhat rigid and scabrid. Inflorescence a raceme or panicle.
Calyx half superior, 5-fid, persistent. Corolla deciduous; limb 5-partite with 5 narrow
scales (staminodes) rising from the mouth of the tube and alternating with the corolla
lobes and stamens. Stamens 5, inserted on the corolla tube, anthers basifixed. Ovary
half-inferior, many-seeded, style filiform; capsule opening above by 5 valves.
Cosmopolitan, mostly in saline marshes.
Softly herbaceous; cauline leaves somewhat small, but not differing much from basal ones;
inflorescence usually much branched; pedicels with a bracteole in the middle; corolla minute
1. S. valerandi
Stiff slender stems; cauline leaves usually few with the upper ones reduced; inflorescence
unbranched, of short or long terminal racemes; pedicel with a basal bracteole; corolla up to
about 1 cm long 2. S. porosus
1. Samolus valerandi L., Sp. PI. ed. 1: 171 (1753); Pax & Knuth in Pflanzenr.
4, 237 : 337 (1905); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 430 (1906); Adamson in FI. Cape Penin.
664 (1950). Type: Europe?, Linn. Herb. 225-1.
Biennial or perennial herb 20-60 cm tall, glabrous. Leaves soft, entire, more or less
rosulate in early stage of growth; radical leaves oval or obovate, up to 6 cm or rarely
up to 10 cm long, obtuse, tapering to the base into a winged petiole; cauline leaves
progressively smaller and often spathulate. Flowering stem erect, giving rise to a simple
or paniculately branched raceme, terete, fistular; pedicels very slender, bearing a small
bract and kneed about the middle. Calyx half-superior with short triangular lobes, 1-25
mm long. Corolla white, about 2-5 mm long; lobes oblong, 1 -5 mm long. Stamens
included, attached near the base of the corolla; staminodes subulate from the sinuses
between the corolla lobes.
Cosmopolitan, in moist situations; rather at random throughout our area.
Cape. — Peninsula: Adamson 861. Calvinia: Acocks 17466. Beaufort West: Marloth 2184. Herbert:
Anderson 675. Alexandria: Archibald 5658. Bathurst: Galpin 3038. King William’s Town: Schlechter
6131. Komga: Dyer 809. Kentani : Pegler 360. Pondoland : Mogg s.n.
Natal.— Durban: Wood 110; 465; 12820. Zululand: Ward 2812.
Transvaal. — Potchefstroom: Louw 1398. Pretoria: Verdoorn 476. Lydenburg: Barnard 329.
Pilgrim’s Rest: Kruger National Park, van der Schijff 833. Soutpansberg: Obermeyer, Schweickerdt &
Verdoorn 363; Smuts & GiUett 3164.
S.W.A. — Garies: Dinter 5018.
2. Samolus porosus ( L.f ) Thunb., FI. Cap. 2: 32 (1818); Pax & Knuth in Pflanzenr.
4, 237: 342 (1905), excl. syn. S. africanus Burm. f. ; Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 431
( 1906), excl. syn. S. africanus Burm. f.; Adamson in FI. Cape Penin. 665 (1950). Type:
Cape, Tliunberg.
Campanula porosa L.f., Suppl. 142 (1781); Thunb., Prodr. 39 (1794).
Perennial herb 30-60 cm. tall with short horizontal rhizomes producing rather
stiffly erect flowering stems. Stems sparsely or freely branched, almost leafless, densely
covered with raised dots and sometimes rough. Leaves radical, few, obovate-spathulate.
Primulaceae
11
3-5 cm long, obtuse or subtruncate, tapering into a winged petiole; stem leaves smaller
and much reduced upwards, linear to subulate, sessile. Inflorescence a few- to many-
flowered raceme with flowers shortly pedicellate; pedicels bracteate near base. Calyx
lobes lanceolate, 3 mm long, persistent. Corolla white to pale pink with cylindric tube
about -J— \ its length; lobes oblong, obtuse. Stamens with filaments inserted on corolla
lobes; anthers with apical recurved tail and five intermediate filiform staminodes about
2 mm long. Ovary half-inferior; style filiform; capsule opening by apical valves.
Fairly widespread in the moister districts of the Cape and southern Natal.
Cape. — Peninsula: Prior; Marloth 2784; 3969. Van Rhynsdorp: Drege (K). Caledon: Leighton
2099. Bredasdorp: Leighton 2512. George: Wilman s.n. Humansdorp: Thode A2488. Port Eliza-
beth : Burchell 4373. Bathurst : Tyson 1 2957 ; Galpin 3034. King William’s Town : Sim 19573. Somerset
East: Bowker (K). Kentani: Pegler 307; Story 4469.
Natal. — Port Shepstone: Marais 1144. Durban: Wood 1498; 10847; 11880; Schlechter 2983.
The name Samolus africanits Burm. f. cited in synonymy in Flora Capensis 1906 is equal to S.
valerandi L. var. africanus L. which is probably a north African species.
6330
2. LYSIMACHIA
Lysimachia L., Sp. PI. ed. 1: 146 (1753); Gen. PI. ed. 5: 72 (1754); Pax & Knuth in
Pflanzenr. 4, 237; 256 (1905); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1 :427 (1906); Phill., Gen. ed.
2: 565 (1951); P. Taylor in Kew Bull. 1958: 142 (1958).
Herbs, mostly perennial. Leaves alternate, opposite or whorled, entire. Inflo-
rescence a spicate raceme or a cor>mbose panicle, sometimes umbellate or headlike;
flowers white, yellow, purple or blue. Calyx divided almost to the base; segments 5-6,
oblong. Corolla usually longer than the calyx; tube subcylindric or campanulate; lobes
longer than the tube. Stamens inserted on the corolla tube, included or exserted;
staminodes rarely present. Ovary superior, globose or ovoid; style cylindric, about as
long as corolla, stigma minutely 3-lobed. Capsule surrounded by the persistent calyx
and with the persistent style, opening by 5 valves at the apex, rarely irregularly dehiscent ;
seed brown, 3-angled.
A large cosmopolitan genus concentrated in the East, particularly in China.
Corolla 1 cm or more long, dark red or purple; stamens exserted and conspicuous 1. L. nutans
Corolla rarely more than 5 mm long, dirty white; stamens included within corolla on very
short filaments 2. L. ruhmeriana
1. Lysimachia nutans Nees, Del. Sem. Hort. Bonn. 61 (1831); Hook, in Bot. Mag.
t. 4941 ( 1 856) ; Pax & Knuth in Pflanzenr. 4, 237: 294 (1905); Harv. ex Wright in F.C.
4, 1 : 427 (1906). Syntypes: Eastern Cape, Ecklon & Zeyher; Drege (PRE).
Perennial herb, branched from the base but rarely above, erect, up to about 60 cm
tall, glabrous. Leaves alternate, opposite or ternate, lanceolate, 2-8 cm long, 1-1 -5 cm
broad, acute or acuminate, narrowed to the base into a short petiole; pale on lower
surface and minutely gland-dotted, with slightly revolute margin. Inflorescence a
terminal raceme, sometimes slightly nodding; bracts linear-lanceolate, 7-15 mm long,
shorter or longer than the slender ascending pedicels. Calyx with oblong obtuse
segments about 5 mm long, persistent. Corolla 2-24 times the length of the calyx, dark
red to purple, tubular in the lowest l and bell-shaped in the lower half ; lobes oblanceolate,
eroso-denticulate at the apex or nearly entire. Stamens well exserted from the corolla ;
anthers versatile, apiculate. Ovary globose with persistent style 7-8 mm long. — Fig. 3:1.
12
Primulaceae
C l. i960
Primulaceae
13
Endemic and rather rare in moist places of the eastern Cape.
Cape. — Uitenhage: Drege. Albany: Ecklon & Zeyher ; Burke; Galpin 387; MacOwan 137; Acocks
12111; Britten. Victoria East: Galpin 7989. King William’s Town: Stayner 89. Tarka: Cooper 336.
2. Lysimachia ruhmeriana Vatke in Linnaea, 40: 204 (1876); Oliver in F.T.A. 3: 489
(1877); Pax & Knuth in Pflanzenr. 4, 237: 292 (1905); P. Taylor in Kew Bull. 1958:142
(1958). Type: Ethiopia, Schimper 1231 (K, iso.).
L. parvifolia Bak. in Journ. Linn. Soc. Bot. 20: 196 (1883); Pax & Knuth, l.c. 291 (1905); Wright in
F.C. 4, 1: 428 (1906). Syntypes: Madagascar, Baron 654; 1816. L. africana Engl, in Abh. Preuss.
Akad. Wiss. 55, 59 (1894), nomen; Pflanzenw. O.-Afr. C: 304 (1895). Syntypes: Tropical East Africa,
several specimens. L. woodii Schltr. ex Pax & Knuth, l.c. 292 (1905); Wright, l.c. 427 (1906). Type:
Natal, Wood 4522 (K, NH, iso.).
Perennial herb, sparsely branched, up to 1 m tall. Leaves alternate or opposite,
lanceolate to ovate, up to about 7 cm long and 8-22 mm broad, sessile or subsessile to
slightly sheathing at the base, glabrous. Inflorescence racemose, simple or with few
lateral branches from the axils of uppermost leaves; racemes up to 20 cm long, dense,
glabrous or minutely pubescent; rhachis often ribbed; bracts linear-lanceolate, longer
than the pedicels, 3-8 mm long. Calyx glabrous or puberulous outside, divided nearly
to base; segments oblong, 3-4 mm long, obtuse, slightly keeled towards base. Corolla
dirty-white, 3-4 mm long, tubular in the lowest lobes oblong, obtuse, irregularly
minutely toothed round apex, slightly hooded. Stamens inserted on corolla at base of
the lobes with very short filaments, the bases of which form a thickening round the
corolla tube; anthers versatile, apiculate. Ovary globose with a style about 1 mm long,
persistent, slender and slightly elongated in fruit.
Widespread from Ethiopia south to the eastern Cape and in Madagascar, mainly in cool mountain-
ous situations.
Cape. — King William’s Town: Pirie, Sim 116; Keiskamma Hoek: Acocks 9430. Stutterheim: Sim
20351 ; Flanagan 2276. Kentani: Pegler 2016.
Natal. — Lions River: Howick, Schlechter 6320. Bergville: Cathedral Peak, Killick 1180; Mont
Aux Sources, Bayer & McClean 97. Mtunzini: Mogg 5864; Lawn 1634.
Swaziland.— Compton 27401.
Transvaal.— Pietersburg: Woodbush, Wager in TRV 23040; McCallum 137. Sabie: Rogers 23677.
Soutpansberg: Louis Trichardt, Gerstner 5751.
6338
3. ANAGALLIS
Anagallis L., Sp. PI. ed. 1: 148 (1753); Gen. PI. ed. 5: 73 (1754); Pax & Knuth
in Pflanzenr. 4, 237: 321 (1905); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1: 428 (1906); Phill.,
Gen. ed. 2: 565 (1951); P. Taylor in Kew Bull. 1955. 321 (1956).
Creeping or erect herbs; leaves opposite or alternate, rarely 3-nate, sessile or shortly
petioled, entire. Flowers usually axillary and solitary on slender pedicels, rarely in a lax
raceme. Calyx 5-partite ; segments lanceolate or subulate, spreading. Corolla 5-partite ;
segments obovate or linear. Stamens inserted at base of corolla and shorter than it;
filaments usually bearded. Ovary superior, globose; style simple; capsule enclosed in
persistent calyx and with persistent style; circumscissile or indehiscent; seed ellipsoid,
3-angled or 3-winged or with a circular wing forming a concave face and deeply keeled
on the other side.
Cosmopolitan, mainly under relatively moist conditions.
14
Primulaceae
Corolla blue or red, lobes usually fringed with glands; annual, erect or ascending, much branched
from base with opposite or verticillate leaves l.A. arvensis
Corolla pink or white, not fringed with glands; erect or prostrate herbs with opposite or alternate
leaves :
Prostrate perennial, eventually rooting at nodes; leaves opposite, obovate to orbicular,
petiolate 2. A. huttonii
Decumbent or erect, not usually rooting at the nodes; leaves ovate or lanceolate, mostly alternate:
Decumbent, stems distinctly winged; anthers 0-4-0 -7 mm long; pedicels usually longer than
leaves 3. A. tenuicaulis
Erect usually, stems subterete or angled, scarcely winged, up to 25 cm. tall; flowers very shortly
pedicellate 4. A. pumila var. pumila
1. Anagallis arvensis L ., Sp. PI. ed. 1 : 148 (1753); Pax & Knuth in Pflanzenr. 4, 237 :
322 (1905); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 428 (1906); P. Taylor in Kew Bull. 1955; 329
(1956). Type: Europe, Linn. Herb. 208-1.
Annual, freely branched and diffuse; branches quadrangular with narrow wings
from the base of the leaves. Leaves opposite rarely ternate, ovate, sessile and almost
stem-clasping at times, 5-20 mm long, 5-15 mm broad, subacute. Flowers solitary,
axillary; peduncles longer than the leaves. Sepals lanceolate, acuminate, keeled, nearly
as long as the corolla. Corolla red or blue, 5-7 mm long; segments obovate, obtuse,
denticulate and often glandular-ciliate at the apex. Capsule circumscissile; seeds
triangular in cross-section and appearing minutely honey-combed on surface due to the
drying out of scale-like outgrowths from the surface.
Cosmopolitan weed originating from Europe, widespread in South Africa in relatively moist
situations.
Cape. — Peninsula: Marloth 32; 10087; Wasserfall 1019. Worcester: van Breda 81. Riversdale:
Schlechter 1929. Knysna: Schonland 3646. Humansdorp: Fourcade 578. Port Elizabeth: Long 1101.
Albany : Britten 625 ; 782. East London : Nanni 99. Kentani : Pegler 487.
O.F.S. — Bloemfontein: Potts 3605.
Natal. — Estcourt: Galpin 2752; West 1352. Weenen: West 1160.
Transvaal. — Pretoria: Codd 1731; Kinges 1763. Lydenburg: Wilms 3538. Potchefstroom :
Louw 1612.
2. Anagallis huttonii Harv. in Proc. Dubl. Univ. Zool. & Bot. Assoc. 1 : 141 (1859);
Thes. Cap. 1 : 3, t. 4 (1859); Pax & Knuth in Pflanzenr. 4, 237: 330 (1905); Harv. ex
Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 429 (1906); P. Taylor in Kew Bull. 1955: 332 (1956). Type: Albany,
Hutton s.n. (TCD, holo.).
Perennial herb, prostrate or decumbent, rarely suberect with branches 30-60 cm
long; stems rarely branched, 4-angled. Leaves opposite or occasionally 3 together,
orbicular-ovate, up to 2-5 cm long and about the same in width, spreading, contracted
into a petiole 1-3 mm long. Flowers axillary, pedicel longer than the leaf. Calyx
segments linear-lanceolate, somewhat keeled, shorter than the corolla. Corolla white or
pale pink, 6-8 mm long, rotate, with lobes subacute or obtuse. Stamens with subulate
setose filaments. Capsule circumscissile on recurving pedicel; style slender. — Fig. 3: 2.
In damp places from about Riversdale in the Cape into Natal and the eastern Transvaal.
Cape. — Riversdale: Muir 913. George: Schlechter 2371. Uniondale: Burchett 4949 (K). Albany:
MacOwan 458; 1027. Stutterheim: Acocks 9512. Kentani: Pegler 212. Mount Currie: Tyson 1359.
Basutoland. — Mamalapi, Guillarmod 772; Mokhotlong, Coetzee 838.
Natal. — Port Shepstone: McClean 121; 382. Pietermaritzburg: Stainbank 3387. Dundee:
Johnstone 558. Bergville: Killick 1231. Zululand: King 482; Evans 428.
Swaziland.— -Mbabane, Compton 26484.
Transvaal. — Middclburg: Gilfitlan in Herb. Galpin 7221. Lydenburg: Wilms 1243(K). Peters-
burg: Bruce & Kies 76.
Primulaceae
15
The Basutoland specimens are more compact, more freely rooting and the calyx segments are less
keeled than in the typical form.
3. Anagallis tenuicaulis Bak. in Journ. Bot. Lond. 20: 172 (1883); P. Taylor in Kew
Bull. 1955: 342 (1956); Kew Bull. 1958: 140 (1958). Type: Madagascar, Baron 240.
A.pumila Sw. var. natalensis Pax & Knuth in Pflanzenr. 4, 237: 332 (1905); Harv. ex Wright in F.C.
4, 1 : 429 (1906). Type: Natal, Wood 1609.
Perennial herb, freely branched, sometimes rooting at the nodes. Stems 4-angled,
decumbent or feebly erect. Leaves mostly opposite, sessile or nearly so, ovate, shortly
cuspidate. Pedicels usually longer than the leaves, filiform. Calyx 5-6-partite; sepals
linear-lanceolate, acuminate, about 2 mm long. Corolla white, nearly twice length of
calyx, deeply lobed. Stamens about 3 mm long, filaments not connate above the point
of attachment to the corolla. Style 2 mm long, filiform.
In subtropical moist places in Madagascar and from Natal into Kenya and Uganda.
Natal. — Inanda: Wood 1609. Mtunzini: Mogg 5817. Eshowe: Lawn 1935.
4. Anagallis pumila Sw., Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ. 1 : 40 (1788). Type: Jamaica, Swartz
s.n. (BM, holo.).
var. pumila. P. Taylor in Kew Bull. 1955: 342 (1956).
A. liana Schinz in Vierteljschr. Nat. Ges. Zurich 55: 244 (1910). Type: Transvaal, Sclilechter 3569.
Small, slender annual herb, 3-10 cm tall, branched from the base, 4-angled and
slightly winged. Leaves obovate or spathulate, obtuse or acute, somewhat fleshy,
glabrous with whitish margin, contracted into a petiole about 2 mm long. Flowers
axillary, shortly pedicellate; pedicels 1-1*5 mm long, becoming recurved. Calyx 5-
partite, about 3 mm long; segments linear-lanceolate acuminate. Corolla white, 2-2*5
mm long, 4-5-partite, with the petals ovate-lanceolate. Stamens half the length of
corolla with filaments dilated towards base, membranous. Capsule globose, 2*5-3 mm
diam.
Cosmopolitan but with restricted distribution in southern Africa.
Transvaal. — Rietfontein: Schlechter 3569. Benoni: Bradfield 309. Witwatersrand : Gilliland
26977.
PLUMBAGINACEAE
by R. A. Dyer
Shrubs and herbs, acaulescent, with leaves in a rosette, or with short stems. Flowers
regular, hermaphrodite. Calyx usually 5-toothed or lobed, 5-10- or 15-ribbed; tube
cylindric, rarely campanulate. Petals variably united. Stamens 5, inferior or adnate
to the corolla at varying positions, filaments filiform; anthers dorsifixed. Ovary superior,
sessile or stalked, 1 -celled, often 5-angled with solitary pendulous ovule from an erect
basal funicle.
A relatively small family characteristic of the Mediterranean with only a few cosmopolitan species.
16
Plumbaginaceae
Calyx setose with long, often glandular-capitate setae 1. Plumbago
Calyx scarious or papery, without setae:
Calyx membranous appearing winged; style divided above into 5 branches. . . .
2. Dyerophytum
Calyx scarious, tube almost truncate or shortly lobed; styles 5, free. ... 3. Limonium
6343
1. PLUMBAGO
Plumbago Z.., Sp.Pl. ed. 1: 151 (1753); Gen. PI. ed. 5 : 75 (1754); Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 424
(1906); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 566 (1951).
Shrubs, shrublets or subherbaceous. Leaves alternate, auricled at the base or the
petiole amplexicaul. Inflorescence a terminal spike with flowers blue, red or white. Calyx
5-lobed, tubular with setae mostly glandular, hyaline between the 5 ribs, persistent.
Corolla with slender tube and 5 spreading lobes. Stamens free; filaments filiform from
a dilated base, pressed to the ovary, anthers linear-oblong. Ovary somewhat conical,
style terminal, filiform, divided above into 5 branches, stigmatic along their inner surface.
Capsule membranous, circumscissile near base.
A small, widely spread genus.
Leaves obcordate-cuneate, less than 1 - 5 cm long; calyx viscid-pubescent, the setae long, dark red
to black, not glandular-capitate 1. P. tristis
Leaves linear, 3-5 cm long, 1-2 mm broad; calyx setae glandular-capitate 2. P. wissii
Leaves not as above, calyx setae glandular-capitate:
Leaves densely lepidote on both surfaces, mainly ash or silvery-green, margin usually undulate
3. P. pearsonii
Leaves rarely densely lepidote, light or dark green, flat :
Corolla white, up to about 3 cm long, setae from base to apex of calyx, axis of spike glandular
4. P. zeylanica
Corolla blue, 4-5 cm long, setae absent from basal i of calyx, axis of spike generally puberulous
5. P. auriculcitu
1. Plumbago tristis Ait., Hort. Kew ed. 2, 1: 324 (1810); Wright in F.C. 4, 1: 425
(1906); Bolus in Ann. Bol. Flerb. 1 : 133, t. 14C (1915). Type: Cape Province, Masson
(BM).
P. vogeliaefolia E. & Z. ex Boiss. in DC., Prodr. 12: 694 (1848), nomen, in syn.
Shrublet about 30 cm tall, much branched, shortly glandular-scabrid. Leaves
obcordate-cuneate, 5-10 mm long, retuse-mucronate, tapering into a petiole 1-4 mm
long, glabrous or minutely glandular-punctate. Inflorescence a few- to 16-flowered
terminal spike 5-10 cm long; bracts 3, the lowest one ovate-lanceolate and the 2 lateral
ones lanceolate, all about the same length, 3-5 mm long, pubescent. Calyx about 1 cm
long, shortly 5-lobed, shortly viscid-pubescent and with long (up to 2 mm), red to black
setae on the median rib of the sepals. Corolla dark orange-red, 2-5-2-75 cm long; tube
about 2 cm long; lobes broadly obovate-oblong. Capsule acutely 5-angled with a few
hairs on the angles above and on base of style. — Fig. 4:1.
Rare in western Cape Province.
Cape. — Without precise locality: Masson (BM). Ladismith: Acocks 14604. Prince Albert: between
Prince Albert and Fraserburg, Tugwell in BOL 13488.
Acocks records this as fairly frequent on dunes near the river 4 miles N.E. of Adamskraal, eaten
down by stock and the flowers carnation-scented at night
Plumbaginaceae
17
2. Plumbago wissii Friedr. in Senck. Biol. 38: 417 (1957). Type: South West Africa,
Omaruru, Wiss 1425 (PRE).
Scrambler on rocks up to 1 m long, striate. Leaves linear up to about 5 cm long
and 0-75-1-25 mm broad, acuminate, entire, sparsely lepidote, with midrib raised on
upper surface, slightly narrowed and stem-clasping at the base but with no definite
petiole. Inflorescence a terminal spike 4-6 cm long and eventually elongating up to
about 12cm, rhachis glandular-pubescent; bracteoles lanceolate 2-4 mm long, deciduous.
Calyx about 8 mm long furnished with gland-tipped setae extending nearly to the base,
tubular, united below by a membrane with lanceolate lobes about 2 mm long. Corolla
(red?); tube about 1-5 cm long; limb 8-10 mm diam., lobes obovat e-oblong, obtuse,
apiculate. Stamens reaching the mouth of the tube. Ovary suboblong, pentagonal.
Known only from the type locality, hanging over rocks.
S.W.A. — Omaruru: Aigub Peak on the Brandberg, Wiss 1425.
3. Plumbago pearsonii L. Bol. in Ann. Bol. Herb. 3: 7 (1920). Syntypes: Rehoboth,
Pearson 8952; 9080 (BOL!).
P. suffrutieosa Schinz in Mitt. Bot. Mus. Zur. 70: 219 (1925). Type: South West Africa, Dinter
1922/23 (Z, holo.).
A fairly rigid, moderately branched, erect shrub 0-25-1 m tall, with the branches
markedly striate, variably lepidote, densely leafy. Leaves obovate- or oblanceolate-
oblong, ascending, tapering into a petiole-like base, slightly stem-clasping and eared,
those on young growth up to 4-5 cm long and 1 -5 cm broad, on lateral twigs sometimes
even less than 1 cm long and 2 mm broad, densely lepidote, usually somewhat undulate.
Inflorescence a spike, several — many-flowered the whole being up to 20 cm tall, glandular
pubescent, bracts mainly lanceolate to linear-lanceolate and up to 5 mm long; flowers
subsessile. Calyx 7-9 mm long, the sepals free in the apical 4 and united by a membrane
below (which is very readily torn) and confluent near base into solid tube densely
glandular-setose. Corolla pink or purple-violet changing to yellow with age, 2 -5-2 -8
cm long, the lobes obovate-oblong apiculate, 5-7 mm long, stamens about equal to
the corolla tube, the filaments dilated at base. Ovary glabrous, more or less 5-angled
but not deeply so.
Restricted to S.W. Africa.
S.W.A. — Rehoboth: Pearson 8952; Strey 2160; 2168. Luderitz: near Aus, Dinter 4106; 8015;
Kinges 2470.
4. Plumbago zeylanica L., Sp. PI. ed. 1: 151 (1753); Oliver in F.T.A. 3: 486 (1877);
Wright in F.C. 4. 1: 425 (1906). Type: India, Linn. Herb. 216-2.
Shrub about 1 m high, rarely up to 2 m tall and somewhat scandent, striate. Leaves
ovate or oblong-ovate to ovate-lanceolate, acute, up to 10 cm long and 6 cm broad but
usually only half this size, glabrous, lepidote on the surface, petiolate; petiole 5-15 mm
long, stem-clasping and slightly eared at the base. Inflorescence of simple or branched
spikes, many-flowered, rhachis glandular, bracteoles oblong and acuminate or ovate
or lanceolate, about half length of calyx. Calvx 1-2-1 -5 cm long, shortly lobed, with
long gland-tipped setae throughout its length, otherwise glabrous. Corolla white,
rarely light blue; tube 2-2-5 cm long, limb 1-1-5 cm diam., lobes obovate obtuse or
retuse, mucronate. Stamens about equal to the corolla tube; filaments slender, slightly
dilated at the base. Ovary glabrous, 5-angled.
Widely spread in tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa, Australia, etc.
18
Plumbaginaceae
Fig. 4. — 1, Plumbago tristis ( Acocks 14604); la, calyx, X 6. 2, P. auriculata, calyx (cult.). 3, Dyero-
phytum africanum ( Wasserfall 1035); 3a, calyx, X 5; 3b, petal, X 10; 3c, young gynoecium
and stamen, x 10.
Plumbaginaceae
19
O.F.S. — Hoopstad: Goossens 1261.
Natal. — Estcourt: Weenen, Acocks 10777. Hlabisa: Ward 2340.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Galpin 1298; 1349. Nelspruit: Kruger National Park, van der Schijff 495.
Middelburg: Strey 2858. Krugersdorp: Phillips 1089. Rustenburg: Codd 3752. Watcrberg: Verdoorn
2412. Soutpansberg: Galpin 14006.
S.W.A. — Otjiwarongo: Strey 2425; de Winter 2765. Tsumeb: Brain P7. Waterberg: Bradfield 215
Okavanga: de Winter 4193.
5. Plumbago auriculata Lam., Encycl. 2; 270 (1786); Merr., FI. Man. 361 (1912);
van Steenis in FI. Males. 1, 42; 111 (1949). Type: East Indies. Sonnerat.
P. capensis Thunb., Prodr. 33 (1794); FI. Cap. ed. Schultes 166 (1823); Wright in F.C. 4, 1: 424
(1906); Phillips in FI. PI. S. Afr. 6: t. 222 (1926). Type: Humansdorp, Thunberg.
Shrub or scrambler up to about 2 m or more tall, striate, freely branched and
suckering. Leaves oblong or oblong-spathulate, narrowed to each end, up to about 5 cm
long and 2-2 • 5 cm broad, obtuse or occasionally subacute, glabrous, sometimes lepidote
on under surface, petiolate; petiole short often slightly winged stem-clasping and eared
at the base. Inflorescence in terminal spikes 3-10 cm long, rhachis puberulous; brac-
teoles ovate- or lanceolate-oblong, acute. 5-7 mm long. Calyx 1-1 -3 cm long, tubular,
united by membrane and with short free lobes, puberulous and also bearing gland-
tipped setae on the upper + or f. Corolla pale blue ; tube about 3 cm ; limb about 2 ■ 5 cm
in diam. ; lobes obovate, obtuse. Stamens reaching the mouth of the tube; anthers blue.
Capsule pentagonal, turbinate. Fig 4: 2.
In bush and scrub from George and Knysna into Natal, the Transvaal and northern O.F.S.
Cape. — Knysna: Duthie 750. Humansdorp: Fourcade 2722. Uitenhage: Burke', Ecklon &
Zeyher. East London: Galpin 3116. Queenstown: Galpin. Kentani: Pegler 189.
O.F.S. — Kroonstad: Pont 234.
Natal. — Port Shepstone: McClean 486. Inanda: Wood 333. Greytown: Galpin 14735.
Transvaal.— Nelspruit: Codd & de Winter 5162. Kruger National Park, van der Schijff 126.
Potchefstroom: Pole Evans 3117; Louw 1014; 1484; 1667. Klerksdorp: Phillips 320.
Plumbago auriculata persists in cultivation in the East Indies and was evidently introduced from the
Cape at an early date in the history of the Dutch East India Company. This probably accounts for the
East Indies being cited as the country of origin.
6345
2. DYEROPHYTUM
Dyerophytum Kuntze, Rev. Gen. 2: 394 (1891); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 566 (1951).
Vogelia sensu Lam., Illustr. 2: 148, t. 149 (1792); Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 425 (1906).
Shrublets or shrubs, more or less scaly. Leaves alternate, entire. Flowers in dense
terminal spikes; bracts and bracteoles small. Calyx 5-partite, strongly 5-nerved,
appearing winged from the out-turned margins of the segments, strongly transversely
wrinkled, persistent. Corolla funnel-shaped, 5-lobed. Stamens hypogynous. Ovary
more or less 5-angled; style terminal with 5 branches, stigmatose on the inner surfaces.
Capsule circumscissile at the base and splitting upwards into 5 valves.
A single species occurs in each of Africa, India and Socotra.
20
Plumbaginaceae
Dyerophytum africanum (Lam.) Kuntze, Rev. Gen. 2: 394 (1891). Type: Interior
of Cape, without exact locality, Levaillant in Lam., Illustr. t. 149 (1792).
Vogelia africana Lam., Illustr. 2: 148, t. 149 (1792); Wright in F.C. 4, 1: 426 (1906).
Shrublet or shrub up to about 1 m high; branches slender, striate, glaucous. Leaves
alternate and rather distant, somewhat fleshy, broadly cuneate-obtuse to obcordate,
rarely mucronate at the apex, up to 20 cm long and 1 • 2 cm broad, more or less coated
with calcareous granules, and tapering into a petiole up to about 1 cm long. Flowers
patent. Calyx segments ovate-elliptic, abruptly acuminate, about 8 mm long, 4 mm
broad, cohering along the margins from about § of the total length. Corolla tube
subcylindric, 8 mm long; lobes cuneate or obcordate. cuspidate in the sinus, 4 mm long,
3 mm broad. Stamens with slender filaments, anthers 1 mm long, sagittate. Ovary
oblong, acuminate, 2 mm long, 5-angled; style up to 7 mm long, pubescent in lower f.
divided into 2 mm long branches papillate on inner surface. Capsule about as long as
the persistent calyx. Fig. 4: 3.
Widely distributed in arid areas of the west from Calvinia to Angola.
Cape. — Calvinia: Zeyher 1431. Williston: Acocks 9617. Prieska: Hafstrom & Acocks 1080;
Story 1154. Hay: Acocks 1775. Little Namaqualand: Drege s.n.; Hutchinson & Pillans 914; Leighton
1183.
S.W.A. — Warmbad: Galpin 14114; Karasberg, Liebenberg 5227. Luderitz: near Aus, Kinges 2228;
Marloth 1531 ; 4651 ; Rogers 29574. Keetmanshoop : de Winter 3284; 3301. Swakopmund: Welwitsch,
Galpin & Pearson 7534. Karibib: Kinges 3312. Rehoboth: Buellspoort, Volk 875; Namib, Weiss, 973.
Kaokoveld: Story 5887; de Winter & Leistner 5730a.
6351a
3. LIMONIUM
Limonium Mill., Gard. Diet. Abridg. ed. 4 (1754); Sprague in Journ. Bot. Lond. 62: 267
(1924); Phill. , Gen. ed. 2: 567 (1951); Rickett & Stafleu in Taxon 9: 78 (1960); Dyer in
Bothalia 7: 488 (1961).
Statice Boiss. in DC., Prodr. 12: 634 (1848), partly; Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 419 (1906).
Perennial herbs or small shrubs, the old portions of stems often covered by persistent
leaf bases. Leaves alternate, radical or cauline, obovate, oblanceolate, spathulate or
linear. Inflorescence racemose, cymose or paniculate. Scapes terete, erect, spreading
or decumbent, glabrous or occasionally pubescent, smooth or more often variously lepi-
dote or rough with raised pits or glands. Bracts on the scape and its branches scale-like,
2 subtend each spikelet, the inner one of which is generally more membranous than the
other. Spikelet consisting of a comparatively large bract with membranous margin
enveloping 1-several flower buds, each one of which is subtended by a membranous
bracteole. Calyx usually cylindric in the lower half, ribbed, membranous and slightly
or horizontally expanded in the upper portion. Corolla of 5 free petals (? sometimes
shortly united at base). Stamens 5, attached to the petals near base; filammts slender;
anthers oblong, versatile and divided up to the point of attachment (half way). Ovary
1-celled, 1-ovuled, 5-angled, with an apical projection into the ovary chamber to near
the top of the ovule; styles 5-free, filiform, folded in bud, arising from the top of the angles
of the ovary. Fruit a capsule with a solitary seed.
Widely spread in coastal and arid regions of the northern hemisphere, in Australia and Africa-
Absent from the southern African coastline east of Kentani.
Adamson states in FI. Cape Penin. 666 (1950) that L. sinuatum (L.) Mill., a hairy, perennial shrublet
v\ith winged stems from the Mediterranean region, occurs as an escape on the Cape Peninsula.
Plumbaginaceae
21
f Calyx limb expanding to 10 mm diam. or more at maturity:
Calyx glabrous in the upper half or very rarely with a few hairs on the ribs, thinly pilose towards
the base:
Rhachis short and slender, rarely longer than the leaves; densely branched leafy shrublet
1. L. capense
Rhachis much longer than the leaves :
Leaves scabrid with pitted asperities on one or both surfaces; laxly branched, usually densely
leafy shrub 2. L. perigrinum
Leaves smooth on both surfaces; laxly branched shrub or shrublet:
Leaves 10-18 cm long; calyx 15 mm long, limb 13-14 mm diam 3. L. purpnratum
Leaves 3-5 cm long; calyx 10 mm long, limb 9-12 mm diam 5. L. amoenum
Calyx pilose along the backs of the ribs for their full length and towards base; limb white; more
or less tufted shrublet 4.L. longifolium
tt Calyx limb expanding to 6-9 mm diam. at maturity:
Bracts subtending spikelets glabrous; leaves spathulate or oblanceolate:
Scapes 10-30 cm tall; tufted shrublet 5. L. amoenum
Scapes up to about 6 cm tall; sturdy shrublet with spreading leafy branchlets. .. .6. L. namaquanum
Bracts subtending spikelets pilose; leaves terete 7. L. teretifolium
fj't Calyx limb 5 mm or less in diam., sometimes expanding after rupturing the membrane between
the ribs; mainly tufted dwarf perennials:
Calyx ribs rarely extending to the margin of the limb :
Scapes erect or spreading-ascending, glabrous or very nearly so:
Leaves obovate, oblanceolate or spathulate:
Spikelets 1-2-flowered, rarely 3-flowered; flowers sessile or subsessile (coastal plants):
Rhachis and branches rough with pitted asperities:
Spikelets mainly 2-flowered; calyx 7-8 mm long:
Leaves obovate-oblong or oblong; scapes freely branched ... 8 a. L. scabrum var. scabrum
Leaves oblanceolate; scapes sparsely branched, corymbose, mainly sterile
below 8b. L. scabrum var. avenaceum
Spikelets with only 1 flower maturing in each spikelet, with or without a rudimentary
bud; inflorescence corymbose, delicately branched; calyx 6-6-5 mm long. . . .
8c. L. scabrum var. corymbulosum
Rhachis and branches smooth or with only small asperities:
Leaves oblanceolate; scapes sparsely branched, inflorescence corymbose
8b. L. scabrum var. avenaceum
Leaves narrowly spathulate, often rotted away (due to constant submersion); scapes
freely branched with intricate inflorescence lib. L. linifolium var. maritinum
Leaves spathulate; scapes mainly erect, freely branched along its length with the
branchlets short and all more or less the same length, sometimes with few tufts
of leaves from axils of upper bracts 13. L. depauperation
Spikelets 3-8-flowered, very rarely some 1-2-flowered:
Bracts of scape at first green becoming almost completely white-membranous with age;
scape branchlets very densely tuberculate; inflorescence branchlets appearing
jointed 9.L. membranaceum
Bracts of scape with membranous margin but not becoming white-membranous
throughout with age; scape branchlets only slightly tuberculate 10. L. dregeanum
Leaves linear, acute or subulate, rarely subspathulate, obtuse:
Scapes without tufts of small leaves in the axils of the upper bracts:
Upright tufted shrublets; leaves 2-4 cm long, sometimes rotted away:
Leaves dense persistent; rhachis sparsely or fairly freely branched with few if any
sterile branchlets 11a. L. linifolium var. linifolium
Leaves somewhat persistent or rotted away through constant submersion ; inflorescence
diffuse with sterile branchlets lib. L. linifolium var. maritimum
Prostrate leafy branchlets forming dense mats or occasionally branches elongating
somewhat and less dense; leaves 1 cm, rarely up to 1-5 cm. long. ... 12. L. kraussianum
Scapes with relatively few spikelets towards the tips of the branchlets, ultimately developing
tufts of leaves from the axils of the upper bracts 13. L. depauperation
Scapes decumbent with numerous sterile branchlets along their length, fertile towards the ends,
sometimes pubescent:
Scapes glabrous or with few tufts of short hairs; bracts of spikelets glabrous:
Leaves absent on inflorescence 14. L. equisetinum
Leaves produced on inflorescence, ovate 15. L. decumbens
Scapes and bracts of spikelets pubescent with copious tufted hairs; calyx pubescent
16. L. acuminatum
Calyx ribs aristate and longer than the limb; inflorescence very lax 17. L. anthericoides
22
Plumbaginaceae
1. Limonium capense (L. Bol.) L. Bol. in S. Afr. Gard. 24: 129 (1934). Type: Cape
Province, Hopefield, Pattison in BOL 13254 (BOL, holo.).
Statice capensis L. Bol. in Ann. Bol. Herb. 1 : 193 (1915).
Shrublet 30^45 cm tall, freely branched and densely leafy. Leaves erect or suberect,
obovate-spathulate, 1 -8-2-5 cm long, 3-4 mm broad, glaucous or scurfy and minutely
pitted. Inflorescence on a short slender rhachis, rarely longer than the leaves, flexuous
spicate with few to several spikelets; the outer bracts ovate or oblong, 4-5 mm long,
with membranous margins. Spikelets 1-flowered; bract 10-12 mm long, enclosing the
basal half of the calyx, with broad membranous margin. Calyx 1-8-2 cm long,
spreading-pilose on the backs of the ribs below the middle and sometimes the ribs also
very shortly adpressed-pubescent almost to the apex; the limb reddish-purple, about
1 • 7 cm diam., with 10 subequal shallow lobes. Petals purple, spathulate, 1 • 5 cm long.
Anthers 3 mm long divided in the lower half and attached to filament about the middle.
Ovary 5-winged.
Endemic in Malmesbury district in low coastal fynbos.
Cape. — Malmesbury: Pattison in BOL 13254; Leighton 1520; Letty 343; Bam in Herb. Marloth
8744; Mathews in NBG 1771/24; Strey 395.
It is of interest to note that this species was first described briefly and figured by Breynius in his
Prodromus (leones Rar. Plant.) on t. xxii, p. 31 fig. 1 (1739), but the reference was not recorded by later
workers.
2. Limonium perigrinum {Berg.) R. A. Dyer in Bothalia 7: 490 (1961). Type: C.B.S.,
Grubb (SBT, holo.), collected by Auge according to Thunb.. FI. Cap. p. vii (1823).
Statice perigrina Berg., Descr. PI. Cap. 80 (1767). S. rosea Sm. in Rees, Cyclop. 34 (1819); Boiss.
in DC., Prodr. 12: 667 (1848); Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 420 (1906). Type not recorded. S. purpmata sensu
Thunb., FI. Cap. 277 (1823).
Limonium roseum (Sm.) Kuntze, Rev. Gen. 2: 396 (1891).
Shrub about 1 m tall ; branches leafy towards the tips and covered below by persistent
leaf bases. Leaves obovate, oblanceolate to obovate-oblong, 4-8 cm long, 1-2 cm broad,
tapering into a petiole-like base and stem-clasping, with 1-3 visible veins when dry,
obtuse, usually mucronate, rough on both surfaces or possibly only on under surface
sometimes with asymmetrical pitted asperities or glands. Scape 15-30 cm tall, very rarely
only 10 cm, with a dense or somewhat lax-flowered dichotomously branched corymbose
panicle, rougher than the leaves; bracts broadly ovate to ovate-lanceolate, with mem-
branous margin, up to about 5 mm long; spikes of few to many closely set spikelets.
Spikelets 1 -flowered; bracts 7-8 mm long, enwrapping the base of the calyx, obtuse with
broad membranous margins. Flowers shortly pedicellate, articulating below the calyx
and giving a disc-like head to the pedicel. Calyx 12-15 mm long, cylindric in the lower
half and sparsely pubescent towards base, glabrous above, the limb expanded and
shortly 5-ribbed, obtusely 10-lobed, the intermediate lobes being slightly smaller. Petals
oblanceolate-oblong, obtuse, emarginate, longer than the calyx. Stamens with versatile
anthers divided half way. Ovary 5-winged; styles 5, free.
In coastal sandveld of the Bell ville District north of Cape Town to the Piketberg and Clanwilliam
districts and possibly into Namaqualand.
Cape. — Bell ville : MacOwan 235; Compton 9857 ; 14630; Wasserfall 1023. Malmesbury: Thunberg;
Bolus 12766; Mathews in BOL 1763/23; Leighton 1518; Hutchinson 254 \ Letty 11; 341 ; Compton 17890;
21876. Piketberg: Marloth 8021 . Clanwilliam: Acocks 19785. Namaqualand: Pilians 18147.
A specimen collected by Arbuthnot at Bcllville appears intermediate between L. perigrinum and
L. purpuratum.
Plumbaginaceae
23
3. Limonium purpuratum ( L .) Hubbard ex L. H. Bailey in Rhodora 18: 158 (1916).
Type: Cape, Linn. Herb. 395.15.
Statice purpurata L., Mant. 59 (1767); Jacq., Hort. Schoenbr. t. 340 (1798); Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 420
(1906), partly excl. var. longifolia (Thunb.) Boiss.
Plant branched from base, becoming woody, sometimes tufted, up to 15-20 cm
tall in leaf and up to about 60 cm in flower. Leaves not very dense, obovate-cuneate,
oblanceolate to oblinear-lanceolate, 10-18 cm long 5-15 mm broad, tapering gradually
to the stem-clasping base, obtuse or acute, mucronate, 3-nerved with the 2 outside
nerves sometimes indistinct, surface smooth or slightly irregular and coriaceous when
dry, pitting faint or absent. Scape 25-35 cm tall, unbranched or sparsely branched
towards base, freely branched above, smooth below, becoming wrinkled when dry,
sometimes minutely pitted towards the flowers ; bracts subtending branches and branch-
lets broadly oblong-ovate, membranous-margined, those subtending the spikelets 2-3
mm long, very broad and obtuse with broad membranous margin. Spikelets 1 -flowered,
sessile, sometimes some appearing peduncled due to the reduction of the cyme; bract
about 7 mm long, enveloping the base of the calyx, obtuse with broad membranous
margin. Flowers shortly pedicellate. Calyx 1-2-1 -4 cm long with cylindric tube in
lower half, pilose towards base; limb with 5 ribs and 10 short broad lobes. Petals
oblanceolate-oblong, obtuse, emarginate, longer than the calyx. Stamens with versatile
anthers divided halfway from base. Ovary deeply 5-winged; styles 5, free.
Endemic on the sandveld from the Cape Peninsula to Malmesbury Div.
Cape. — Peninsula: Melkbosch Rd., Compton 21889; Milnerton, Compton 13057. Bellville: Tygerberg,
Prior. Malmesbury: Salter 6446; Leighton 2840.
4. Limonium longifolium {Thunb.) R. A. Dyer in Bothalia 7 : 490 (1961). Type: Cape,
Swartland, Thunberg (UPSV, holo.).
Statice longifolia Thunb., Prodr. 54 (1794); FI. Cap. 276 (1823). S. purpurata L. var. longifolia
(Thunb.) Boiss. in DC., Prodr. 12: 667 (1848); Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 420 (1906).
Limonium fergusoniae L. Bol. in Journ. S. Afr. Bot. 24: 124 (1934). Type: Riversdale, Ferguson
in BOL 20081 (BOL, holo.).
Tufted perennial, becoming woody, vegetative branches short and often dense, rarely
somewhat elongated. Leaves more or less radical, oblanceolate-linear, 6-20 cm long,
rarely longer, 5-10 mm broad, tapering into a petiole-like base, stem-clasping, obtuse,
mucronate, entire, glabrous, smooth or very minutely scabrid, sometimes somewhat
glaucous, midrib often prominent on lower surface. Scape 12-45 cm tall, dicho-
tomously branched, very variable, sometimes lax, sometimes dense and rigid, smooth
below and usually minutely pitted towards spikelets; inflorescence cymose-corymbose
with spikes of 3-12 spikelets; bracts broadly oblong-ovate 2-4 mm long with mem-
branous margin. Spikelets 1-flowered, sessile, rarely appearing peduncled due to the
reduction of the cymes; bract 7-10 mm long, occasionally up to 12 cm., enveloping base
of calyx, with broad membranous margin. Flowers subsessile, or shortly pedicellate.
Calyx ivory to pale pink and sometimes turning reddish-brown, 14-20 mm long, with
cylindric tube in lower half, pilose towards base and along the full length of the 5 ribs;
limb spreading 1 -5-1 -7 cm diam. with 10 short, broad lobes. Petals white to pale pink,
oblanceolate, emarginate, longer than calyx. Stamens with anthers divided halfway.
Ovary deeply 5-winged; styles 5 free, filiform.
In the coastal sandveld of Malmesbury, to Namaqualand, up the mountains to Worcester, to Robert-
son, and at the coast in Riversdale; absent along the coast from the Cape Peninsula to Bredasdorp.
Cape.— Malmesbury: Bolus in BOL 20939; Leighton in BOL 21611; 2454; Salter 5017; 7545.
Piketberg: Stephens & Glover 8750; Leighton 102. Clanwilliam: Compton 4739; Acocks 19784.
Namaqualand: Rietkloof, Pearson & Pillans 5685. Worcester: Cooper 1618; Esterhuysen 10930; 19649.
Robertson: Compton 21737. Riversdale: Ferguson in BOL 20081 ; Muir 4558; Schlechter 1810.
2355522-2
24
Plumbaginaceae
5. Limonium amoenum (C. H. Wr.)R.A. Dyer in Kew Bull. 1932: 155(1932). Type:
Touws River, Bolus 1080 (K, holo.; BOL.).
Statice ainoena C. H. Wr. in F.C. 4, 1 : 420 (1906).
Shrublet 30 cm or more tall, branched from near or slightly above the base, with
the branches up to about 10 cm long and bearing leaves towards their tips. Leaves
oblanceolate or spathulate, 3-5 cm long, 2-5 mm broad, acute or mucronate, more or less
rugose when dry. Scapes 5-30 cm tall, dichotomously or subdichotomously branched
from near base, terminating in spikes with 3-1 5 flowers, the branchlets straight or curved
with zig-zag appearance and bracts broadly ovate-oblong, apiculate with broad
membranous margin. Spikelets 1 -flowered; bract enveloping calyx tube, 7-8 mm long,
with membranous margin nearly throughout. Calyx 1-1 -2 cm long with cylindric tube
about 8 mm long, 5-ribbed, the ribs pilose in the lower half; limb 9-12 mm diam., pink,
membranous, 10-lobed with 5 larger than the intermediate ones. Petals linear-oblanceo-
late, 1-4 cm long, 3 mm broad, united for about 0-5 mm at the base, pink. Stamens
nearly as long as corolla with anthers 2 mm long with the cells divided to the middle and
mucronulate at the base. Ovary oblong, 5-angled; styles long and curved, minutely
capitate.
Associated with Karoo shrublets in Worcester, Ceres and Calvinia districts; occasional and usually
grazed by stock.
Cape. — Worcester: Bolus 1080; van Breda 503; Esterluiy sen 19676. Ceres: Marlolh 9066; Hall 176.
Calvinia: Acocks 17393; Lawrence in PRE 28675.
6. Limonium namaquanum Z.. Bol. in S. Afr. Gard. 24; 124 (1934). Type: Namaqua-
land, Pillans in BOL 18149 (BOL, holo.).
A sturdy shrublet with spreading branches; branches woody, up to 30 cm long and
8 mm in diam. with bark splitting up into loose strips, producing erect flowering branch-
lets 6-10 cm long. Leaves more or less erect, distichous, narrowly spathulate, 2-3 • 5 cm
long, 3-4 mm broad, apiculate, leathery, minutely pitted, dilated and stem-clasping and
overlapping at the base. Peduncles slender up to about 6 cm long with 2-4 branches;
branches short with up to about 15 spikelets densely and distichously arranged along the
zig-zag rhachis. Spikelets 1-flowered; bract 6-7 mm long with a broad membranous
margin, glabrous. Calyx 1 cm long with the spreading limb about 8 mm diam.,
obscurely 5-lobed, glabrous except for few spreading long hairs from the base. Petals
spathulate, emarginate, 1 • 5 cm long, 3 • 5 mm broad with the stamens somewhat shorter.
Ovary 5-angled with free styles about 1 cm long, with small capitate stigmas.
Endemic in Namaqualand on stony slopes.
Cape. — Namaqualand: near Walle Kraal, Pillans 293 and in BOL 18149.
7. Limonium teretifolium L. Bol. in S. Afr. Gard. 24: 124 (1934). Type: Vanrhyns-
dorp, Pillans 6345 (BOL, lecto.).
Erect sturdy shrublet up to about 20 cm high; branches up to 8 mm in diam. with
the old bark splitting into strips. Leaves usually more or less erect, terete, 3-6 cm long,
1 • 5-2 mm thick, minutely pitted, acute or apiculate, stem-clasping at the base. Peduncle
3-20 cm long, sparsely or freely branched, with the spikelets densely clustered at the ends
of the rhachis; bracts broadly ovate or elliptic, 2 mm long, with membranous margin,
pilose. Spikelet 1-flowered; bracts 4-5 mm long, pilose, with membrane not quite
completely enveloping the base of the calyx. Calyx 7-8 mm long, pilose except towards
margin of limb; limb about 6 mm diam., white; lobes 5, 1 ■ 5 mm long. Petals spathulate,
2-lobed at apex, 1 cm long, 2 • 5 mm broad, with the stamens somewhat shorter. Ovary
2 mm long, 5-angled, with free styles about 1 cm long and small capitate stigmas.
Endemic in Vanrhynsdorp district.
Cape. — Vanrhynsdorp: Kncchts Vlakte, Pillans 6345; Old Salt River Bridge, Salter 1389; 5486.
Plumbaginaceae
25
8. Limonium scabrum ( Thunb .) Kuntze, Rev. Gen. 2: 396 (1891). Type: Cape,
Thunberg (UPSV, holo.).
Tufted perennial shrublet with erect or somewhat spreading scapes, scabrid with
raised pits; branches short, densely leafy near the tips but sometimes becoming almost
nude. Leaves obovate-oblong or oblanceolate, obtuse, gradually narrowed into the
petiole, up to 8 cm long, 1 cm broad, stem-clasping, scabrid on upper surface, prominently
ribbed on lower surface. Scapes branched, many-flowered, 10-25 cm long, usually
especially scabrid on the upper portion, with sterile, articulate branchlets in the lower
half, very occasionally leaves present. Bracts 1-5-2 mm long, more or less triangular.
Spikelets 1-2-flowered, rarely 3-flowered, developing successively or 1 and one aborted;
bracts 4-5 mm long, tightly enveloping the calyx, obtuse or sometimes apiculate with
a membranous margin; bracteole membranous Calyx 6-8 mm long, slender, glabrous
or with few short hairs near base; limb with 5 broad lobes about 1 mm long. Petals
mauve to violet, 9-12 mm long, linear-oblanceolate, obtuse, emarginate, filaments
shorter than the petals. Anthers short, divided to half way. Ovary oblong, 5-angled
in the upper half with 5 free styles.
Scapes often more than 15 cm tall; spikelets 2- rarely 1- flowered; bracts 5 mm or more long; calyx
usually 7-8 mm long:
Inflorescence generally diffuse, tuberculate (a) var. scabrum
Inflorescence corymbose, not prominently tuberculate, lower branchlets of scape sterile
(b) var. avenaceum
Scapes usually less than 15 cm tall; inflorescence branches dense and slender, corymbose, densely
tuberculate; spikelets 1- rarely 2-flowered; bracts 4-5 mm long, calyx 6-6-5 mm long
(c) var. corymbulosum
A veritable tangle of forms occurs in this complex. Leighton 1656-1660 from Gansbaai, at high tide
level to hilltop 200 yards away, represent a series ranging from almost typical var. corymbulosum (1656)
to typical var. scabrum (1657-1659), to almost typical var. avenaceum (1660). Other specimens, noticeably
from Riversdale to Humansdorp may have a few leaves on the scapes. One sheet of Zeyher 1430
contains all three varieties.
(a) var. scabrum. Dyer in Bothalia 7: 491 (1961).
Statice scabra Thunb., Prodr. 54(1794); Boiss. in DC., Prodr. 12: 659(1849); Wright in F.C. 4, 1: 422
(1906).
Along the Cape south coast from the Peninsula eastward to the Fish River, sometimes submerged
in estuaries and vleis.
Cape. — Peninsula: Bolus 26595; Leighton 481; 484; Compton 14559. Caledon: Compton 10214;
Leighton 1657-1659. Bredasdorp: Galpin 11362; van Breda 518; Esterhuysen 4318. Riversdale: Muir
165; Galpin 5146. Mossel Bay: Rogers 22643. George: Rogers 1965. Knysna: Codd 3561.
Humansdorp: Thode 954; 2487. Port Elizabeth: Zeyher 1050. Bathurst: Britten 2292; Dyer 3349.
(b) var. avenaceum (C. H. Wr.) R. A. Dyer in Bothalia 7: 491 (1961). Type:
Bredasdorp, Ratels River Mouth, Bolus 8576 (K, holo. BOL, iso.).
Statice avenacea C. H. Wr. in F.C. 4, 1 : 423 (1906).
Limonium avenaceum (C. H. Wr.) R. A. Dyer in Kew Bull. 1932: 155 (1932).
On the coast of the Peninsula to Bredasdorp Division.
Cape. — Peninsula: Marloth 6113; Young 265; Compton 6046 ; 13008; 14435; Clarkson 359. Bredas-
dorp: Ratels River, Bolus 8576; Schlechter 3295; 9719; Barker 5272.
26
Plumbaginaceae
(c) var. corymbulosum (Boiss.) R. A Dyer in Bothalia 7: 491 (1961). Type: Cape,
Peninsula, Camps Bay, Krauss (G, holo.).
Stat ice corymbulosa Boiss. in DC., Prodr. 12: 658 (1848).
Limonium corymbulosum (Boiss.) Kuntze, Rev. Gen. 2: 395 (1891). L. penicillatum Adamson in
Journ. S. Afr. Bot. 7: 202 (1941); FI. Cape Penin. 666 (1950). Type: Cape, Chapmans Peak, Adamson
859 (BOL, holo.).
Cape. — Peninsula: Krauss; Marloth 450; Adamson 859; Bolus 3374; Pillans 8555; Salter 8037; 8044.
Caledon: Burtt Davy 18455; Bolus 26598; Leighton 405; 412; Salter 8037; 8044.
9. Limonium membranaceum R. A. Dyer in Bothalia 7: 490 (1961). Type: South
West Africa, Luderitz, Merxmuller 2251 (PRE, holo.).
Perennial, tufted, becoming woody at base. Leaves obovate, oblanceolate or linear-
oblanceolate, 2-4 cm long, 4-10 mm broad, obtuse, densely covered with raised pits on
the upper surface, smooth or with relatively few pits on the under surface. Scapes
several, spreading, 10-20 cm long, with sterile branchlets below and fertile ones freely
branched into a false corymb with all the spikelets directed upwards, rough with raised
pits; internodes short, broadest at the upper truncate end, bracts broadly ovate-
triangular, becoming almost completely membranous. Spikelets 3-4-flowered with
flowers developed successively; outer bracts 3-5-4 mm long, obtuse with membranous
margin, glabrous, first flower exserted from bract laterally on maturing, pedicellate;
pedicels persistent, 0-5-0-75 mm long, thickest at truncate apex. Calyx 4 mm long,
subcylindric, glabrous, with the ribs slightly thickened and prominent and not extending
to the apex of the limb, and with 5 membranous lobes about 0 • 5 mm long. Petals blue,
linear-oblanceolate, over 1 cm long. Stamens with anthers divided more than half way,
exserted. Ovary 5-angled with 5-filiform styles. Fig. 5: 1.
Endemic in South West Africa, near the coast.
S.W.A. — Luderitz: Pole Evans H19355; Kinges 203 1 ; Boss 24454; Merxmuller 2251 ; Engler 1160;
Galpin <6 Pearson 7490.
10. Limonium dregeanum ( Presl ) Kuntze, Rev. Gen. 2: 395 (1891). Type: Calvinia
near Handelkraal River, Drege (G, iso.).
Stat ice dregeana Presl, Bot. Bemerk. 105 (1844); Boiss. in DC., Prodr. 12: 659 (1848); Wright in F.C.
4, 1 : 423 (1906). S. tetragona sensu Drege, Zwei Doc. 94 (1843). S. pedicellata Wallr. ex Boiss., l.c.
658 (1848). Type: Gamka River, Mund & Maire (G, iso.!). S. linifolia var. robusta C. H .Wr. l.c. 421
(1906). Type: Griqualand West, Burchell 1818 (K, holo.).
Tufted perennial becoming woody, sometimes with base of old scapes subpersistent.
Leaves linear-spathulate, rarely linear or oblanceolate, 1-4 cm long, 1-5-5 mm broad,
obtuse, mucronate, tapered to the base and stem-clasping. Scape 5-25 cm tall, more or
less scabrid with minute raised pits freely or sparsely set; bracts short, subtriangular,
sheathing, acute or obtuse; the fertile branches terminating in spikes of a few spikelets.
Spikelets (2-) 3-8-flowered with the flowers developing successively and rarely more than
2 corollas open at the same time; bracts 3-3-5 mm long, obtuse, with whitish mem-
branous margin; flowers pedicellate, pedicels persistent, truncate, 0-75-1-5 mm long.
Calyx 4 mm long usually with a few hairs on the tube between the ribs, with white,
obtusely 5-lobed limb. Petals lilac to pale pink, oblong-spathulate, longer than calyx.
Stamens attached near the base of the petals with oblong anthers divided halfway.
Ovary 5-angled above with the 5 filiform free styles bent down in bud and later exserted. —
Fig. 5: 4.
Cape and southern S.W.A. ; in inland arid and semi-arid regions of the Cape Province and in southern
5. W.A. Lowlying limestone formations are a favoured habitat.
Fig. 5. — 1, Limonium membranaceum, flowering twig, X 6 ( MerxmuUer 2251); la, spikelet bract,
x 10. 2, L. anthericoides, twig with spikelet {van Breda 514); 2a, anther, x 20; 2b, gynoecium,
X 20. 3, L. equisetinum, part of inflorescence ( Leipoldt 3394); 3a, calyx, x 10; 3b, spikelets,
X 6. 4, L. dregeanum, calyx, X 12.
28
Plumbaginaceae
"Cape. — Namaqualand : Schlechter 37; Scully 225; Pearson 2979; 3885; 3956; 5637. Calvinia:
Drege; Acocks 17471. Ceres: Compton 8767. Worcester: Baker 524. Ladismith : Bond 220. Swellen-
dam: van Breda 509. Riversdale: Bolus 26606. Oudtshoorn: Compton 20357. Victoria West: Acocks
9592. Richmond: Drege 9592. Hanover: Galpin (Sim) 592; 5996. Murraysburg: Tyson 201.
Middelburg: Acocks 16326; 19134. Galpin (Southey) 5702; 5703. Colesberg: Shaw.
S.W.A. — Warmbad: Galpin. Great Namaqualand: Schenk 352.
Van Breda 122a from Charonnes, Worcester, has the habit of this species but linear acute leaves and
it is not placed specifically as yet.
The typical form occurs in the inland, arid, western area of the Cape, and 2 other fairly distinct
ecological forms, which Boissier included under his A. pedicellata , are found (a) from Worcester to
Riversdale and Oudtshoorn with an open, often lax inflorescence and (b) in the central Karoo, mainly
placed under S. linifolia var. robusta by Wright, with a dense tufted habit, sparsely branched scapes and
relatively compact inflorescences.
11. Limonium linifolium (L.f.) Kuntze, Rev. Gen. 2: 295 (1891). Type: Port Eliza-
beth, Swartkop, Thunberg (UPSV, holo.).
Tufted shrublet with leafy branches 3-10 cm long, or branches shorter and often
defoliated in tidal areas. Leaves linear, 2-3-5 cm long, 1 mm broad, flattish on upper
surface, rounded on lower surface or, in a varietal form, up to 5 cm long, 1 - 5-3 mm broad
towards apex or rotted away due to constant submersion, stem-clasping at base. Scapes
10-30 cm long, rarely shorter or longer, smooth or very slightly scabrid, sparingly or
freely branched, with the fertile branchlets terminating in spikes of a few spikelets; bracts
ovate, 1—2 - 5 mm long. Spikelets (1-) 2-3-flowered; bracts 3-5 mm long, enveloping
flowers in young stage, obtuse with membranous margin. Calyx 6-7 mm long,
pubescent with few hairs on lower half; limb with 5 ovate or lanceolate lobes 1 mm long.
Petals spathulate or oblanceolate, emarginate or 2-lobed at apex, 8-9 mm long. Stamens
with filaments about 7 mm long; anthers 1 mm long divided up to the middle. Ovary
oblong, 5-angled in upper half; styles 5, filiform, with minute capitate stigmas.
Frequent along the Cape coast from Riversdale to the Transkei in salt or brak pans or estuaries.
Leaves linear 2-3-5 cm long, 1 mm broad, flattish on upper surface, rounded on lower surface;
scapes rather sparingly branched and with few sterile bracts (a) var. linifolium
Leaves linear to narrowly spathulate up to 5 cm long, 1 • 5-3 mm broad, occasionally all rotted away,
due to constant submersion; scapes often freely and diffusely branched above. . . .(b) var. maritimum
(a) var. linifolium. Dyer in Bothalia 7: 490 (1961).
Stance linifolia L. f„ Suppl. 187 (1781); Thunb., Prodr. 54 (1794); FI. Cap. ed. Schultes 277 (1823);
Boiss. in DC., Prodr. 12: 657 (1848); Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 421 (1906), partly. — var. collina E. & Z. ex
Presl, Bot. Bemerk. 105 (1844); Linnaea 20: 203 (1847). Type: Cape, Drege 8017. S. capensis Drege
Zwei Doc. 145 (1843), nomen.
Along the Cape coast and in brak areas some miles inland, from Uitenhage to Albany Division.
Cafe.- — Uitenhage: Burchell 4426; Hutchinson 1512; Dyer 1718; Compton 20306; Prior. Uitenhage
or Port Elizabeth: Ecklon & Zeyher 656 and 3608 (in part); Drege 8017. Albany: MacOwan 444;
Galpin 13245.
( b ) var. maritimum ( E . & Z. ex Boiss.) R. A. Dyer in Bothalia 7 : 490 (1961). Type:
Cape, Ecklon & Zeyher.
Statice linifolia var. maritima E. & Z. ex Boiss. in DC., Prodr. 12: 657 (1848); Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 421
(1906). — var. brachyphylla Boiss., l.c. 657 (1848); Wright l.c. 421 (1906). Type: Cape, Drege.
Along the Cape coast from Riversdale to Kentani.
Cape.— Riversdale: Burchell 7687; Muir 1899; 4906; Bolus in BOL 19463. Knysna: Schonland
3432; Fourcade 5890; Schlechter 5946. Uitenhage or Port Elizabeth: Ecklon & Zeyher 656 and 3608 (in
part); Bolus in BOL 26585. Alexandria: Dyer 3366. Bathurst: Britten 2380. East London: Leighton
in BOL 21353; Galpin 3211. Kentani: Pegler 302; Flanagan 211.
Plumbaginaceae
29
It will be observed that this variety has a wider distribution than the typical form of the species and
extends furthest east of any species in the genus. It is frequently associated with L. scabrum (Thunb.)
Kuntze along the southern coast and hybridisation may occur. Comins 744, Compton 1907 and
Leighton 2606 from near Port Elizabeth represent forms linking the varieties.
12. Limonium kraussianum (Bitching, ex Boiss.) Kuntze , Rev. Gen. 2: 395 (1891).
Type: Bredasdorp, Zoetendals Valley, Krauss 1564 (G, iso.).
Statice kraussiana Buching. in Flora 73 (1845), nom. nud.; ex Boiss. in DC., Prodr. 12: 657 (1848);
Wright in F.C. 4, 1: 421 (1906). S. Unifolia var. aretiaefolia Boiss., l.c. 657 (1848). Syntype: Cape,
Thunberg; Caledon, Verreaux.
Freely branched perennial, forming mats rather than tufts, with prostrate branches
up to 10 cm or more long, glabrous and somewhat glaucous. Leaves abundant and
densely crowded, rosulate at the tips of the branchlets, linear-subulate 1-1 • 5 cm long,
sub-triangular in cross-section with upper surface flat and somewhat keeled on under
surface. Scapes slender, 5-15 cm long, rarely longer but occasionally up to 30 cm,
spreading, unbranched in the lower half and generally devoid of sterile branchlets, with
a compact inflorescence on the upper half, terminating in short spikes; bracts ovate-
triangular, 1-5-2 mm long, acute, minutely gland-tipped, with narrow membranous
margin. Spikelets 2-3- rarely 4-flowered; bract enveloping the flowers in young stage,
about 5 mm long, with membranous margin. Calyx 6-6-5 mm long, slender, thinly
appressed-pubescent in lower half; limb very little expanded, shortly 5-lobed. Ovary
5-angled with 5 free styles; fruit 3 mm long.
Endemic in low lying areas of Bredasdorp Division to Malagas in Swellendam Division, possibly also
in Caledon Division.
Cape. — Caledon: Verreaux (G), Bredasdorp: Krauss (G); Bolus 8577; Galpin 11220; Schleehter
9664; Smith 4932; Barker 5261; Compton 23191; Lewis 2932; Esterhuysen 19559. Swellendam: Ester-
huysen 4341.
The Verreaux specimen, collected in 1827, may not have come from the Caledon Division as
delimited today.
13. Limonium depauperatum {Boiss.) R. A. Dyer in Bothalia 7: 490 (1961). Type:
Cape, Burchett 512 (G, lecto.).
Statice equisetina var. depauperata Boiss. in DC., Prodr. 12: 658 (1848); Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 422
(1906). S. scabrida Presl, Bot. Bemerk. 105 (1844), nom. nud.
Tufted perennial with erect or somewhat spreading scapes; branches short, densely
leafy at the crown. Leaves linear, spathulate or oblanceolate, 1-2 -5 cm long, 2 -5-7 mm
broad towards apex, subacute or obtuse, stem-clasping. Scapes 10-30 cm tall, branched
from near the base and with all the secondary branches more or less the same length,
slightly scabrid with minute rugosities; branchlets mainly sterile and only a few bearing
spikelets at or near the tips, usually producing a few small tufts of reduced leaves in the
axils of upper bracts; bracts 1 -5-3-5 mm long broadly triangular, acute or acuminate.
Spikelets 1- or rarely 2-flowered ; bract 3 • 5-4 mm long, enveloping the calyx, obtuse with
a broad membranous margin. Calyx shortly pedicellate, about 5 mm long, slender
cylindric, glabrous or very nearly so, shortly 5-lobed at the membranous apex. Petals
8-9 mm long, oblanceolate, obtuse, emarginate. Filaments shorter than the petals;
anthers short, divided to half way. Ovary oblong, 5-angled with 5 free styles.
Endemic in the Cape Peninsula and adjacent areas.
Cape. — Peninsula: Burchett 512; Wolley Dod 678; Salter 8003; Duthie STE 10355; Greenpoint;
Pappe. Bellville: Bolus in BOL 26594; Young 167. Malmesbury: Macnae 1069. Caledon: Leighton
1671; 1862; 2508; Compton 18168; 18972; Lewis 2928. Bredasdorp: Schleehter 10568.
30
Plumbaginaceae
This cannot be regarded as a “ natural ” species, yet it seems preferable to give the group a specific
name rather than retain it as a variety of L. equisetinum , from the typical form of which it differs in
habit and distribution. Parker 3653 in BOL, collected in Stellenbosch Division appears, to belong here.
Leighton in 1946 said about her No. 1671: “ These plants which formed a dense mat, had almost
finished flowering and were thickly covered with off sets in the axils of all the bracts of the inflorescence.”
14. Limcnium equisetinum ( Boiss .) R. A. Dyer in Kew Bull. 1932: 155 (1932). Type:
Cape, Clanwilliam, Drege (G, holo.!).
Statice equisetina Boiss. in DC., Prodr. 12: 658 (1848); Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 422 (1906).
Tufted perennial sometimes producing rhizomes, somewhat glaucous, very thinly
and shortly pubescent or glabrous, slightly pitted. Leaves radical, obovate or oblong,
obtuse, mucronate, tapering into the stem-clasping petiole, 1-3 cm long, up to 1 cm
broad. Scapes several, decumbent or ascending, 10-30 cm long, with sterile often dense
branchlets along their length and only the terminal ones bearing short spikes with the
spikelets distichous and imbricate (very rarely with tufts of small leaves at the nodes);
bracts ovate-triangular, acute, keeled. Spikelets 2- or occasionally 3-flowered, bracts
enveloping the base of the young calyx, in more mature stage calyx protruding laterally,
acute or mucronate, with membranous margin, glabrous. Calyx cylindric and glabrous
or thinly pubescent in the lower half with the limb somewhat spreading and shortly
5-lobed. Petals blue, oblanceolate, emarginate, much longer than calyx. Ovary 5
angled above with 5 free styles. Fig. 5 : 3.
In sandveld from Malmesbury Division to Namaqualand.
Cape. — Malmesbury: Rycroft 2010. Piketberg: Bolus in BOL 21731; Lewis 2934. Clanwilliam:
Leipoldt 3394; 4370; Compton 21882. Vamhynsdorp: Barker 5693. Namaqualand: Piltans in BOL
18148.
15. Limonium decumbens (Boiss.) Kuntze, Rev. Gen. 2: 395 (1891). Type: South
Africa without locality, Drege 9374 (G, holo.).
Statice decumbens Boiss. in DC., Prodr. 12: 659 (1848); Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 423 (1906).
Tufted perennial. Leaves radical, narrowly lanceolate-spathulate, obtuse, tapering
to the stem-clasping base, glabrous. Scapes decumbent or prostrate, slender, long,
simple or sparingly branched, furnished with fascicles or tufts of short hairs and some-
times with fascicles of small spathulate to obovate leaves from the axils; panicles erect
from near the ends of the scapes, terminating in short spikes of 2-6 spikelets; bracts
short acute not scarious on margin. Spikelets 2-3-flowered; bracts enclosing base of
young flowers, ovate-rotundate, acute, with membranous margin at apex. Calyx
glabrous, tube longer than the bracts; limb expanded, shortly lobed.
Known only from the type specimen, presumed to have been collected in the Malmesbury or Piquet-
berg district. It is an abnormal specimen not matched by any subsequent collection.
16. Limonium acuminatum L. Bol. in S. Afr. Gard. 24: 124, 129 (1934). Type:
Malmesbury, Bolus in BOL 20316 (BOL, lecto.).
Tufted perennial. Leaves spathulate, up to 3 cm long and 7 mm broad, glabrous,
drying thin, tapering into the stem-clasping base. Scapes prostrate or decumbent,
20 40 cm long, slender, often flexuous, with copious sterile branchlets along their length
and only the terminal ones bearing short spikes, with the 3-7 spikelets distichous and
imbricate, with tufts of spreading hairs throughout; bracts ovate-lanceolate, acuminate,
2-4 mm long, progressively less acuminate. Spikelets 1-2-, rarely 3-flowered; bracts
6 mm long, acuminate, with membranous margin and with tufts of hairs on back, the
inner bracteoles membranous, glabrous. Calyx 6-8 mm long, reddish, pubescent below
Plumbaginaceae
31
and often almost to the end of the ribs; limb with 5 narrowly lanceolate lobes 2 • 5-3 mm
long. Petals spathulate, 9 mm long, 2-lobed at apex, lilac. Stamens shorter than the
petals, with the anthers divided up to about the middle. Ovary 5-angled with 5 free
styles and minutely capitate stigmas.
Endemic in Malmesbury Division near coast.
Cape.— Malmesbury: Bolus in BOL 20316; Leighton 1519; 2431; Compton 17892; 18901; Acocks
15210; Hafstrom & Acocks 2289.
17. Limonium anthericoides ( Schltr .) R. A. Dyer in Kew Bull. 1932: 155 (1932).
Type: Bredasdorp, near Elim, Schlechter 7709 (PRE, iso.).
Statice anthericoides Schltr. in Bot. Jahrb. 24: 450 (1898); Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 423 (1906).
Tufted dwarf perennial with rosettes of leaves, few to several scapes. Leaves
obovate or elliptic-spathulate, 1-5-3 -5 cm long, 7-15 mm broad, obtuse, scabrid,
coriaceous. Scapes erect, flexuous, 15-30 cm tall, verrucose with small raised pits,
freely and very laxly branched above, terminating in lax spikes of 2-12 spikelets; bracts
ovate-lanceolate, aristate with membranous margin. Spikelets 2-4-flowered, rarely
with a 5th bud; bract 3-4 mm long, obtuse with a broad membranous margin enveloping
the base of young spikelets but flowers often protruding laterally when 3-4 present;
flowers shortly pedicellate. Calyx 4-6 mm long, pilose at the base and sometimes along
the ribs to about the middle, obconic below, expanded above and spreading into 5
aristate or mucronate lobes and 5 short obtuse intermediate ones. Petals white, about
8 mm long, narrowly oblanceolate, obtuse or emarginate. Stamens with filaments
slender from a dilated base; anthers oblong, divided to halfway from base. Ovary
obovoid, 5-angled above, prolonged into a truncate beak with 5 filiform styles; fruit
circumscissile below apex on maturity. — Fig. 5: 2.
Coastal areas in the Caledon, Bredasdorp and Swellendam Divisions of the Cape.
Cape. — Caledon: Danger Point, Pillans 9754. Bredasdorp: Schlechter 7709; Bolus 8575; Leighton
2571 ; Barker 5252; Rycroft 1844; van Breda 514. Swellendam: Lewis 2929; 2931.
SAPOTACEAE
by A. D. J. Meeuse
Laticiferous trees or sometimes shrubs, in South Africa always unarmed. Leaves
alternate, petiolate, undivided and with entire, often more or less reflexed margin, firm
to leathery, rarely herbaceous; stipules often present but usually early deciduous, seta-
ceous or subulate. Flowers regular, bisexual or by reduction of the stamens occasionally
female, in the axils of the leaves or often on the naked branches below the leaves, or on
older wood, solitary or fascicled, sessile or pedicelled. Calyx of one or two whorls of
free or nearly free sepals, usually pubescent to tomentose outside; sepals 2-5 (-6) in
each whorl, entire, often firm to coriaceous. Corolla gamopetalous, usually cream or
white to greenish-white, glabrous, with a short to somewhat elongate, cylindric to
campanulate tube and one to two whorls of 2-5 or occasionally more lobes; the lobes
32
Sapotaceae
imbricate, usually entire, in several genera each bearing on each side a lateral lobe
(lateral or dorsal appendage) varying in size, sometimes nearly as large as the lobe itself,
sometimes much smaller. Alternipetalous stctminodes as many as the corolla-lobes or
fewer or absent, inserted just below the sinuses between the lobes in the throat of the
corolla, varying from rather large and petaloid to minute, scale-like, of various shapes,
entire, lobed, fringed or variously dissected, glabrous or hairy on the outside. Stamens
in the South African genera in one or two whorls, each whorl isomerous with the corolla
and epipetalous or with twice as many stamens as there are corolla-lobes in a whorl and
alternatingly epipetalous and alternipetalous, inserted in the throat of the corolla-tube or
lower down ; filaments often short ; anthers 2-thecous, thecae usually extrorsely dehiscent
with longitudinal slits; occasionally stamens reduced to sterile, epipetalous, usually
staminoid, rarely petaloid staminodes. Pistil consisting of a 5- to many-locular, usually
hairy ovary with a single ascending, more or less pendulous, basally or laterally attached
ovule per loculus, and a cylindric, columnar or conical to subulate style terminating in a
truncate, subcapitate or acute, usually indistinct stigma. Fruit a berry with a soft fleshy,
juicy, or mealy or occasionaly tough pericarp in which the seeds are embedded. Seeds as
many as there were ovules or fewer, not infrequently single, compressed or tumid; testa
either hard (bony) and shiny, or pergamentaceous to leathery, or papery to crustaceous
and often dullish, with a distinct area of attachment (“ scar ” or cicatrix) containing the
hilum, which is duller, rougher and paler in colour than the remainder of the testa and
varies from small, circular to linear or oblong and larger, occasionally occupying the
ventral half of the seed; endosperm either copious and in this case cotyledons flattened,
foliaceous, or endosperm scanty or absent and cotyledons correspondingly thicker and
fleshier.
An almost completely circumtropical family with a few representatives extending into the subtropics
(not in Europe), comprising over 600 described species in a number of genera which, following present
trends, amount to about 40 (some authors have recognised fewer genera, others over 100). The tropical
species are often confined to the real tropical rain forest, a few are coastal trees, very few are confined to
semi-arid areas. Some produce valuable timber, a few are used for the production of latex-products
(“ chicle ” or chewing gum, gutta percha) and many produce edible fruits, for which a few are cultivated.
The Sapotaceae are usually of very slow growth and for this reason are not suited for afforestation, as
ornamentals or as street trees. The flowers are sometimes fragrant (often in the genus Mimusops),
occasionally evil-smelling, such as those of Sideroxylon inerme.
Flowers generally 5-merous (sometimes 4-6-merous), sepals and corolla-lobes in a
single whorl or at least not manifestly biseriate; corolla- lobes without lateral
appendages (except in Lecomtedoxa, but then, in the South African species,
usually distinctly to much smaller than the corolla-lobes):
Berry globose, 1 -seeded; seed subglobose or depressed-globose, bluntly 4-5-angled
or faintly ribbed, with a small circular scar in a basal depression of the testa;
alternipetalous staminodes always as many as the corolla-lobes, petaloid,
usually triangular to lanceolate from a broad base 1. Sideroxylon
Berry usually ovoid, ellipsoid or oblong, seeds always longer than broad with a
lateral linear or oblong, sometimes very large scar; alternipetalous staminodes
various, often fewer than the number of corolla-lobes:
Fruits usually 3-5-seeded; seeds laterally compressed with a hard and shiny
testa and a linear basi lateral scar; endosperm copious, cotyledons flattened;
alternipetalous staminodes always lacking (if fruits are lacking and
staminodes absent, see also 3. Bequaertiodendron) 2. Chrysophyllum
Sapotaceae
33
Fruits 1- or sometimes 2-seeded; seeds not much laterally compressed, with a
brittle or tough, crustaceous, papyraceous or pergam entaceous testa ; endo-
sperm absent; cotyledons thick and fleshy; alternipetalous staminodes.
5 or fewer, sometimes absent:
Corolla-lobes without lateral appendages; alternipetalous staminodes 0-5;
flowers rather constantly 5-merous; calyx uniseriate. . . .3. Bequaertiodendron
Corolla-lobes with (sometimes small) lateral appendages; alternipetalous
staminodes as many as the corolla-lobes; flowers 3-6-merous; calyx
subbiseriate 4. Lecomtedoxa
Flowers generally 3- or 4-merous, sepals manifestly biseriate (3 + 3 or 4 + 4,
occasionally 5 + 5); corolla-lobes usually with large lateral appendages:
Flowers generally 4-merous; alternipetalous staminodes more or less lanceolate,
entire (except sometimes their tips), hairy outside; lateral appendages of the
corolla-lobes always well-developed:
Seed ellipsoid, not or but slightly laterally compressed, with a pergamentaceous
or crustaceous, not very shiny or quite dull testa and a large scar occupying
most of the ventral half of the seed; endosperm 0; cotyledons thick and
fleshy; leaves distinctly crowded at the ends of the branches, usually not
coriaceous nor shiny, with a fine usually conspicuous reticulate nervation;
flowers in lower leaf-axils, often pendulous; ovules not basally attached. .
5. Austromimusops
Seeds laterally flattened with a hard and shiny testa and a small basal or sub-
basal circular scar; endosperm present; cotyledons flat; leaves not
distinctly crowded at the ends of the branches, usually more or less
coriaceous, shiny on upper surface, the nervation usually not finely reticu-
late; flowers in the leaf-axils or sometimes also on naked branches;
ovules basally attached 6. Mimusops
Flowers generally 3-merous; alternipetalous staminodes various, entire or more or
less divided, lobed, lacerated or fimbriate, glabrous, or absent and stamens
twice as many as corolla-lobes (i.e., usually 12); rarely some or all stamens
sterile and resembling staminodes; seed with endosperm and flat, foliaceous
cotyledons:
Stamens as many as there are corolla-lobes (i.e., usually 6), alternating with as
many or nearly as many alternipetalous staminodes; in the South African
species corolla-lobes always with well developed, lateral appendages and
testa hard 7. Manilkara
Stamens twice as many as there are corolla-lobes (i.e., usually 12); alterni-
petalous staminodes 0, but occasionally stamens abortive and resembling
staminodes (the latter case often coinciding with a reduction in size to
complete reduction of the normally well developed lateral appendages
of the corolla-lobes); testa crustaceous and brittle when dry 8. Muriea
6368 1. SIDEROXYLON
Sideroxylon L., Sp. PI. ed. 1 : 192 (1753); Gen. PI. ed. 5: 89 (1754); Bak. in F.T.A. 3: 503
(1877), pro parte; Engl.*, Mon. Sapot. Afr. 25 (1904), pro parte; Harv. ex Wright in
F.C. 4, 1 : 438 (1906); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 567 (1951); Meeuse in Bothalia 7: 322 (1960).
Type species: Sideroxylon inerme L.
Calvaria Comm, sensu Dubard in Ann. Mus. Col. Marseille 20: 84 (1912); Adamson in FI. Cape
Penin. 667 (1950).
* This abbreviation will be used throughout for: Engler, Monographien Afrikanischer Pflanzen-
familien und Gattungen, Vol. 8 (Sapotaceae).
34
Sapotaceae
Trees or shrubs. Flowers normally 5-merous throughout, all whorls single.
Corolla-lobes without lateral appendages. Alternipetalous staminodes petaloid, with a
broad base. Ovules basally attached. Berry 1-seeded. Seed depressed-globose,
usually more or less 4- or 5-angled and somewhat ribbed; scar small, circular, situated
in a basal depression of the seed; testa thick and bony; endosperm copious; cotyledons
thin, foliaceous; embryo in the type species horizontal.
Under this delimitation, the genus includes a few species in America, Africa and Asia.
Sideroxylon inerme L. Sp. PI. ed. 1 : 192 (1753); Wood, Natal PI. 4, 1 : t. 314 (1903);
Engl., Mon. Sapot. Afr. 27, t. 8, fig. B (1904); Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 438 (1906); Sim, For.
FI. Cape Col. 252, t. 295 (1907); Marloth, FI. S. Afr. 3: 36, t. 10 (1932); Gerstner in
Journ. S. Afr. Bot. 12: 47, fig. 1 (1946); Meeuse in Bothalia 7: 323 (1960). Type: Cape,
collector unknown, in Linnaean Herb, (lecto.; PRE, photo.).
S. cineretim Lam., Encycl. 1 : 244 (1789), partly. S. diospyroides Bak. in F.T.A. 3: 502 (1877);
Engl., l.c., 27, t. 27, Fig. A (1904). Type: Zanguebar, Kirk s.n. (K, holo.). S. inerme var. schlechteri
Engl., l.c. 27 (1904). Type: Lourenco Marques, Schlechter 11710.
Calvaria inermis (L.) Dubard in Ann. Mus. Col. Marseille, 20: 86 (1912); Adamson in FI. Cape
Penins. 667 (1950). — var. zanzibarensis Pierre ex Dub., l.c. (1912). C. diospyroides (Bak.) Dub., l.c. 87
(1912).
Shrub or small tree, up to 8 m, occasionally 10-12 m, high. Leaves dark green and
shiny above, paler below, often drying a peculiar dull greyish-green colour above,
usually quite glabrous (except when very young), but occasionally with irregular patches
of appressed hairs; usually elliptic to obovate-oblong, more rarely ovate, obovate-
spathulate or lanceolate, 4-12 cm long and 2-5 cm wide, with subreflexed edges, obtuse
(sometimes emarginate or retuse), subacute to cuneate at the base, more or less decurrent
on the petiole, midrib prominent beneath, secondary nerves not very conspicuous;
tertiary nerves not or hardly distinguishable from the fine reticulate nervations, the latter
quite distinct in younger leaves; petioles at first rusty-tomentose, soon quite glabrous,
6-15 mm long. Flowers in few- to many-flowered fascicles or solitary, in the axils of
the lower leaves of the branches, or also on the naked branches below them, often on
short warts; bracts minute, 2-12 mm long, sparingly whitish-pubescent, in fruit ap-
pressed, scarcely accrescent. Corolla greenish-white, about twice as long as the calyx-
lobes, rotate, up to 5 mm across, tube short, lobes usually longer than the tube, ovate,
entire, obtuse. Alternipetalous staminodes ovate-lanceolate or oblong or oblong-
lanceolate, about as long as the corolla lobes, but narrower, usually incised, serrate,
lacerate, dentate, crenulate or with wavy edge, acute, acuminate or obtuse. Ovary
with rather long appressed white hairs ; style about the same length as the ovary, glabrous.
Berry black, globose, smooth, up to 12 mm in diam. when fresh (up to 10 mm when dry),
usually crowned with the short persistent style; pulp purple or purplish-green, with white
viscid juice; the latex long remaining sticky in dried specimens. Seed drying a shiny
yellowish-brown, 6-9 -5 mm long, 5-8 mm wide and 5-7-5 mm high, with several more
or less distinct grooves most conspicuous near the base, and with 2-4 small impressions
between the grooves close to the scar.
Along the east coast of Africa from Kenya southwards to the Cape Peninsula, here and there more
inland. Essentially a tree of coastal woodland but also occurring more inland in certain areas.
Cape Province. — Cape Pensinsula: Marloth 584. Riversdale: Muir 148; Marloth 3536. Mossel
Bay: Town Clerk (specimens from the “ Post Office Tree ", declared a national monument, PRE 28382).
Uitenhage: Zeyher (GRA); Zeyher 17 (BOL); Zwartkopsrivier, Drege (L). Albany: near Riebeeck East,
Dyer 3321. Stutterheim: Fort Cunynghame, Calpin 2468. East London: Smith 3816: Galpin 9843.
Komga: Flanagan 111. Kentani: Pegler 882. Port St. Johns: Galpin 1 1465.
Natal. — Port Shepstone: Paddock, Oribi Gorge, McClean 267. Durban: Medley Wood 8707;
9578. Estcourt: Mooi River, Medlev Wood 6306. Hlabisa: False Bay, Gerstner 4818. Ngotshe: near
Magut, Acocks 13023; West 21 17.
S APOTACEAE
35
Swaziland. — Near Komatipoort, Pole Evans 3463 ; 3467; near Stegi, Compton 26017; Rodin 4548;
Usutu River, Miller S249.
Transvaal. — Nelspruit: Kruger National Park, near Pretorius Kop, Codd 6029; near Skukuza,
Codd 5735. Barberton: Komatipoort, Rogers 20800; Codd 7776.
This plant in its typical form (with comparatively narrow leaves and long pedicels) is found from the
Cape Peninsula eastwards along the coast to Natal and extends into Portuguese East Africa. Baker
described S. diospyroides, placed here in synonymy, from Zanguebar in tropical East Africa, as having
smaller flowers, short pedicels and obovate-cuneate leaves. The specimens from Portuguese East Africa
are very often intermediate and link up the two forms. Common names: White Milkwood; Witmelk-
hout.
6377
2. CHRYSOPHYLLUM
Chrysophyllum L., Sp. PI. ed. 1 : 192 (1753); Gen. PI. ed. 5; 89 (1754); Benth. & Hook, f.,
Gen. PI. 2: 653 (1876); Bak. in F.T.A. 3: 498 (1877), pro parte; Engl., Mon. Sapot. Afr.
38 (1904), pro parte excl. Sect. Zeyherellcr, Wright in F.C. 4, 1: 436 (1906), pro parte;
Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 568 (1951), pro parte; Meeusein Bothalia 7 : 326 (1960). Type species:
C. cainito L.
Donella Pierre ex Bail!., Hist. PI. 9: 294 (1892).
Trees or shrubs. Leaves, with parallel, close or distant lateral nerves. Stipules
wanting or at least very early deciduous. Flowers axillary, or on the naked branches
below the leaves, solitary or in fascicles, generally 5-merous. Corolla-lobes entire,
imbricate; tube cylindric, urceolate or campanulate, usually short. Alternipetalous
staminodes 0. Stamens usually short; anthers versatile, more or less dorsifixed, ovate
to triangular, often apiculate, sometimes somewhat sagittate at the base. Ovary hairy;
style columnar, short, thick, glabrous; ovules with lateral or baso-lateral attachment.
Berry usually 3-5-seeded. Seeds with long and narrow ventral scar; testa hard, smooth
and shiny; endosperm copious; cotyledons thin and foliaceous.
Between 100 and 200 species described, but some of them have been, and more will probably have to
be referred to other genera. For a discussion of the delimitation of the genus see Bothalia 7:317 (1960).
Found mainly in tropical America, less than 30 species in Africa, one in Madagascar; a few species
recorded from tropical Asia, Australia and the Pacific. The South African representative belongs to the
sharply defined subgenus Donella (Pierre ex Baill.) A. Meeuse.
Chrysophyllum viridifolium Wood & Franks in Wood, Natal PI. 6: 569 (1912);
Gerstner in J. S. Afr. Bot. 12: 48, fig. 3 (1946); Meeuse in Bothalia 7 : 328 (1960). Type:
Durban, Stella Bush, Franks in Herb. Wood 11636 (NH, holo!.; BOL, PRE).
A large tree 10-30 m high, with a girth at 2 m from the ground of 1 • 5 m and over;
trunk usually unbranched for 5 m or more; innovations, petioles, pedicels and calyx-
lobes finely rusty velvety-tomentose. Leaves scattered on the branches, thinly coriaceous,
exstipulate, 4-12 cm long and 2-4-5 cm wide, oblong or (ob-) ovate-oblong, ovate or
elliptic, obtuse or bluntly acuminate, more or less rounded at the base, dark glossy green
above, lighter and dull beneath, glabrous when mature, except near the midrib and at
the very base near the petiole beneath, with reflexed edge; midrib impressed above,
prominent beneath; lateral nerves about 11 per cm, patent but not quite perpendicular
to the midrib, often forked, almost straight, parallel; petioles 5-12 mm long. Flowers
2-2 • 5 mm long, nearly globose, in up to 20-flowered clusters in the axils of the lower
leaves and on raised warts on the older twigs; bracts very minute or wanting; pedicels
almost capillary, 4-5 mm long. Sepals erect, concave, ciliate. Corolla scarcely longer
than the calyx; tube urceolate; lobes erect, ovate to oblong-rotundate, very obtuse or
rounded, ciliate at least at the lateral margins. Ovary densely rusty- villous, often
somewhat lobed; style conical-cylindric from a broad base, longer than the ovary.
36
Sapotaceae
Berry depressed-globose with a depression near the top (shaped like a small apple), 2-3
cm long and 2-3-5 cm in diam., smooth, glabrous, yellow when ripe with a yellowish-
white pulp. Seeds semicircular-elliptic, 15-18 mm long, 9-12 mm broad and 5-6 mm
thick in centre, keeled and curved at the back, almost straight at the ventral side with a
long, narrow, linear scar occupying nearly the whole length of the seed; testa hard, shiny
as if polished, bright yellow-brown when dry.
In evergreen lowland forests in Natal, Swaziland and the southern part of Portuguese East Africa.
Natal. — Durban: Bayer 14485; Berea, Franks in Herb. Wood 11636. Eshowe: Gerstner 2546.
Ingwavuma: Bayer in NH 31432; Ngoye Forest, Mehliss in FD Herb. 2686 (SAFD).
Swaziland. — N.N. in F.D. Herb. 5328; Hlatikulu, Boocock 31.
The fruits are edible and according to Gerstner of good flavour.
6377a 3. BEQUAERTIODENDRON
Bequaertiodendron de Wild, in Rev. Zool. Afr. 7, Suppl. Bot. 22 (1919); PI. Bequaert.
4: 143 (1926); emend. Heine and J. H. Hemsley in Kew Bull. 1960: 306 (1960). Type
species: B. congolense de Wild.
Chrysophyllum L. sect. Zeyherella Pierre ex Engl., Mon. Sapot. Afr. 46 (1904).
Pachystela sect. Zeyherella (Engl.) Lecomte in Bull. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris 25: 193 (1919).
Tisserantiodoxa Aubrev. & Pellegr. in Bull. Soc. Bot. Fr. 104: 277 (1957).
Zeyherella (Engl.) Aubrev. & Pellegr., l.c. 105: 37 (1958). Aubrev. in Not. Syst. 16. fasc. 3 & 4: 255
(1960).
Boivinella Aubrev. & Pellegr., l.c. (1958), non A. Camus in Bull. Soc. Bot. Fr. 72: 174 (1925).
Neoboivinella Aubrev. & Pellegr., l.c. 105: 23 (1959).
Pouteria sensu Meeuse in Bothalia 7: 332 (1960).
Trees or shrubs. Branches terete, the young ones often tomentose. Leaves varying
from papyraceous to coriaceous, exstipulate or occasionally stipulate, often crowded
towards the tips of the branches; often hairy on both sides or the lower side; secondary
nerves as a rule distinctly stronger than tertiary ones; tertiary nervation mutually
parallel or reticulate, parallel with or more or less perpendicular to secondary nerves;
stipules, if present, subulate or setaceous. Flowers fasciculate in axils of leaves or leaf-
scars, sometimes on raised warts, rarely solitary, pedicelled or sometimes sessile. Sepals
generally 5. occasionally 4 or 6, in a single whorl, connate at the base only, subequal or
innermost narrower. Corolla tubular to campanulate; lobes 5 (occasionally 4 or 6),
more or less erect to somewhat spreading. Alternipetalous staminodes generally 5, but
sometimes fewer, or absent, generally lanceolate or subulate, but sometimes squamiform
or petaloid. Stamens 5 (occasionally 4 or 6). Ovary generally 5-loculed, more or less
conical; style usually short, cylindric or subulate. Fruits 1-5-seeded but in many
species often only 1 or 2 seeds develop; pericarp usually fleshy. Seeds with a thin, often
brittle, crustaceous testa and a large to very large cicatrix covering the ventral half of the
seed or more, sometimes cicatrix smaller, linear or oblong; cotyledons thick and fleshy;
endosperm absent or present as a thin membranous layer.
An African genus in which 3 species are recognised, 2 of which occur in Southern Africa. Reasons
for separating the latter from the genus Chrysophyllum were given in Bothalia 7: 333 (1960), where they
were included in a widened concept of Pouteria Aubl. Heine and Hemsley in the Kew Bulletin published
some months later, support the recognition of these as belonging to a separate genus but do not agree that
they can be included in Pouteria which is an American genus. They are of the opinion that this complex,
of which “ Chrysophyllum magalismontanum ” is a typical representative, is conspecific with the type
specimen of Bequaertiodendron which they regard as the oldest generic name available. They mention
the genus Englerophytum Krause, 1914, which they say may belong to this group but since the type
material is destroyed and the “ diagnosis and illustration show aberrant characters ” they do not take it
into consideration. Shortly afterwards Aubr6ville observes in Notulae Syst. 16, fasc. 3-4, p. 253, Dec.
1960, that Englerophytum and Bequaertiodendron are synonymous, but he keeps up the genus Zeyherella
for Chrysophyllum magalismontanum and several equatorial species (but does not include C. natalense)..
The Heine & Hemsley treatment is more convincing and is followed here.
Sapotaceae
37
Leaves usually rounded or emarginate at the apex, usually rust> -tomentose, rarely silvery, on
lower surface; flowers usually pedicellate, fasciculate or solitary, often on raised warts on the
naked branches below the leaves; pedicels and calyx rusty-pubescent 1 . B. magalismontanum
Leaves usually bluntly acuminate at the apex, usually silvery-white on lower suiface; flowers sessile,
solitary or 2-3 together in the leaf-axils; calyx with a dark tobacco-brown pubescence
2. B. natalense
1. Bequaertiodendron magalismontanum ( Sond .) Heine & J. H. Hemsley in Kew
Bull. 1960: 307 (1960). Type: Transvaal, Magaliesberg, Zeyher \%A,9 (S, holo.; BOL,
SAM).
Chrysophyllum magalismontanum Sond. in Linnaea 23: 72 (1850), sphalm. “ magalismontana ”;
Engl., Mon. Sapot. Afr. 47, t. 16C (1904); Wright in F.C. 4, 1: 437 (1906); Phillips in FI. PI. S. Afr.
3: t. 96 (1923); Marloth, FI. S. Afr. 3: 36, t. 10 (1923); Gerstner in Journ. S. Afr. Bot. 12: 40, fig. 4
(1946); Journ. S. Afr. Bot. 14: 171, figs A-F (1948). C. argyrophyllum Hiern, Cat. Afr. PI. Welw. 3: 641
(1898); Engl., l.c., 46, t. 16 A (1904).' Syn types: Angola, Welwitsch 4827; 4828; 4829 (BM). C. wilmsii
Engl., l.c., 46, t. 16, fig. 3 (1904); Wright, l.c., 437 (1906). Type: Transvaal, Wilms 1812 (Bf, holo.; K).
Sideroxylon randii S. Moore in Journ. Bot. 41 : 402 (1903) ; Wright, l.c., 439 (1906). Type : Johannes-
burg, Rand 1017 (BM, holo.; J, photo.! ; PRE, fragment).
Zeyherella magalismontana (Sond.) Aubrev., & Pellegr. in Bull. Soc. Bot. Fr. 105: 37 (1958).
Boivinella argyrophylla (Hiern) Aubrev. & Pellegr., l.c. (1958). B. wilmsii (Engl.) Aubrev. & Pellegr.,
l.c. (1958).
Pouteria magalismontana (Sond.) A. Meeuse in Bothalia 7: 335 (1960).
A large tree up to 17 m high when growing in forests but, in its more characteristic
form, a shrub, already flowering and fruiting freely when only about 1 m high; in-
novations and twigs rusty-tomentose. Leaves coriaceous, at first with a white bloom
but soon glabrous and green above, rufo- or aureo-tomentose below, becoming greyish
or silvery-tomentose, 4-15 cm, sometimes up to 30 cm long, 2-5 cm, sometimes up to
7 cm wide, oblanceolate-cuneate, oblong-obovate, obovate-elliptic or oblong, usually
rounded or slightly narrowed, rarely cuneate at the base, emarginate, retuse or obtuse at
the apex, sometimes mucronate; midrib impressed above, very prominent below;
secondary nerves numerous, slender, usually inconspicuous above, often becoming slightly
prominent beneath, patent, at first straight, ascending and curved towards the margin;
petioles 6-12 mm, rarely up to 24 mm long; stipules long-subulate, often curved,
pubescent, early deciduous. Flowers in few- to many-flowered, sometimes very dense,
fascicles, the majority usually on the lower leafless parts of the branches or on older wood
on sometimes rather large, raised warts, and fewer, or none, in the leaf axils; bracts 0 or
very minute; pedicels densely rufo-tomentose, 2-10 mm long or, rarely, flowers sessile.
Calyx 2-5-5 mm long, rusty-tomentose outside; sepals free nearly to the base, often
unequal, ovate, obtuse or subacute. Corolla white or whitish, turning reddish or brown,
glabrous, up to 2 mm longer than the calyx; tube cylindric-urceolate, 0-5-2 mm, usually
1-1 - 5 mm long, the lobes spreading, broadly ovate, obtuse or subacute, 2-4-5 mm long
and about 2 mm wide. Alternipetalous staminodes 0 or sometimes 1-5, inserted just
below the sinuses between the corolla-lobes, much smaller than the latter, scale-like and
minute or sometimes petaloid, ovate or suborbicular, more or less irregularly serrate,
dentate or incised in the upper half, up to 1-5 mm long and 0-5-1 mm wide. Stamens
inserted at the base of the corolla-lobes; filaments 1 • 5-2 mm long; anthers 1-2 mm long,
apiculate; sometimes stamens sterile, staminodial, either resembling a stamen with a
filament-like basal portion and a sagittate-cordate broader top, or more irregularly
shaped, very rarely lanceolate, petaloid. Ovary globose-ovoid, about 2 mm in diam.,
densely villous; style glabrous, about 1 • 5 mm long. Fruit ellipsoid, about 2-5 cm long
and 1 -8 cm in diam., dark dull-red when ripe, edible, crowned with the persistent style,
1- or sometimes 2-seeded. Seeds of 1-seeded fruits compressed-ovoid, 1-6-2 cm long,
1-4-1 -6 cm broad and 0- 8-1-1 cm thick; those of 2-seeded fruits with one flattened
lateral side; testa light brown, shiny, thin and brittle when dry; scar linear-triangular,
ventral, occupying about J of the length of the seed, 2 mm wide or more in widest place. —
Fig. 6: 1.
38
Sapotaceae
Fig. 6. 1. Bequaertiodendron magalismontanum, fruiting and flowering branch (Letty 383); la, corolla
opened, three staminodes present, x 6; lb, seed. 2, Mimusops zeyheri, flowering twig ( Meeuse
9095); 2a, fruiting twig ( Meeuse 9095a); 2b, portion of corolla opened, seen from inside, x 4-5;
2c, seed.
Sapotaceae
39
Found in tropical Africa, from the Congo to Tanganyika and southwards to Angola, Bechuanaland,
the Transvaal, Swaziland and Natal. In Southern Africa, this species is apparently confined to quartzite
and granite rocks, and serves as an indicator of such formations.
Natal. — Ngotshe: Pongola, Gerstner 2461 ; Ngome, Tustin in FD Herb. 6552.
Swaziland. — Codd 1585; Acocks 12850; Miller S/108.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Burtt Davy 258. Nelspruit: Kruger National Park, van der Schiiff 59;
Codd 5745. Springs: Delmas, Naude s.n. Heidelberg: Leendertz in TRV 8077. Johannesburg: Rand
1017; Gerstner 6418; 6424; English in Herb. Galpin 1486. Pretoria: Leendertz 322; 510; Burtt Davy
2675; Hutchinson 2314. Brits: Silikaatsnek, Smuts & Gillett 1061; Magaliesberg Range, Zeyher 1849
(BOL, SAM); Burke 377 (BOL). Rustenburg: Leendertz s.n.; Pegler 1033. Marico: Zeerust, Gerstner
4413 (NH). Warmbaths: Leendertz s.n.; Burtt Davy 2616; Hutchinson 1883. Pietersburg: Woodbush,
Hoffmann 22. Sibasa: near Sibasa, Codd <£ Dyer 4515. Soutpansberg: Louis Trichardt, Hangklip,
Gerstner 5728.
There has been some misunderstanding as regards the occurrence of the reduced flowers with sterile
anthers and their proper significance. Gerstner, Journ. S. Afr. Bot. 14: 171 (1948), discovered that
B. magalismontanum, under unfavourable conditions, produces depauperate flowers, especially after a
severe drought of several months. As soon as sufficient rain has fallen the same plants develop complete
flowers. The sterile stamens are sometimes transformed into lanceolate epipetalous staminodes.
Fertile and sterile stamens sometimes occur in a single flower, and these sterile anthers, sometimes
appearing as subpetaloid epipetalous staminodes are clearly abnormal, at any rate they have no taxonomic
value.
The presence or absence of alternipetalous staminodes is independent of the degree of development
of the stamens. These alternipetalous staminodes are by no means rare; if sufficient flowers of a single
specimen are dissected, some flowers with 1-5 staminodes (at least one in 10) are found. However, some
specimens (or perhaps some individual plants) show a much higher frequency of flowers with developed
staminodes of this type, such as Gerstner 6418 in which the majority (over 60 per cent) of the flowers
possess petaloid staminodes. Moore's type specimen of Sideroxylon randii ( Rand 1017 in BM) is
obviously such a special case. In every other respect, S. randii agrees perfectly with Chrysophyllum
magalismontanum Sond. This is a good example of the unreliability of the absence or presence of
alternipetalous staminodes as a main distinguishing character in this family. Moore, after observing
distinct staminodes, made it a Sideroxylon , whereas Sonder and Engler, who did not see distinct
staminodes, referred the same species, apparently without any doubt, to Chrysophyllum .
2. Bequaertiodendron natalense (Sond.) Heine &J. H. Hemsley in Kew Bull. 1960:
308 (1960). Type: Durban, Berea, Gueinzius 181 (S, holo.).
Chrysophyllum natalense Sond. in Linnaea 23: 72 (1850); Engl., Mon. Sapot. Afr. 43, t. 34, fig. C
(1904); Wood, Natal PI. 4, t. 378 (1906); Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 437 (1906); Sim, For. FI. Cape Col. 252,
t. 94 (1907); Gerstner in Journ. S. Afr. Bot. 12: 48, fig. 2 (1946).
Boivinella natalensis (Sond.) Aubrev. & Pellegr. in Bull. Soc. Bot. Fr. 105 : 37 (1958).
Pouteria natalensis (Sond.) A. Meeuse in Bothalia 7: 339 (1960).
A medium-sized tree, 6-17 m high, but often fruiting freely without much height;
stem up to 50 cm in diam.. bark smooth; twigs slender, terete, grey, glabrescent; inter-
nodes decreasing in length towards the apex, so that the leaves are crowded at the tops
of the twigs; innovations and calyx densely dark tobacco-brown-tomentose. Leaves
obovate-lanceolate, (ob)lanceolate-elliptic or (ob)lanceolate-oblong, 6-15 cm long and
2-5 cm broad, shortly acuminate, acute or obtuse, gradually tapering into the acute or
somewhat acuminate base; when mature, green (drying a characteristic greyish-green),
glabrous and very shiny above, very minutely greyish- or silvery-tomentose, later
sometimes glabrescent beneath, with entire, subdeflexed and more or less undulate
margins; midrib immersed and channelled above, prominent and conspicuous below;
secondary nerves thin, raised, about 20 on either side, patent, almost straight, bifurcate
usually well within the margin and archingly joining, no distant intramarginal vein
present; tertiary nerves inconspicuous, mostly parallel to secondary ones; petioles often
brown or blackish, rugose 6-14 mm long; stipules 0. Flowers sessile, in clusters of 1-3
(rarely more) in the leaf axils; bracts small, inconspicuous or wanting. Calyx about
4 mm long, divided more than half way down, the segments erect, ovate, subacute.
Corolla “ white ” or “ yellowish ”, glabrous; tube somewhat longer than the calyx, more
or less constricted above the middle; lobes suberect, ovate, obtuse, about 1 mm long.
40
Sapotaceae
Anthers subsessile, inserted at the very base of and about as long as the corolla-lobes,
ovate, apiculate. Ovary depressed-globose, more or less 5-lobed, shortly pilose,
contracted into the glabrous, obtuse, cylindrical style which is up to about twice as long
as the ovary. Berry subsessile, cylindric-ovoid or cylindric-oblong, pointed (more or less
shaped like an acorn), crowned with the persistent style, 2-2-5 cm long and 1-1 -5 cm in
diam., deep red when ripe (? also sometimes transparent white, Sim) minutely pubescent,
one-seeded, edible. Seed ellipsoid-oblong, about 20 mm long, 8 mm wide, and 5 mm
thick in the centre, with an oblong 2 • 5 mm wide scar occupying the whole ventral side of
the seed; testa thin, brittle.
Found in frostless forests growing mostly in the open or gregariously (Sim), in the eastern Cape
Province and Natal, from East London and Komga northwards, with one record from the Transvaal;
also recorded from Portuguese East Africa and the eastern part of Rhodesia, and extending into tropical
East Africa as far as Tanganyika or perhaps Uganda.
Cape. — East London: Galpin 9284; 9677. Komga: Flanagan 1138. Kentani: Pegler 859.
Willowmore: Acocks 12284; 12286; Manubi Forest, Story 4475. Ngqeleni: Gokama Forest, Marais
758. Port St. Johns: Miller D/88; Noxolweni Forest, Mogg 13089. Lusikisiki: Egossa, Sim 2374.
Natal. — Umzinto: Dumisa, Rudatis 964 (L). Pietermaritzburg: Killick 308. Durban: Sanderson
s.n.; Medley Wood 732. Eshowe: Gerstner 1920; Codd 1860. Fllabisa: Hluhluwe Game Reserve,
Codd 2050; Ward 1692.
Swaziland. — Miller S263.
Transvaal.- -Pilgrim’s Rest: Mariepskop, Killick & Strey 2496.
According to Sim and Gerstner, the species yields a valuable timber.
6386c 4. LECOMTEDOXA
Lecomtedoxa (Engl.) Dubard in Ann. Mus. Col. Marseille 23: 31 (1915); Baehni in
Candollea 7 : 456 (1938); Lam in Blumea 4: 350 (1941); Meeuse in Bothalia 7 : 343 (1960).
Type species: Lecomtedoxa k/einiana (Pierre ex Engl.) Dub.
Mimusops subgenus Lecomtedoxa Pierre ex Engl., Mon. Sapot. Afr. 82, t. 24, fig. A (1904). — sub-
genus Quarternaria sect. Inhambanella Engl., l.c. 80 (1904).
Inhambanella (Engl.) Dubard, l.c. 42 (1915); Aubrev. in Adansonia 1: 6 (1961).
Small to very large tree. Leaves coriaceous. Flowers in fascicles in the axils of the
leaves or of leaf-scars below the leaves. Calyx-lobes 4-6; sometimes 3, sometimes
unequal and subbiseriate. Corolla usually 4-6-lobed; the lobes each with 2 lateral
appendages (sometimes with only one appendage); appendages entire, either very broad
and larger than the lobes, or small. Alternipetalous staminodes lanceolate to ovate-
lanceolate or long-triangular. Stamens inserted in the throat of the corolla-tube;
anthers apiculate. Ovary 5(-6)-loculate, hairy, ovules with lateral attachment; style
glabrous, rather short, either capitate or tapering at the apex. Lruit 1-seeded, rather
large. Seed with long scar occupying the ventral side of the seed; testa crustaceous;
endosperm 0 or very thin; cotyledons thick and fleshy.
Two or three species in tropical West Africa and one in coastal forests in Portuguese East Africa and
Zululand.
Lecomtedoxa henriquesii (Engl. & Warb.) A. Meeuse in Bothalia 7: 344 (1960).
Type: Portuguese East Africa, probably Inhambane, Rolla Ferreira s.n. (COI, holo.!).
Mimusops henriquesii Engl. & Warb. in Engl., Mon. Sapot. Afr. 80(1904), sphalm. “ henriquezii ”,
cf. corrigenda, l.c., p. 88. M. henriquesiana Sim (sphalm.?), For. FI. P.E.A. 80, t. 77 A (1909); Gerstner
in Journ. S. Afr. Bot. 12: 54 (1946).
Inhambanella henriquesii (Engl.) Dubard in Ann. Mus. Col. Marseille 23: 43 (1915); Aubrev. in
Adansonia 1 : 6 (1961).
Sapotacfae
41
vftSh<i
( IfA Tv( .
pIG- 7, — p Austromimusops dispar, flowering twig ( Acocks 10721); la, portion of corolla, opened,
seen from inside, x 6; lb, gynoecium, x 10; lc, fruit {Pentz et al. 1A); Id, seed, lateral and
ventral view. 2, A. marginata, flowering twig ( Flanagan 27).
42
Sapotaceae
Tree up to about 20 m high; branches soon quite glabrous, usually marked v/ith
leaf-scars; stipules early deciduous. Leaves varying from oblanceolate-oblong to
broadly elliptic, coriaceous but rather thin, green or greyish-green, 5—17 cm long and
2-7-8 cm wide, with obtuse, rounded or bluntly acuminate, often emarginate and more
or less deflexed apex, acute or somewhat attenuate and slightly decurrent at the base,
margin reflexed, often more or less undulate; raised, semiglobose galls usually present;
midrib prominent below; secondary nerves 6-9 on either side, rather distant, slender,
tertiary nerves more or less perpendicular to the midrib and joining the secondary ones,
forming a coarse reticulation; petioles 12-50 mm long. Flowers in few- to many-
flowered fascicles; bracts ovate, usually strongly concave, 1-3 mm long; pedicels 5-20
mm but usually 10-15 mm long, brownish-tomentose. Sepals erect, more or less
concave, 4-5 mm long, unequal to sub-biseriate ; the outer 2-3 ovate-triangular from a
broad base, 3-4 mm wide, subacute, brownish-tomentose outside and inside near the
margin and towards the apex; inner ones thinner in texture and narrower, obtuse or
rounded at the apex, tomentose outside, glabrous inside, finely ciliate along the margin.
Corolla yellowish or white; tube cylindric-campanulate, about 3 mm long; lobes elliptic
or elliptic-oblong. 4-4-5 mm long, and 2-3 mm wide; lateral appendages shorter than
or as long as the corolla-lobes, attached near the middle of the corolla-lobes or near the
base, usually asymmetrical, ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate-falcate, 1-4 mm long. Alterni-
peta/ous staminodes often somewhat undulate, entire, acute or obtuse, glabrous, about
3 mm long. Stamens 4-6; filaments linear, 1-2-5 mm long, glabrous, anthers oblong.
1 • 5-2 • 5 mm long. Ovary ovoid-conical, about 1 • 5 mm long and 1 • 5-2 mm in diameter ;
style about 1 -5 mm long and 0-5 mm thick; stigma capitate, indistinctly 5-lobed and
sometimes also bilobed. Fruit ellipsoid, about 4 cm long and 2-5 cm in diameter.
Seed oblong, somewhat compressed, about 3 cm long, 1 - 5 cm wide and 1 - 2 cm thick;
testa crustaceous, shiny, scar oblong, about 28 mm long and 6 mm wide; cotyledons
about 5 mm thick.
Known from Zululand and Portuguese East Africa, where it grows in open coastal forest.
Natal. — Hlabisa: St. Lucia estuary, Ward44\ (NU); Mdlozi Peninsula, Ward 3032.
In a note on Ward 3032, the collector mentions that the young growths are of a conspicuous red to
red-brown colour.
6386b
5. AUSTROMIMUSOPS
Austromimusops A. Meeuse in Bothalia 7: 347 (1960). Type species: A. marginata
(N.E. Br.) A. Meeuse.
Inhambanella Dubard in Ann. Mus. Col. Marseille 23: 42 (1915), pro parte, non Mimusops
subgenus Quarternaria sect. Inhambanella Engl., Mon. Sapot. Afr. 80 (1904).
Mimusops Auct., pro parte.
Large shrubs to medium-sized trees. Leaves crowded at the very tips of the
branches, rarely also with some leaves lower on the same twig, exstipulate, firm but not
coriaceous, with a very fine reticulate ultimate nervation which is conspicuous on at least
one surface. Flowers in the axils of the leaves or of scaly bracts, 1-4 together but, as
the leaves are crowded, apparently forming dense umbels of up to 20 flowers and over;
pedicels usually more or less pendulous. Calyx biseriate; lobes free nearly to the base,
3 + 3 or 4 + 4. very rarely 5 + 5; outer calyx lobes thicker and usually broader than the
inner ones. Corolla 3- or 4-merous; tube very short, lobes and lateral appendages
subequal. Stamens 6 or 8; anthers longer than the filaments, apiculate. Staminodes
usually quite entire, concave, hairy outside. Ovary 6- or 8-loculed. usually subglobose;
ovules with lateral or sometimes basi-lateral attachment; style terete, subacute or
Sapotaceae
43
subtruncate at the apex. Fruit one-seeded, rarely 2-seeded. Seed with rather thin,
crustaceous or tough, almost pergamentaceous testa and large broad scar occupying
nearly the whole ventral side of the seed; endosperm absent; cotyledons thick and fleshy.
The genus contains at least four species, two within the area of the Flora, one endemic to Southern
Rhodesia and one in tropical East Africa.
Leaves usually more than 6 cm long, generally obovate, petiole usually over 10 mm long; pedicels
2-5 cm long 1 • A. marginata
Leaves (at least the majority) under 6 cm long, generally oblanceolate-oblong; petiole 3-8 mm,
rarely up ro 10 mm long; pedicels 0-9-2 cm long 2. A. dispar
1. Austromimusops marginata (N.E. Br.) A. Meeuse in Bothalia7; 348(1960), Type:
Komga, Flanagan 27 (K, holo.; BOL. GRA. NBG, PRE).
Mimusops marginata N.E. Br. in Kew Bull. 1895: 108 (1895); Engl., Mon. Sapot. Afr. 71 (1904);
Wright in F.C. 4, 1:441 (1906); Sim, For. FI. Cape Col. 254, t. 97, fig. 1 (1907); Gerstner in Journ. S. Afr.
Bot. 12: 54, figs 8, 9 (1946). M. natalensis Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. 4: 441 (1896); as “ M. trans-
vaalensis Schinz ” (sphalm.), Radik, in Zahlbr., PI. Penther, 1, in Ann. K. K. Naturh. Mus. Wien 15 • 63
(1900). Type: Komga, Schlechter 6220 (Z, holo.; GRA). M. schinzii Engl., l.c. 70, t. 29, fig. A (1904),
nom. illegit. ; Wright, l.c., 443 (1906); Gerstner, l.c. (1946). Type: same as M. natalensis Schinz.
Inhambanella natalensis (Schinz) Dubard in Ann. Mus. Col. Marseille 23: 43 (1915).
Tree 6-20 m high and 30-60 cm in diam.; stem straight; branches terete, grey, more
or less rough; ultimate branches short and rather stout, usually over 3 mm thick, often
much thicker, glabrous. Leaves obovate or elliptic-obovate, sometimes elliptic-oblong
or elliptic-(ob)lanceolate, with a dull shine (but not smooth) and drying a greyish green
(rarely brown) above, paler and duller below, 3-15 (usually 6-13) cm by 1 -5-6 (usually
2-5) cm; more or less acuminate with obtuse apex, with a narrowed or somewhat
rounded base and subreflexed margin; midrib distinct; petioles 5-20 mm long. Flowers
on 2-5 cm long pedicels, generally 4-merous. Calyx lobes acuminate or acute, 7-5-12
mm long, outer rusty-pubescent, inner pale pubescent. Corolla dull white; tube 1-2 mm
long, pubescent outside, lobes and appendages subequal, 6-9 • 5 mm long. Staminodes
densely villous outside, 4 • 5-5 • 5 mm long. Stamens 6-8 mm long. Style 9-1 1 mm long,
Fruit rather large, ovoid or ellipsoid, apiculate or attenuate-apiculate, ultimately
glabrous, purplish-red. up to 5 cm long and 3-5 cm diameter. Seed broadly ellipsoid,
2-2-5 cm long, about 2 cm wide and about 1 - 8 cm thick; testa pale buff when dry; scar
somewhat shorter than the seed, occupying about half its surface area, elliptic or oblong
in outline, emarginate at the apex and about 2 cm broad in the widest place. — Fig. 7: 2.
Occurs in lowland or lower forests in frost-free areas in the eastern Cape and Natal, extending into
the extreme south-east of the Transvaal, Swaziland and the southern part of Portuguese East Africa.
Cape. — East London: Acocks 10979; 12298. Komga: Gwenkala, Flanagan 27. Kentani: Pegler
692.
Natal.- — Port Shepstone: near Mehlomnyama, Marais 7871. Umzinto: Dumisa, Rudatis 450 (L).
Durban: Warner Beach, Ward 977 ; Umlaas, Kotze 436. Empangeni: Utimona, Gerstner 2748. Non-
goma: Wendelane Kloof, Gerstner 4657 . Hlabisa: Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Ward 1599. Ingwavuma:
Cecil Mack’s Pass, Acocks 13129; Codd 2074.
Transvaal. — Nelspruit: Kruger National Park, Crocodile River Poort, van der Schijff 3960.
2. Austromimusops dispar (N.E. Br.) A. Meeuse in Bothalia 7: 352 (1960). Type:
Natal, Thresh in Herb. Wood 5425 (K, holo.; NH, GRA!).
Mimusops dispar N.E. Br. in Kew Bull. 1895: 107 (1895); Engl., Mon. Sapot. Afr. 71 (1904); Wright
in F.C. 4, 1: 443 (1906).
Large shrub or small tree, up to 10 m high; vegetative parts soon glabrescent;
branches light grey, usually rather rough and the younger ones marked in stretches with
the scars of fallen leaves; ultimate twigs usually less than 10 cm long. Leaves
oblanceolate-cuneate, or oblanceolate-obovate to obovate-oblong, drying green or
44
Sapotaceae
yellowish-green above, paler and duller beneath, 2-7 cm long and 0-75-2-5 cm wide;
petiole 3-8 mm long; blade with a very slightly reflexed margin, obtuse, subacute or
shortly and bluntly acuminate, but not usually rounded at the top, gradually narrowing
into the acute or acuminate-decurrent base. Flowers few to many (over 20 ^ m one twig;
bracts minute; pedicels rather slender, 1-16 mm long, buffy-brown tomentose. Calyx
biseriate; outer sepals ovate-triangular, acute or subacute, buffy-green tomentose
outside, with a whitish margin, greyish-tomentose inside near the tip, 5-6 mm long and
about 3 mm wide; inner ones about as long and as wide as the outer ones, thinner in
texture, ovate-oblong, more obtuse, greyish-pubescent outside with a slightly darker
longitudinal streak in the middle, and inside at least in upper half. Corolla yellowish,
glabrous; tube about 0-5 mm long; lobes and lateral appendages subequal, linear-
lanceolate, acute or subobtuse, 5-6 mm long and 1-1 -5 mm wide. Stamens : filaments
1 -5-2 mm long, subulate from a broad flattened base; anthers ovate-lanceolate, acute,
2-3 mm long. Staminodes ovate-lanceolate, long-acuminate, concave, hairy on the
back, about 3 mm long. Ovary subglobose, about 2 mm in diameter; style glabrous,
2-3 mm long, the apex sub-acute. Fruit green or yellowish-green, more or less densely
covered with a short brown pubescence, ellipsoid or ovoid, apiculate, 2-3 cm long,
1- 5-2 -5 cm in diam.; pericarp thin, almost leathery when fresh. Seed pale brown,
2- 2 • 5 cm long and 1 • 5-2 cm in diam. with pale whitish scar. Fig. 7:1.
Restricted to the bushveld of the upper and central Tugela catchment.
Natal. — “Thorns” near Greytown, Thresh in Herb. Wood 5425. Estcourt: Mooi River,
“Thorns”, Medley Wood 4472 (NH); Sim 2187; 2188 (NU); Weenen Veld Reserve, Acocks 10148;
Pentz & Acocks 10721; Pentz 116; 596; 1; 2; 1A; IB; West 1189; 1190; Muden, Sim 19078; 19138,
Verdoorn Mil. Msinga: confluence of Mooi and Tugela Rivers, Edwards 881. Umvoti: Keats Drift,
Edwards 916.
6386
6. MIMUSOPS
Mimusops L., Sp. PI. ed. 1: 349 (1753); Gen. PI. ed. 5: 175 (1754), pro parte; Bak. in
F.T.A. 3: 505 (1877), pro parte; Engl., Mon. Sapot. Afr. 50 (1904), pro parte; Wright
in F.C. 4, 1 : 439 (1906), pro parte; Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 568 (1951), pro parte; Royen in
Blumea 6: 594 (1952); Meeuse in Bothalia 7: 355 (1960). Type Species: Mimusops
elengi L.
Trees or shrubs. Leaves exstipulate, not conspicuously crowded towards the tips
of the branches, without sclereids and with a rather lax, not conspicuously parallel or
“ striate ” secondary nervation. Flowers axillary, pedicellate, constantly 4-merous.
Calyx biseriate; the sepals free nearly to the base, often long and narrow. Corolla
8-lobed, each lobe with 2 dorsal appendages; the latter entire or divided (in South Africa
always entire); often appendages in an outer row of 16 and petals in an inner row of 8.
Stamens inserted in the throat of the corolla tube; the anthers usually (in South Africa
always) shorter than the more or less lanceolate and apiculate anthers. Alternipetalous
staminodes 8, entire, or somewhat dentate, lacerate or fimbriate at the apex only, often
pubescent at least at the back or along the edges (in South Africa never glabrous),
incurved and more or less covering the style. Ovary 8-loculed; ovules with basal
attachment; style rather long and slender, cylindric-subulate to filiform. Fruit a 1- to
few-seeded berry. Seeds with a small, circular and almost basal scar; testa shiny, hard
and thick; endosperm copious; cotyledons thin, foliaceous.
A genus of 30 40 species, with one exception (the Australasian Mimusops elengi) confined to Africa;
three species in South Africa.
Sapotaceae
45
Leaves obovate, obovate-cuneate or almost obcordate, always distinctly narrowing towards the
base, usually emarginate or retuse, with strongly revolute edges and, at least when young, with
a white (sometimes fulvous) appressed, silky pubescence below (very old leaves glabrous);
coastal tree 1. M. caffra
Leaves not as above, glabrous when old or with powdery vestiges of a rusty brown pubescence:
Petioles under 1 cm long; leaves usually rather small (mostly under 6 cm long) and usually drying
dark brown ; branches and leaves very soon glabrous ; flowers about 2cm in diameter when
fully expanded, very rarely smaller, usually solitary in the axils, sometimes 2 together,
usually not numerous on a single branchlet 2. M. obovata
Petioles over 1 cm long; leaves often more than 6 cm long; innovations and young leaves, as well
as tips of young branches densely rusty-pubescent, the tips of the branches often remaining
pubescent for a considerable time; flowers up to 1-5 cm in diam. when fully expanded,
often in clusters of more than 2 flowers, often numerous on a single branchlet. .3. M. zeyheri
1. Mimusops caffra E. Mey ex A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 203 (March 1844); Wood,
Natal PI. 1: 36, t. 43 (1898); Engl., Mon. Sapot. Afr. 72, t. 27 fig. B (1904); Wright in
F.C. 4, 1 : 441 (1906); Sim, For. FI. Cape Col. 255, t. 97 (1907); For. FI. P.E.A. 80, t. 75
(1909); Gerstner in Journ. S. Afr. Bot. 12: 52, fig. 7 (1946); Meeuse in Bothalia 7: 356
(I960). Type: Pondoland, Drege s.n. (G, holo.; L!).
M. caffra E. Mey. ex Drege, Zwei Pflanzeng. Doc. 155 (1843), nomen tantum. M. revoluta Hochst.
in Krauss in Flora 27: 825 (December 1844). Type: Durban, Krauss 76 (K).
Tree or large shrub up to about 15 m high, with stem up to 50 cm diam. ; youngest
parts densely rusty-tomentose. Leaves obovate, obovate-oblong or obovate-cuneate to
almost obcordate, 3-7 cm long and 1-5-4 cm broad, firmly coriaceous, usually with
strongly reflexed margin, glaucous and glabrous above, paler and appressed silky-
pubescent beneath (almost invariably white or silvery), with usually rounded, emarginate
or retuse apex, base tapering into the 5-15 mm long petiole. Flowers usually numerous
on one branchlet, often 2-4 together in the leaf axils; pedicels usually recurved, 2-3 cm
long, mostly distinctly 4-angled, shortly rusty-tomentose, tending to turn grey. Sepals
lanceolate, acuminate, about 1 cm long; outer ones rusty-tomentose outside, about 3 mm
wide, inner ones with pale tomentum, about 2 mm wide. Corolla glabrous; tube short;
lobes lanceolate, about 10 mm long, with about 7 mm long lanceolate appendages.
Filaments about 2 • 5 mm long; anthers about 6 mm long. Staminodes triangular-ovate,
slightly longer than the filaments, densely pilose outside. Ovary ovoid, densely pilose,
about 2 mm long; style long-cylindrical, tapering into an acute point, about 1 1 mm long.
Fruit ovoid, 1 -5-2 cm long, 1-1 -5 cm diam., more or less rounded at the top but often
contracted into and crowned by the persistent style, red when ripe, edible, usually
(always?) 1 -seeded; calyx-lobes persistent under the fruit, not reflexed, but appressed to
the fruit, greyish pubescent. Seed oval, subcompressed, indistinctly keeled at the ventral
side, not produced at the base, 13-17 mm long, 8-9 mm wide and 5-7 mm thick in the
middle; testa shining brown.
A coastal tree forming a large proportion of the vegetation of the sand dunes, growing down to the
high water mark and fully exposed to sea winds and spray. Exposed specimens usually dwarfed and
gnarled, but in sheltered places up to 15 m high. The seeds are often washed up near the high
water mark, sometimes in large quantities. Distributed from the eastern Cape Province to Delagoa Bay.
Cape. — Bathurst: Burtt Davy 7856; Marloth 10897 ; Tyson s.n. \ Story 2163; Kowie and Port Alfred,
Burchett 3805. East London: Galpin 1835; 9285; Smith 3817. Komga: Kei Mouth, West 2024.
Kentani: Pegler 1298. Port St. Johns: Schonland 4038. Bizana?: “ between Umtentu and Umsam-
kulu ”, Drege s.n. (L, iso.! ).
Natal. — Port Shepstone: Mogg 13197. Umzinto: near Botha House, Smuts 2325; Sezela,
Smuts s.n. Pinetown: Winkelspruit, Rudatis 1608. Durban: near Durban, Forbes & Obermeyer 72;
Amanzimtoti, Kotze 453. Lower Tugela: Stanger, Pentz 386. Mtunzini: Inyoni Bush, Gerstner
1936. Ubombo: near Sordwana Bay, Gerstner 733; Ward 3013.
As regards the synonym, Mimusops caffra was the only name used for this species in all recent
publications, but Krauss in 1844 validly published Mimusops revoluta Hochst. based on Krauss 76 from
Durban. Mr. de Winter kindly supplied the information that an isotype is present in the Kew Herbarium
and that it is identical with M. caffra.
46
Sapotaceae
2. Mimusops obovata Sond. in Linnaea 23: 17 (1850); Harv., Thes. Cap. 1 : 28, t. 44
(1859); Engl., Mon. Sapot. Afr. 72, t. 27, fig. D (1904); Sim, For. FI. Cape Col. 254, t. 96
(1907); Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 442 (1906); Marloth, FI. S. Afr. 3: 36, t. 10 (1932); Gerstner
in J. S. Afr. Bot. 12: 54, fig. 10 (1946); Meeuse in Bothalia 7: 358 (1960). Type: Uiten-
hage, Ecklon & Zeyher “ Sideroxylon No. 10 ” (S, lecto.!; GRA, PRE).
M. oleifolia N.E. Br. in Kew Bull. 109 (1895); Engl., l.c., 73, t. 34, fig. B (1904); Wright, l.c., 442
(1906). Type: Natal, “ Tugela ”, Gerrard 1642 (K, holo.; NH!). M. woodii Engl., l.c., 65, t. 26, fig. A
(1904); Wright, l.c. 440 (1906). Type: Inanda, Medley Wood 683 (Bt, holo.; BOL, NBG!). M.
rudaiisii Engl. & Krause in Bot. Jahrb. 49: 395 (1913). Type: Natal, Dumisa, Rudatis 1136 (Bt, holo.;
L, PRE!).
Tree up to 20 m high; stem 60 cm diam. ; vegetative parts very soon quite glabrous;
branchlets glabrous, as a rule uniformly leafy. Leaves variable in size and shape, but
usually obovate, obovate-oblong or obovate-cuneate, sometimes more elliptic or
obovate-oblanceolate, 2-7 cm long and 1-4 cm broad, rarely narrowly lanceolate, 2-5-6
cm long and 4-9 mm wide, thinly coriaceous, usually drying very dark brown and shiny
above, pale brown and dull beneath, apex obtuse or rarely subacute, sometimes rounded
but not infrequently with a short, blunt acumen; base tapering; margin minutely
reflexed; tertiary veins forming a rather fine reticular nervation which is usually very
conspicuous in dried leaves, at least on the lower surface; petioles 3-9 mm long. Flowers
white, fragrant, solitary or in twos in the leaf axils; pedicels 1-3 cm long, brownish-
tomentose, slender, suberect to patent, usually not distinctly drooping. Sepals narrowly
ovate-lanceolate, acuminate; outer sepals 6-12 mm long and 3-3-5 mm wide, shortly
rusty-tomentose with a very narrow whitish or pale grey edge; inner sepals slightly
shorter and narrower, with a pale grey or whitish tomentum and minutely ciliate, soon
reflexed. Corolla-tube about 1 mm long; lobes linear-lanceolate or narrowly oblong,
about 1 cm long, rarely smaller, the lateral appendages about as long, usually more
acute than the lobes. Filaments 1-2-5 mm long, anthers sagittate or linear-oblong,
apiculate, 3-6 mm long. Staminodes long-triangular or lanceolate-subulate from a
broad base, villous outside, shorter than the stamens but longer than the filaments.
Ovary ovoid or oblong-ovoid, about 2 mm long, densely pilose; style glabrous, terete,
slender, to about 12 mm long, its apex truncate, often subcapitellate. Fruit ovoid or
ovoid-acuminate, 2-3-5 cm long, 1-2 cm in diam., often 1-seeded, ultimately glabrous,
smooth, orange-red or yellow when ripe. Seed , when single, 2-2-5 cm long, 8-10 mm
broad and 6-8 mm thick in the centre, oblong, with rounded apex and obliquely truncate-
notched base, often distinctly keeled on the side above the about 2 mm wide scar, but
when more seeds are present in one fruit, often smaller and irregularly shaped, more
flattened and less distinctly truncate-notched or keeled; testa brown, shiny.
Occurs from the eastern Cape, eastwards and northwards into Natal, Swaziland, Zululand, eastern
Transvaal and Portuguese East Africa (possibly extending into tropical East Africa), in evergreen, dense
to fairly open forests in frost-free areas, mainly at low to fairly low altitudes.
Cape. — Stutterheim: Acocks 8939; Story 1242. Albany: near Grahamstown, Galpin 179. Bathurst:
Kariega Mouth, Acocks 18348. Alexandria: Olifantshoek, Ecklon & Zeyher. East London: Galpin
3164; 9518; 10432. Komga: Flanagan 249. Kentani: Pegler 965. Ngqeleni: Qokama, Acocks
12826. Lusikisiki: Acocks 13426.
Natal. — Port Shepstone: Pole Evans 761; Southbroom, Codd 9705. Umzinto: Dumisa, Rudatis
1136. Durban: near Durban, Medley Wood 9U2; Rogers 24502; Isipingo, Ward 503; Umgeni Dam,
Bayer 1 387; Inanda, Medley Wood 683 (BOL, NBG). Verulam : Umhloti Beach, Codd 1499. Nkandla:
Middlcdrift, Edwards 1423. Msinga: Ngobevu, Edwards 878. Eshowe: Gerstner 1922; 2262; 2440.
Mtunzini: near Mandeni, Edwards 1616; “ Tugela ”, Gerrard 1642. Lower Umfolosi: Umfolosi Game
Reserve, Ward 31 59 ; Ntonjaneni, Gerstner 3675. Nongoma: Wendelane Kloof, Gerstner 4659. Hlabisa:
Hluhluwe, Ward 1700. Ingwavuma: Bayer 760.
Swaziland. — Stewart in TRV 8824; near Stegi, Keith s.n.
Transvaal. — Letaba: The Downs, Renny DB 52.
In Flora Capensis 4. 1 : 442 (1906), Burtt Davy 2625 from Warmbaths, Transvaal, is listed as M.
obovata Sond. but it is, in fact, M. zeyheri Sond.
Sapotaceae
47
The shape of the leaves of one specimen is usually fairly uniform but the various forms described as
M. oleifolia N.E. Br., M. woodii Engl., M. rudatisii Engl. & Krause, are, in my opinion, only ecotypes,
as was already suggested by Gerstner. The forest form has rather thin leaves which are large and
obovate, and corresponds with the descriptions of M. obovata and of M. woodii; a depauperate ( ?) form
growing in rocky places in the sun, has small coriaceous leaves, flowers more freely and corresponds with
the narrow-leaved M. oleifolia. Not only are all these forms linked up in the herbarium by intermediate
specimens, but the flowers, branches, pedicels, fruits and seeds are also identical.
3. Mimusops zeyheri Sond. in Linnaea 23: 44 (1850); Engl., Mon. Sapot. Afr. 73,
t. 27, fig. C (1904); Wright in F.C. 4, 1: 441 (1906); Gerstner in J. S. Afr. Bot. 12: 54
(1946); Meeuse in FI. PI. Afr. 30: t. 1164 (1954); Bothalia 7: 361 (1960). Type: Trans-
vaal, Magaliesberg, Zeyher 1130 (S. holo.; BOL. NBG!).
M. kirkii Bak. in F.T.A. 3: 567 (1877); Engl., l.c. 67 (1904); Gerstner, l.c. 55 (1946). Types:
Lower Shire Valley, Kirk s.n.; Rovuma, Kirk s.n. (K). M. zeyheri var. laurifolia Engl., l.c. 73 (1904).
Type: Nyasaland, Buchanan 304. M. monroi S. Moore in Journ. Bot. Lond. 49: 154 (1911). Type:
Southern Rhodesia, Monro 761 (BM, holo.; BOL, SRGH!).
Tree tip to 15 m tall; branches spreading, forming a leafy, umbrageous canopy, or
often appearing as a large shrub; young vegetative parts appressed rusty-tomentose;
branches, petioles and leaves ultimately glabrous. Leaves coriaceous or thinly coriaceous,
shiny above, paler beneath, ovate-lanceolate to oblong-obovate, sometimes obovate or
broadly elliptic, sometimes broadly lanceolate, apex obtusely acuminate or gradually
tapering, obtuse or more rarely slightly emarginate, occasionally rounded, tapering at
the base, margin slightly thickened and subreflexed, 4-11 cm long and 2-5 cm wide;
petiole 10-35 mm long. Flowers often numerous on the twigs in fascicles of 3 or more,
sometimes only 1-3 per axil; pedicels 10-30 mm long, rusty-pubescent, recurved.
Sepals long-triangular to ovate-lanceolate, acute; the outer ones rusty-pubescent often
with a narrow pale edge, 5-7 mm long and 2-3 mm wide, the inner ones pale greyish-
white tomentose, slightly shorter and narrower. Corolla-lobes about 6 mm long,
linear-lanceolate, acute, their appendages about as long or shorter, 4-6 mm, linear-
lanceolate and acute. Anthers elongate-sagittate, apiculate, about 3-5 mm long on
subulate 1 • 5 mm long filaments. Staminodes long-triangular or triangular-lanceolate,
either shorter than the stamens and acute, or longer than the stamens and long-acuminate
to nearly aristate; densely pilose outside. Ovary globose or ovoid, about 2-5 mm long,
villous, attenuate into the 5-10 mm long glabrous, terete long-subulate style. Berry
ovoid, ellipsoid or almost spherical, 2-3 cm long, 1-2-5 cm diam., sometimes smaller,
glabrous and yellow when ripe, usually crowned by the persistent style (at least when
young), with mealy, edible pulp, 1-4 seeded. Seeds obovate or elliptic, compressed,
usually 15-20 mm long, 9-12 mm wide and 4-5 mm thick, sometimes considerably
smaller; often (especially when 1 or 2 seeds are present) more or less laterally produced
or at any rate somewhat attenuate at the base; the scar nearly basal, almost horizontal,
in a hollow sinus; testa light brown, shiny. — Fig. 6: 2.
Recorded from fairly dry, wooded areas at medium altitudes in Bechuanaland, Transvaal, Swaziland,
Portuguese East Africa, Rhodesia and extending into tropical East Africa.
Swaziland.— Lebombo Mts., Hornby 2805; Stegi, Codd & Dyer 2910; Miller S/76; Acocks 15350.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Burtt Davy 2810. Nelspruit: Kruger National Park, near Pretorius Kop,
Codd 4409; van der Schijjf 25', 696; 1461. Lydenburg: Sekukuniland, van Warmelo 94; Mogg 16916.
Letaba: Duiwelskloof, Gerstner 5881 . Sibasa: Punda Milia, Codd 6514; near Pafuri, van der Schijjf 578;
3812. Soutpansberg: Tshakoma, Obermeyer 1092; near Louis Trichardt, Hutchinson 2004; Obermeyer ,
Schweickerdt & Verdoorn 361a. Petersburg: Woodbush, Hoffman 30; Blaauwberg, Bremtkamp &
Schweickerdt 1118. Potgietersrus : Galpin 8823; 9023. Waterberg: Nylstroom, Prosser 1753; Vaalwater,
Smuts, 362. Warmbaths: Burtt Davy 2149; 2625; Galpin 8853. Middelburg: Olifants River Gorge,
Mogg 22447. Pretoria : Hutchinson & Mogg 2905. Pretoria or Brits : Magaliesberg Range, Zeyher 1130;
Burke 72. Johannesburg: Modderfontein, Putterill 161. Rustenburg: Phillips & Schweickerdt 3550.
Marico: Zeerust, Thode A1438.
For a discussion of the identities of M. zeyheri with M. kirkii and M. monroi see Bothalia 7: 361
(1960).
The fruits are relished by the natives. They contain a rather high amount of vitamin C and are
therefore, a useful supplementary food in the fairly monotonous diet of the natives.
48
Sapotaceae
6386a 7. MANILKARA
Manilkara Adans., Fam. PI. 2: 166 (1763); Dubard in Ann. Mus. Col. Marseille 23: 6
(1915); Baehni in Candollea 7: 462 (1938); Lam in Blumea 4: 323 (1941); emend. Gilly
in Trop. Woods 73: 1-22 (1943); Lam and Royen in Taxon 2: 112 (1953); Royen in
Blumea 7: 401 (1953) ; Meeuse in Bothalia 7: 365 (1960); nom. cons. prop. Type species:
M. kauki (L.) Dubard (fide Royen, l.c., 402).
Mimusops sensu A.DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 203 (1844), pro parte, quoad Sect. Ternaria A.DC. :
Benth. & Hook, f., Gen. PI. 2: 661 (1876); Bak. in F.T.A. 3: 505 (1877); Engl., Mon. Sapot. Afr. 55
(1904), quoad Sect. Euternaria Engl., excl. Muriea; Wright in F.C. 4, 1: 439 (1906); Phill., Gen. ed.
2: 568 (1951), pro parte.
Trees or large shrubs; stipules caducous or none. Leaves usually crowded at the
tips of the branches; often more or less oblong-obovate with rounded, emarginate
apex; lower side often lighter than upper one, mesophyll with sclereids; nervation
parallel with tertiary nerves, parallel to secondary ones, often causing a “ striate ”
appearance on the leaf. Flowers axillary, usually in the axils of the lower leaves of the
branches or of the scars of fallen leaves, 3-merous or occasionally 4-merous. Sepals
biseriate, 3 + 3 or 4 + 4, often rather broad. Corolla 6-(or 8-) lobed, each lobe (in the
South African species) with two dorsal appendages. Stamens 6 (or 8), inserted in the
throat of the corolla tube; filaments usually longer than the rather small anthers.
Alternipetalous staminodes 6 (or 8), or sometimes fewer than the number of stamens, but
never absent, usually small, often more or less dentate, lobed, fimbriate or divided,
glabrous; not incurved and not covering the style as in Mimusops, but erect with the
stamens or reflexed with the corolla. Ovary 6-(or 8-) loculed, sometimes up to 15-
bculed; ovules ventrally or basiventrally attached. Berry 1- to several-seeded. Seeds
more or less laterally compressed; testa crustaceous, brittle, or hard and bony; scar
ventral, long and narrow, or basiventral and rather large and wide, rarely small, basal;
endosperm copious, cotyledons thin, foliaceous.
Circumtropical, about 25 species in tropical America, about 30 in Africa and the Mascarenes and
about 15 in the far East and Pacific Islands. Three species in South Africa.
Twigs slender, not conspicuously zig-zag, divaricate or subverticillate; leaves not congested at the
very tips of the branches 1 . M. concolor
Twigs thick, conspicuously zig-zag, divaricate or subverticillate; leaves almost invariably crowded in
fan-like groups at the very tips of the branches or on short lateral shots; small trees resembling
species of Terminalia:
Leaves quite glabrous, young ones very soon losing their pubescence; pedicels 8-12 mm long,
sparingly pubescent; sepals sparsely pubescent outside 2. M. mochisia
I.eaves usually retaining vestiges of the dense pubescence of the young leaves, at least near the
midrib or towards the base, rarely becoming quite glabrous; pedicels often more than 12 mm
long; sepals tomentose outside 3. M. macaulayae
1. Manilkara concolor ( Harv . ex C. H. Wr.) Gerstner, sphalm. “ (E. Mey.)
Gerstner ”, in Journ. S. Afr. Bot. 14: 171 (1948); Meeusein Bothalia7: 367 (1960).
Type: Zululand, Gerrard & McKen 1662 (TCD, holo.; K).
Mimusops concolor Harv. ex C. H. Wr in F.C. 4, 1 : 443 (1906).
Shrub or small tree, up to 15 mtall; much branched; vegetative parts glabrous, or
at least very soon glabrous. Leaves crowded at the ends of the twigs but not strictly
terminal as in the next species, varying from obovate-oblong to narrowly spathulate-
oblong, sometimes elliptic or elliptic-oblong, with the greatest width just above the
middle, 2-5 cm, rarely up to 8-5 cm long and 1-3-5 cm wide, coriaceous, glabrous,
margin subreflexed, apex emarginate or retuse, rarely rounded, base narrowed, but
Sapotaceae
49
Fig. 8. — Manilkara mochisia; 1, flowering twig {v.d. Schijff 1136); a, portion of corolla, opened, seen
from inside, x 6; b, gynoecium, x 10; c, fruiting twig (JLamont 33); d, seeds, ventral and lateral
view, X 3.
50
Sapotaceae
never very acute ; petioles semi-terete, rather stout, 3-8 mm long. Flowers in the axils
of the leaves and of scars of fallen leaves, fasciculate, often very numerous, 3-merous or
sometimes 3-merous and 4-merous on one specimen; pedicels comparatively stout, terete.
Sepals ovate or ovate-elliptic, obtuse, about 3-5 mm long; the outer ones tomentose
outside and inside near the apex, 2-2-5 mm wide; the inner ones thinner, more petaloid,
slightly narrower, about 2 mm wide, vaguely midribbed, whitish-tomentose outside,
glabrous inside. Corolla yellow or yellowish, glabrous; tube 0-75-1 mm long; lobes
oblong-linear or oblanceolate-spathulate, obtuse or rounded, with a very narrow base,
3-3-5 mm long and about 0-75 mm wide; the appendages about as long and wide, but
from a broad base lanceolate-linear, acute or acuminate, often with a few coarse
serrations near the apex. Staminodes glabrous, fleshy, usually ovate-suborbicular or
subquadrate, and much shorter than the filaments, usually more or less trilobed or
tridentate, occasionally some produced into thin filiform apical portions, if so, equalling
or longer than the stamens. Filaments 1-5-2 mm long, glabrous; anthers somewhat
sagittate, apiculate, 1-1-5 mm long. Ovary semiglobose-conical, faintly lobed, hairy,
nearly 1 mm long and about 1 -25 mm in diameter, style rather thick, subulate, glabrous
and truncate, about 2-5 mm long. Berry one- or two-seeded, edible, ellipsoid or
subglobose, 10-15 mm long and 8-15 mm in diameter. Seeds obovoid, hardly com-
pressed when single, often with one flattened lateral side when from a 2-seeded fruit,
obliquely truncate at the base, 9-11 mm long, 6-5-8 mm wide, those of 1-seeded fruits
5- 7 mm thick, those from 2-seeded fruits 3-5 mm thick; testa brown, smooth and shiny,
hard; scar ovate, oblong or elliptic, occupying the truncate basi-lateral side of the seed,
6- 8 mm long and about 3 mm wide.
Occurs in lowland forests in Zululand and extends into Maputaland in Portuguese East Africa.
Natal.— Lower Umfolosi: Umfolosi Game Reserve, Ward 1467; Ntonjaneni, Gerstner 3710,
Nongoma: near Nongoma, Acocks 13015; Codd 1943. Hlabisa: near Mtubatuba, Gerstner 8974;
Dukuduku Forest, Forest Dept, in FD Herb. 8603; Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Ward 1593; False Bay,
Gerstner 4791 ; 5061; 5235. Ubombo: Mkusi, Galpin 13319.
2. Manilkara mochisia ( Bak .) Dubard in Ann. Mus. Col. Marseille 23: 26 (1915);
Gerstner in Journ. S. Afr. Bot. 14: 171 (1948), sphalm. “ (Bak.) Gerstner ”; Meeuse in
Bothalia 7: 369 (1960). Type: Tete, Kirk 304 (K, holo.; PRE, fragment).
Mimusops mochisia Bak. in F.T.A. 3: 506 (1877); Engl., Mon. Sapot. Afr. 63, t. 22, fig. B (1904).
M. densiflora Engl., Pflanzenw. O. Afr., C 307 (1895); Mon. Sapot. Afr. 63, t. 22, fig. C (1904); non Bak.
(1895). Type: Stuhlmann coll. No. 1, 581. M. menyhartii Engl., l.c. 63, t. 21, fig. D (1904). Type:
Boruma, Menyhart 771 (Z, holo.; PRE, photo.).
Manilkara densipora (Engl.) Dale in Imp. For. Inst. Paper 18: 25 (1939), nom. illegit. ; Brenan &
Greenw., Checklist Tang. Terr. 2: 563 (1949); Lam in Blumea 4: 355 (1941).
Large shrub or tree, up to 15 m high, much branched, deciduous, with divaricate,
subverticillate or zig-zag. often crooked branches, resembling several African species of
Terminalia in habit; branches dimorphous; main shoots rather long, internodes usually
5-10 cm long; lateral short branches usually under 20 mm long; short shoots and apices
of branches very rough with the scars of fallen leaves; youngest shoots at first pale
yellowish- or whitish-tomentose, glabrescent. Leaves in rather dense, more or less fan-like
spreading groups on the short lateral branches and terminal apices; young leaves almost
completely glabrous as soon as they appear, the older ones quite glabrous; blade
narrowly elliptic-obovate to narrowly spathulate-oblong. 1 -5-6 cm long and 0-7-2 -7 cm
wide, coriaceous or subcoriaceous, apex usually emarginate or retuse, sometimes
rounded, base narrowed, margin minutely reflexed, drying greyish green, paler beneath;
midrib usually not very prominent on either side; petioles 2-4 mm rarely up to 7 mm
long, flattened above. Flowers 3-merous, often appearing with the young leaves, or
just before the leaves, pedicels and calyx greenish or green tinged with brown; pedicels
8-12 mm long, sparingly whitish pubescent. Sepals', outer ones ovate, sometimes
oblong, 4-5 mm long and 2-2-5 mm wide, sparingly pubescent outside, pubescent inside
Sapotaceae
51
near the apex and margins; inner ones more petaloid. oblong, 4-4-5 mm long and 2-2-5
mm wide, acute, tomentose outside, glabrous inside, vaguely midribbed. Corolla
glabrous; tube about 1 mm long; lobes elliptic-lanceolate from a narrow base, obtuse or
rounded, 0 • 5-0 • 75 mm wide. Staminodes variable in size but usually much shorter than
the filaments, rather fleshy, subquadrate, ovate or spathulate, trilobed, tridentate. bifid
or incised, occasionally produced at the apex into a long subulate or filamentous
appendage. Filaments elongate-subulate, about 2 - 5 mm long; anthers oblong, apiculate,
about 1 -5 mm long. Ovary semiglobose-conical, about 1 mm high and about 1 -5 mm
in diameter, densely covered with rather long hairs; style 3 mm long, truncate. Berry
ellipsoid or ellipsoid-obovoid, yellow when ripe, 10-12 mm long and 8-10 mm in
diameter, 1-3-seeded. Seed brown, obovate-oblong or oblong, compressed, 8-11 mm
long, 5-7 mm wide and 3-4 mm thick, subproduced at the base; testa brown, rather
smooth, not very shiny, hard, scar basilateral, linear-elliptic or linear, 3-5 mm long and
0-5-1 -5 mm wide, surrounded by a rather wide, pale brown, callus-like zone which
includes the whole subproduced base of the seed. Fig. 8.
A tree from rather dry savanna vegetation, recorded from Zululand, Swaziland and the Transvaal’
northwards to Kenya.
Natal. — Ubombo: Otobotini, Gerstner 3438 (NH).
Swaziland.— Probably near Stegi, Pole Evans 3488.
Transvaal. — Nelspruit: Skukuza, Codd & de Winter 4992; van der Schijff 1262. Pilgrim’s Rest:
near Skukuza, Codd 4388; Nwanetzi, van der Schijff 320. Letaba: near Letaba Rest Camp, Lamont 33 ;
near Shingwidzi, Codd & Dyer 4660. Sibasa: near Punda Milia, Codd 4238; Codd & Dyer 4537; van
der Schijff 568; 570; Nuanetzi, Gerstner 6061.
The fruits are relished by natives and various animals.
3. Manilkara macaulayae {Hutch. & Corb.) H. J. Lam in Blumea 4: 356 (1941);
Meeuse in Bothalia 7 : 373 (1960). Type: Northern Rhodesia, Macaulay 1002 (K, holo. ;
PRE, fragment).
Mimusops macaulayae Hutch. & Corb. in Kew Bull. 1920: 329 and 330, fig. A (1920). M. spiculosa
Hutch. & Corb., l.c. 330, fig. B and 331 (1920). Type: Victoria Falls, Allen 185 (K, holo.; BOL, PRE!).
M. umbraculigera Hutch. & Corb., l.c. 330, fig. C and 331 (1920). Type: Southern Rhodesia, N.N.
(K, holo.; SRGH No. 2639!).
Manilkara spiculosa (Hutch. & Corb.) H. J. Lam, l.c. (1941). M. umbraculigera (Hutch. & Corb.)
H. J. Lam, l.c. (1941).
A small to medium-sized deciduous tree up to 15 m high, with divaricate, sub-
verticillate or zig-zag, often crooked branches; branches dimorphous; main shoots long,
terete, rather smooth, internodes usually 5-10 cm long; lateral short branches 5-15 mm
long, rarely longer; short shoots and apices of branches frequently thicker than the
adjoining internodes, very rough with the crowded scars of fallen leaves; innovations
with a pale buff pubescence, often turning white. Leaves in rather dense, fan-like
spreading groups on the short lateral branches and terminal apices; blade narrowly
elliptic-obovate to narrowly spathulate-oblong or more or less cuneate-oblong, usually
rather narrow, 3-7 cm long and 1-3 cm wide, with a usually distinctly emarginate or
retuse, sometimes rounded apex, narrowing to the base, with minutely reflexed margins,
rather firm but not coriaceous, pubescent when young, at least on the lower surface,
usually retaining some pubescence beneath, especially near the midrib and towards the
base; petioles flattened and canaliculate above, 3-10 mm long, glabrescent, but as a rule
never becoming quite glabrous. Flowers often appearing with or just before the young
leaves, solitary or in small fascicles in the axils of fallen leaves below the young growths;
pedicels about 12 mm long, rather slender and faintly angular. Calyx greenish-fawn or
buff colour; sepals 3 + 3 or sometimes 4 + 4; outer and inner rows subequal, ovate-
elliptic, 3-4 mm long and 2-3 mm wide, outer ones with a broad base, inner ones slightly
thinner in texture, with a narrower base, and the greatest width just below the middle,
all obtuse, tomentose outside, glabrous inside except near the apex. Corolla glabrous,
52
Sapotaceae
yellow or yellowish; tube less than 1 mm long; lobes and lateral appendages subequal,
oblong-lanceolate, 3-4 mm long and 1 mm wide, rounded or obtuse at the apex.
Staminodes sometimes fewer than the number of calyx-lobes, usually much shorter than
the filaments but sometimes nearly as long, glabrous, very variable in shape. Filaments
subulate or linear-terete, 1-5-2 mm long; anthers ovate-oblong or ovate-lanceolate,
1-5-2 -5 mm long. Ovary 6- (or 8-) loculed, ovoid-globose, more or less angular,
1-25-1-75 mm long and 1-1-25 mm in diameter, pubescent; style glabrous, long-
subulate, angular to subterete, minutely truncate, 3-4 mm long. Berry ellipsoid or
obovoid-oblong, about 18 mm long, 8-10 mm in diameter, edible, the few seen all one-
seeded. Seed obovate-oblong, compressed, about 16 mm long, 7 mm wide and 3-5-4
mm thick, narrowed and more or less unequal at the base, laterally produced at the side
of the scar; testa a dull greyish brown, more or less rugose, or tuberculate, hard; scar
linear, 8 mm long and 0 • 5-1 mm wide, surrounded by a light brown and rather shiny,
slightly thickened zone which is about 12 mm long and about 3 mm wide and includes
the whole produced base of the seed.
Among rocks in the Kunene River, Kaokoveld. Also recorded from Angola, the Rhodesias and
Bechuanaland.
S.W.A. — Kaokoveld: Kunene River, Ruacana Falls, Esterhuyse 429.
6388a 8. MURIEA
Muriea Hartog in Journ. Bot. Lond. 16: 145 (1878); Dubard in Ann. Mus. Col. Marseille
23: 28 (1915); Lam in Blumea 4: 350 (1941); Meeuse in Bothalia 7: 376 (1960). Type
species: M. discolor (Sond.) Hartog.
Eiclileria Hartog, l.c., 72 (1878), non Progel (1877).
Labourdonnaisia Boj., pro parte; Benth. & Hook, f., Gen. PI. 2: 659 (1876); Gerstner in Journ. S. Afr.
Bot. 12: 40 (1946).
Mahea Pierre, Not. Bot. Sapot. 8 (1890). Type: M. natalensis Pierre.
Mimusops Sect. Muriea Hartog in Journ. Bot. Lond. 17: 358 (1879). — Subgenus Temaria Sect.
Euternaria Subsect. Muriea (Hartog) Engl., Mon. Sapot. Afr. 55 (1904) and Sect. Mahea (Pierre) Engl.,
l.c. 65 (1904). Mimusops sensu Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 439 (1906), pro parte; Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 568 (1951).
Trees with exstipulate, parallel-nerved leaves. Flowers trimerous, axillary, solitary
or in fascicles. Sepals 3 + 3. Corolla with short tube and 6 lobes, these lobes either
bearing two lateral appendages (in this case 12 fertile stamens, sub-biseriate, 6 epipetalous
and 6 alternipetalous) or the lateral appendages reduced, sometimes 0 (in this case
usually stamens more or less sterile and transformed into subulate staminodes). Stamens
inserted in the throat of the corolla tube. Ovary 6-loculed, hairy; style long-cylindric-
subulate; ovules with basal or basilateral attachment. Berry (always?) 1-seeded.
Seed with basilateral, elliptic or oblong scar; testa rather thin and brittle; cotyledons
flat, foliaceous; endosperm copious.
A small genus with probably only one species in Africa and perhaps a second in the West Indies.
Muriea discolor (Sond.) Hartog in Journ. Bot. Lond. 16: 145 (1878); Dubard in Ann.
Mus. Col. Marseille 23: 28 (1915); Meeuse in Bothalia 7: 377 (1960). Type: Durban,
Gueinzius 128: 547 (S).
Labourdonnaisia discolor Sond. in Linnaea 23: 73 (1850); Gerstner in Journ. S. Afr. Bot. 12: 49
(1946); l.c. 14: 173 (1948). L. sericea Benth. & Hook, f., Gen. PI. 2: 660 (1876), nomen.
Eiclileria discolor (Sond.) Hartog in Journ. Bot. Lond. 16: 72 (1878).
Mimusops discolor (Sond.) Hartog in Journ. Bot. Lond. 17: 358 (1879); Engl., Mon. Sapot. Afr. 55,
t. 34 fig. A (1904); Wright in F.C. 4, I : 440 (1906). M. natalensis (Pierre) Engl., l.c. 65, t. 25, fig. B
(1904), non M. natalensis Schinz (1896); Wright, l.c. (1906).
Mahea natalensis Pierre, Not. Bot. Sapot. 10 (1890). Type: Natal, near Durban, probably Medley
Wood 1 134, (P, BOL, GRA).
Sapotaceae
53
Tree, 10-20 m high; stem up to 60 cm diam. with grey, longitudinally fissured bark;
young vegetative parts shortly puberulous-tomentose, the pubescence cinnamon-
coloured; older parts, except the lower surface of the leaf, very soon glabrous. Leaves
crowded at the tips of the branches, rather uniform in shape, obovate-oblong, sometimes
oblong, or more or less spathulate- or lanceolate-oblong, narrowed at the base, with a
rounded, obtuse, subacute or very shortly acuminate and usually recurved, almost
invariably emarginate apex, green above, densely appressed-silvery-pubescent beneath,
except on the midrib, with slightly recurved margins, 3-5-10 cm long, 1 -5-4-5 cm wide;
midrib very prominent beneath, at first finely rusty-pubescent, ultimately glabrous and
of a different colour than the silvery lower surface of the leaf; secondary nerves 10-15
or more on either side, straight, tertiary nerves parallel to the secondary ones, usually
inconspicuous below, but appearing as a fine striation above; fine ultimate nervation
reticulate, usually indistinct below except in the oldest leaves, but distinct and impressed
above and giving the upper surface of the leaf a minutely tessellate, dull appearance;
petioles terete, narrowly canaliculate above, glabrous, 6-15 mm long. Flowers in few-
flowered fascicles (often about 3 together); pedicels 5-10 mm long, rusty-pubescent.
Sepals almost completely free; the three outer ones rather coriaceous, broadly ovate,
narrowed towards the tips, but not acute, about 5 mm long and 4 mm wide, rusty-
pubescent outside, subciliate, glabrous inside except near the apex, the inner ones
narrower, 5-5-5 mm long and about 3 mm wide, yellowish, whitish appressed-pubescent
outside and near the apex inside. Corolla white or yellowish; tube 1-5-2 mm long,
cylindric; lobes long-spathulate with a long-tapering, narrow base and rounded apex,
the appendage broader, lanceolate-oblong or linear, acuminate, all segments 3-3-5 mm
long. Filaments 2-2-5 mm long, filiform, slender; anthers 1-5-2 mm long, ovate-
cordate, apiculate. Ovary depressed-conical, 1 mm high and 1 mm in diameter, dense-
sericeous-pilose; style glabrous, cylindric, 3-3-5 mm long, into the subcapitate. more or
less 6-lobed stigma. Imperfect flowers on shorter pedicels, often considerably smaller
(e.g. calyx- and corolla-lobes only 2 mm long); corolla-lobes with reduced lateral
appendages, trifid, tridentate or entire; anthers usually very small or wanting; ovary and
style as above or sometimes smaller. Fruit spherical, edible and red when ripe (Gerst-
ner), but when dried ellipsoid, 8-12 mm long and 5-10 mm in diam., crowned by the
persistent style. Seed elliptic in outline, compressed, about 8 mm long, 5 mm wide, and
3-5 mm thick in the middle; scar basilateral, oval or elliptic, 3-4 mm long, and 1-2 mm
wide in the widest place; testa pale fawn-coloured when dry, thin and brittle.
Found in Natal, from Durban northwards, Portuguese East Africa and extending into east tropical
Africa, mainly in evergreen lowland forests.
Natal. — Durban: Gerstner 4703; 6820; Thorne in NH 40612. Pinetown: Umzinyati, Medley Wood
11440. Ndwedwe: Inanda, Medley Wood 1 134. Lower Tugela: Darnal, Schmidt 38; 40 (NH). Hlabisa:
Emgangado, Gerstner 5077; Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Ward 2639. Ubombo: Bangazi Lake, Boocock
in FD Herb. 5720.
Gerstner in Journ. S. Afr. Bot. 14: 173 (1948), pointed out that the anthers and the corolla-segments
of this plant are reduced when the flowers develop in dry weather, or if the tree is not growing on fertile
soil. He distinguished four forms, a forma perfecta and three progressively more depauperate forms.
The most depauperate form corresponds with Mahea natalensis Pierre, so that Mahea becomes a synonym
of Muriea. Incidentally, a specimen of Medley Wood 1 134 (probably type number of Mahea natalensis
Pierre) in BOL bears fruits and its fruits and seeds are identical with those of Muriea discolor.
The synonymy of the plant described as Mahea natalensis Pierre is rather complicated. Engler, when
he reduced Mahea natalensis to Mimusops , made the combination Mimusops natalensis (Pierre) Engl.
(1904). However, Schinz had validly published a specific name Mimusops natalensis Schinz in Bull.
Herb. Boiss. 4: 441 (1896) and Engler renamed this species Mimusops schinzii Engl. Under the present
rules, M. natalensis (Pierre) Engl, is illegitimate, being antedated by M. natalensis Schinz. The first
name becomes a synonym of Labourdonnaisia discolor Sond., the second of Mimusops marginata N.E.
Br. = Austromimusops marginata (N.E. Br.) A. Meeuse (see p. 43).
As this species is found in other parts of tropical East Africa, it is not unlikely that it was described
from this area under a different name. It is quite likely that Engler’s species Mimusops buchananii in
Pflanzenw. O. Afr. C 307 (1895) and in Mon. Sapot. Afr. 56, t. 19, fig. B (1904), and Mimusops altissima
Engl., op. cit. (1904), 55, are referable to this species. These two have 12 stamens and the descriptions
(and figure of M. buchananii) agree very well indeed.
54
EBENACEAE
by B. de Winter
Trees, shrubs or suffrutices, rarely scandent, without milky latex. Leaves usually
alternate (in Euelea sometimes opposite or in whorls), exstipulate, simple, coriaceous,
margin usually entire (in Euelea very occasionally minutely crenulate). Flowers regular,
unisexual and dioecious (staminate plants mostly more abundant than pistillate) or
apparently hermaphrodite (functionally male), borne in cymes, subsessile fascicles,
pseudo-racemes, pseudo-panicles or solitary. Calyx gamosepalous, usually deeply lobed
or sometimes entire, persistent and usually accrescent (not accrescent in Euelea). Corolla
gamopetalous, 3-8 lobed or toothed, often urceolate, lobes contorted. Stamens 3 to
many in one or two whorls; anthers exceeding the short filaments, dehiscing longi-
tudinally and laterally, basi-fixed, thecae 2; filaments free or connate at the base in pairs
or groups. Ovary situated on a glabrous or fringed disc, syncarpous, superior, 2-16-celled
with axile placentation and one or two pendulous ovules in each cell. Fruit a berry with
one to several seeds, becoming dry and occasionally tardily dehiscing. Seeds encircled
by a thin, straight or curved line, endosperm flinty or bony, occasionally ruminate.
A mainly tropical family but extending into temperate South Africa.
Ovary situated on a glabrous disc; fruits usually with 2 or more seeds, occasionally
one-seeded, seeds elongated and encircled by a more or less straight thin line,
no groove present; calyx usually accrescent; flowers in cymes or clusters or
solitary, if in small pseudocymes or racemes then calyx strongly accrescent
or fruits elongate 1. Diospyros
Ovary situated on a fringed disc; fruits usually one-seeded, seeds globose, if more
than one, then forming a sphere together, encircled by a thin curved line (like
on a tennis ball) with the curves linked by a shallow groove; calyx not
accrescent; flowers in false racemes, false cymes, panicles or occasionally
solitary (females) 2. Euelea
6406
1. DIOSPYROS
Diospyros L., Sp. PI. ed. 1: 1057 (1753); Gen. PI. ed. 5: 478 (1754); Hiern, Monogr.
Ebenaceae in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 146 (1872); Hiern in F.T.A. 3: 517 (1877);
F.C. 4, 1 : 476 (1906); Guerke in Pflanzenfam. 4, 1: 161 (1890); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 571
(1951); White in Bull. Jard. Bot. Brux. 26: 237-246 and 277-307 (1956); l.c. 27: 515-537
(1957); Oxford Univ. Forest Soc. Journ. 4. 6: 31 (1958); de Winter in Bothalia 7: 457
(1961).
Royena L., Sp. PI. ed. 1 : 397 (1753); Gen. PI. ed. 5: 188 (1754); Hiern in F.C. 4, 1 : 445 (1906); Sim,
For. FI. Cape Col. 256 (1907); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 569 (1951); de Winter in Bothalia 7: 17 (1958).
Maba J. R. & G. Forst., Char. Gen. PI. 121 (1776); Hiern in F.T.A. 3: 514 (1877); Phill., Gen. ed.
2:570 (1951).
Ebenaceae
55
Trees, shrubs or suffrutices, rarely scandent. Leaves usually alternate, exstipulate,
simple, coriaceous, margin entire. Inflorescence an axillary subsessile cluster, cyme,
pseudo-raceme or with flowers axillary and solitary. Flowers regular, unisexual and
dioecious (staminate plants mostly more abundant than the pistillate) or apparently
hermaphrodite (functionally male). Calyx entire, deeply lobed or bladder-shaped and
toothed on the rim, persistent and mostly accrescent. Corolla urceolate, 3-5-lobed.
Stamens 3-15, in a single or double whorl, solitary or with filaments joined in pairs.
Ovary situated on a glabrous somewhat fleshy disc (see notes at end), 2-16-celled with
one or two pendulous ovules in each cell. Fruit a berry with several or occasionally
only one seed, becoming dry and often tardily dehiscing. Seeds usually elongate,
encircled by a single, thin, more or less straight line; endosperm bony or flinty,
occasionally ruminate.
Found in the tropics and subtropics of both worlds and in Africa extending southwards to the Cape
Peninsula.
For reasons for the inclusion of Mabu J. R. & G. Forst. and Royena L. in Diospyros, see White in
Bull. Jard. Bot. Brux. 26: 237-246 (1956) and in the Oxford Univ. Forest Soc. Journ. 4, 6: 33-34 (1958),
as well as de Winter in Bothalia 7: 457 (1961). The sex of flowers of the species formerly included
in Royena is discussed by de Winter in Bothalia 7: 17-18 (1958).
The presence of an entire disc subtending the ovary in Diospyros and a fringed disc in Enclea is an
important generic difference overlooked by most authors (see Key).
The name Diospyros is derived from the Greek and can be translated as “ Celestial Pear”, a reference
to those species of the genus with edible fruits. Several South African species are referred to as Jakkals-
bessie, the fruits being eaten by jackals as can often be seen by the presence of the seeds in the dung.
Key Based Mainly on Floral and Vegetative Characters.
(See also additional Key on p. 57).
Flowers trimerous with a truncate cup- to disc-shaped calyx or a widely campanulate divided calyx:
Calyx cup- or disc-shaped, entire or occasionally finely toothed on the rim :
Leaves more or less ovate or elliptic, more than 1 -5 times longer than broad; pedicels almost
glabrous 1 . D. natalensis
Leaves orbicular or suborbicular, scarcely longer than broad; pedicels puberulous. .2. D. nummularia
Calyx divided into three lobes, more or less campanulate in shape 3. D. inhacaensis
Flowers 4-5-merous, calyx deeply lobed or urceolate to cup-shaped and toothed on the rim (D.
whyteana):
Flowers borne in pedunculate, axillary cymes, or in subsessile, bracteate clusters, if solitary then
subsessile, and peduncles hidden by imbricate rufous bracts; stamens 12-26 arranged in
2 rows, often in pairs or three together due to the filaments being joined at the base:
Flowers solitary, axillary and subsessile, or borne in small axillary pedunculate cymes (male),
pedicels short, bracteate but not hidden by imbricate bracts; trees or branched shrubs:
Flowers in cymes or solitary, densely pubescent outside and urceolate in shape; branchlets
tawny to ferruginous-pubescent; trees of drier more inland areas 6. D. mespiliformis
Flowers solitary, glabrous or subglabrous, widely campanulate with strongly reflexed lobes;
branchlets finely puberulous, glabrescent; tree of dunes of eastern coast of Africa
7. D. rotundifolia
Flowers borne in bracteate axillary clusters; small virgate suffrutices 30-90 cm high:
Leaves glaucous below, glabrous even when young 4. D. chamaethamnus
Leaves drying a chocolate brown, tawny to rufous pubescent below, young leaves also hairy
on upper surface 5. D. virgata
Flowers solitary on fairly long pedicels which are never enclosed by bracts, or if borne in an
inflorescence, stamens 10 and arranged in a neat single row, not in pairs, and inflorescence not
a true cyme nor flowers subsessile or clustered:
Calyx lobes (female flowers) undulate-plicate near the base, sericeous-tomentose outside,
cordate-acuminate; tree up to 18 m high 6. D. mespiliformis
Calyx lobes not undulate-plicate, if somewhat undulate, then glabrous, often reflexed; shrubs,
small trees or scandent, hardly ever exceeding 8 m in height:
Flowers pentamerous (an occasional tetramerous flower sometimes present):
Calyx urceolate, 5- to 7-toothed or lobed on the rim 14. D. whyteana
2355522-3
56
Ebenaceae
Calyx deeply divided:
Leaves cordate or rounded at the base:
Leaves densely shaggy-pubescent to tomentose below; fruits tomentose, large:
Small shrubs 0-3-lm high sending up shoots from a woody perennial base, shoots
usually unbranched, straight, rufous-pubescent; flowers 9-15 mm long....
19. D. galpinii
Usually tall scandent shrubs; flowering twigs much branched with branches
spreading at more or less right angles; flowers up to 8 mm long 20. D. villosa
Leaves sparsely strigose or pubescent on the nerves; fruits glabrescent, enveloped
by the calyx 15. D. scabrida and vars
Leaves cuneate to obtuse at the base, not cordate or rounded:
Flowers pink or scarlet 9. D. austro-africana
Flowers cream, yellow or white, drying deep chocolate brown, or colour unknown:
Bracts subopposite, boat-shaped with base clasping the peduncle; leaves ob-
lanceolate, not more than 3 cm long, very shortly but densely felted ....
9. D. austro-africana
Bracts separated by an internode, if subopposite then with tapering base and not
boat-shaped but linear to lanceolate:
Nerves slightly to distinctly raised on lower surface of the leaves:
Leaves less than 1-5 cm long when mature; rigidly and densely branched
shrubs; karroid areas of the Cape and S.W.A 10. D. ramulosa
Leaves exceeding 1'5 cm when mature; Natal and Transvaal:
Leaves raised-reticulate below, spreading-pubescent, glabrescent; central
Transvaal, Natal 16. D. lycioides subsp. guerkei
Leaves with secondary nerves raised, strigose to sericeous; Natal, Transvaal,
tropical Africa 16. D. lycioides subsp. sericea
(see also subsp. nitens)
Nerves, except for the midrib, not raised below, at most visible and finely traced:
Leaves narrowly to broadly elliptic:
Leaves with petioles 2-5 mm long, margins of leaves revolute; fruits sub-
globose, pubescent and with a few scattered erect bristle-like hairs;
patently branched shrubs of coastal forest of Cape Province. .12. D. pollens
Leaves with petioles not exceeding L5 mm and above description not
applicable:
Leaves sparsely strigose when young, glabrescent and glossy when mature;
calyx, peduncle and young fruits minutely glandular, oblong; southern
Cape 8. D. glabra
Leaves densely sericeous, glabrescent; calyx and peduncle not glandular;
Natal and Transvaal 16. D. lycioides subsp. nitens
Leaves finely pubescent above, strigose below; calyx and fruits not
glandular, globose; densely and rigidly branched shrubs; karroid areas
of Cape and S.W.A 10. D. ramulosa
Leaves narrowly oblanceoiate to obtuse:
Margin of the leaves usually quite flat; fruits thinly pubescent to glabrescent:
Leaves sparsely to densely strigose, glabrescent; bark smooth not peeling;
karroid areas of the Cape, also in O.F.S., Transvaal and S.W.A
16. D. lycioides subsp. lycioides
Leaves densely sericeous on both sides, glabrescent; bark often peeling in
fibrous strips; Natal and eastern Transvaal. ... 16. D. lycioides subsp. nitens
Margin of the leaves revolute, occasionally only very finely so; fruits densely
velvety pubescent:
Scandent shrubs of forest margins, branches patent, branching at about
right angles; young parts strigose to glabrescent 18. D. simii
Erect shrubs or trees, branches ascending erect; leaves coriaceous,
young parts pubescent 17. D. dichrophylla
Flowers tetramerous:
Leaves less than 1 ■ 5 cm long when mature; central and north-western Cape. ... 10. Z). ramulosa
Leaves exceeding 1 .5 cm when mature;
Young twigs, calyx and leaves glandular hispid; calyx lobes ovate-oblong, as long as
and usually enveloping the fruits; Natal 13. D. glandulifera
Young parts very sparsely strigose or glabrous; calyx shorter than the fruits, with reflexed
lobes; north-western Cape ll.D. acocksii
Ebenaceae
57
Key based on Fruit and Vegetative Characters
Calyx three-lobed; fruits spindle-shaped somewhat 4-angled 3. D. inhacaensis
Calyx truncate, 4-5-lobed or bladder-shaped and enclosing the fruits; fruits oblong to subglobose :
Fruits subtended by a cup or saucer-shaped truncate calyx, or cup-shaped at the base with large
plicate lobes which are decurrent on the cup-shaped part:
Calyx truncate, cup- or saucer-shaped, without lobes:
Leaves ovate or elliptic, more than 1 -5 times longer than broad, usually exceeding 1 • 5 cm;
pedicels almost glabrous; calyx cup-shaped 1. D. natalensis
Leaves orbicular or suborbicular to broadly elliptic-oblong, up to 1'5 times longer than
broad, usually not exceeding 1‘5 cm; pedicels puberulous; calyx saucer-shaped....
2. D. nummularia
Calyx cup-shaped at the base with large plicate lobes decurrent on the outside of the basal cup-
shaped part 7. D. rotundifolia
Fruits subtended by a deeply lobed calyx or completely enclosed by the calyx:
Fruits subsessile on very short peduncles which are hidden by the imbricate rufous persistent
bracts subtending the calyx; endosperm not ruminate, bony, white, opaque:
Leaves glaucous below, glabrous even when young; fruits 3-4 • 5 cm in diam. when mature
4. D. chamaethamnus
Leaves not glaucous below, usually drying a deep chocolate brown, tawny to rufous pubescent
below and in the young leaves also hairy on the upper surface 5. D. virgata
Fruits usually distinctly pedunculate or if subsessile not subtended by imbricate rufous bracts;
endosperm grey-flinty, semi-translucent, ruminate or not ruminate:
Calyx lobes of the fruits undulate, cordate, acuminate, not more than i the length of the
globose fruits; seeds pale brown with a very shiny testa; shrub or large tree
6. D. mespiliformis
Calyx lobes of the fruits not undulate, variously shaped; seeds usually dark brown and
resembling coffee beans, testa dull:
Leaves densely felted with fine interwoven stellate hairs mixed with stiff appressed bristle-
like hairs, narrowly obovate to oblanceolate, not exceeding 1 -5cm in length; bract scars
on fruiting stalk subopposite, semi-lunar in shape; fruits densely puberulous to
glabrescent, calyx clasping the fruit or reflexed 9. D. ciustro-africana
Leaves variously hairy but not finely stellate-felted below; bract scars small, punctate or
elongate, usually separated by an internode:
Mature leaves small, not exceeding 1 -3 cm in length, persistently puberulous above with
appressed long hairs below; fruits puberulous to glabrous, subglobose, up to 1-2
cm long; densely and rigidly branched shrublets of karroid areas of the Cape and
S.W.A 10. D. ramulosa
Mature leaves exceeding 1-3 cm in length:
Fruiting calyces not very strongly accrescent, lobes linear to lanceolate, as long as or
if ovate less than half as long as the fruits:
Calyx lobes 4 (flowers tetramerous) 11. D. acocksii
Calyx lobes 5 (flowers pentamerous) :
Leaves with revolute margins; fruits glabrous, puberulous and bristly with
scattered long erect hairs or densely velvety:
Fruits puberulous and bristly with scattered erect hairs or glabrous, globose,
about 1 cm long; patently branched shrubs of coastal scrub in the eastern
Cape Province 12. D. pollens
Fruits densely velvety-pubescent, depressed globose, about 2 cm long and 2-5
cm in diam.; erect dense shrubs, branches erect to ascending; eastern
Cape, Natal and eastern Transvaal 17. D. dichrophylla
Leaves with flat margins ; fruits puberulous, glabrous or finely glandular:
Leaves narrowly to broadly elliptic; fruits oblong to subglobose finely
glandular-pubescent when younger, usually with only one seed; calyx lobes
linear-lanceolate, acuminate; southern Cape 8. D. glabra
Leaves obovate to oblanceolate or obovate-elliptic, very occasionally elliptic
but then densely silky and silvery; fruits globose to ovoid, sparsely
puberulous or glabrous, usually 2- or more seeded; central and northern
Cape, O.F.S., Transvaal, S.W.A. and south tropical Africa. ... 16. D. lycioides
Fruiting calyces very strongly accrescent, lobes ovate to broadly ovate-cordate, usually
as long as the fruits or exceeding them in length, enclosing the fruits or reflexed:
Peduncles and calyx (in D. glandulosa most parts) hispid with a mixture of long stiff
one-celled hairs and pin-shaped or jointed gland-tipped hairs which often are
many-celled; fruits puberulous becoming glabrous, or with jointed glandular
hairs:
Calyx bladder-shaped with five teeth on the rim; Cape to tropical Africa
14. D. whyteana
58
Ebenaceae
Calyx cleft nearly to the base:
Leaves cordate; fruits puberulous becoming glabrous; eastern Cape to southern
Natal 15. D. scabrida
Leaves rounded or cuneate at the base, fruits glandular hispid; northern
Natal 13. D. glandulifera
Peduncles, calyx, petioles and twigs variously hairy, glandular hairs absent; fruits
velvety pubescent or hispid:
Leaves cuneate, puberulous or strigose; fruits velvety pubescent:
Erect shrubs with branches erect to ascending; leaves coriaceous; young twigs
pubescent; calyx lobes narrowly ovate 17. D. dichrophylla
Scandent shrubs of scrub and forest margins with patent branches spreading
at right angles; leaves subcoriaceous, glossy; young twigs strigose or
glabrescent; calyx lobes broadly ovate 18. D. simii
Leaves cordate to rounded at the base, usually densely shaggy-tomentose ; fruits
densely hispid :
Shrubs 0 3—1 -3 m high, sending up annual shoots from a woody stock; shoots
usually unbranched, rufous 19. D. galpinii
Erect shrubs or scandent, sometimes very tall shrubs, fruiting twigs much
branched, branchlets patent 20. D. villosa
1. Diospyros natalensis (Haw.) Brenan in Mem. N.Y. Bot. Gard. 8: 500 (1953).
Type: Natal, near Durban, Gerrard & McKen 675 (K. holo.!).
Malta natalensis Harv., Thes. Cap. 2: 7, t. 110 (1863); Hiern in F.C. 4, 1: 476 (1906); Sim.
For. FI. Cape Col. 259, t. 100 (1907). M. dawei Hutch, in Kew Bull. 1912: 330 (1912). Type: Por-
tuguese East Africa, Dawe 524.
Diospyros dawei (Hutch.) Brenan in Kew Bull. 1948: 111 (1948).
Much-branched, evergreen shrubs or trees up to 16 m high, branches usually hori-
zontal ending in densely leafy ultimate twigs; twigs slender, pubescent when young, buds
and inflorescence buds protected by hard brown ciliate scales. Leaves usually borne in
one plane, hence seeming distichous, glossy, dark green, elliptic, lanceolate-elliptic,
ovate-elliptic or ovate, 1-3-6 cm long and 0-5-2 cm wide, young petioles midrib and
margins hairy but soon becoming glabrous. Flowers dioecious. Male flowers white,
axillary, solitary or in 2-3-flowered cymes; pedicels almost glabrous. Calyx 2-3 mm
long, glabrous except for the margin, cup-shaped, truncate or minutely 3-lobed. Corolla
deeply 3-lobed, 5 mm long, silvery-sericeous outside; lobes 2-5 mm long, spreading,
acute, apiculate or rounded. Stamens about 17, 2 mm long. Ovary absent. Female
flowers white, solitary, similar to the males. Staminodes 6-9, about 1 mm long. Ovary
3-locular with 2 ovules in each cell, glabrous, style as long as ovary, glabrous, shallowly
trilobed. Disc somewhat fleshy, saucer-shaped, clasping base of ovary (see fig. 00).
Fruit acorn-shaped, obovoid, apiculate, clasped at the base by the cup-shaped, slightly
accrescent calyx. Seed usually 1, grey, with a finely rugose testa, obovoid to ellipsoid,
apiculate, circumvented by an oblique, thin more or less straight line; endosperm white,
horny or bony, opaque, not ruminate. Fig. 9:1.
Found mainly along the coast from East London eastwards through Natal, usually on the dunes
or behind them. It also extends into south tropical Africa fanning out through Portuguese East Africa
into the Rhodesias. Its ecology in these areas is insufficiently known.
Cape. — East London: Gonubi Springs, Aeocks 10980; Bonza Bay, Comins 1065; Sim 2145 ; Gooda
River mouth, Gatpin 7344; Kwengha River, Galpin 5665. Komga: Kei Mouth, Acocks 13594; Flanagan
875. Kentani: Pegler2123.
Natal. — Inanda: Medley Wood 1414. Isipingo: Ward 1009. Hlabisa: Ward 1713. Mapumulo:,
Edwards 1805. Nongoma: Sokosoko Forest, Gerstner 4902. Ingwavuma: Ward 2650; Worne Bush
Gerstner 4855.
Sim states that the stems make good “ disselbooms ” but rarely reach a sufficient size. The wood
is dark brown and very hard. Gerstner states that it produces strong flexible sticks. Closely related
to D. nummularia. See note under the latter.
Ebenaceae
59
2
Fig. 9. — 1, Diospyros natalensis, female flowering twig; la, male inflorescence, X 3; lb, ovary
of female flower showing cup-shaped disc, X 6; lc, seed, x 2-5; Id, fruit, X 2. 2, D. mespili-
formis, leaf with young fruit in axil; 2a, male inflorescence; 2b, rudimentary ovary of male flower
showing disc, X 6; 2c, a few stamens showing irregular arrangement, x 6; 2d, fruit showing
crisped calyx lobes; 2c, seed.
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Ebenaceae
2. Diospyros nummularia Brenan in Kew Bull. 1948: 111 (1948). Type: Salisbury,
Eyles 3414 (K, holo.!).
Dense much-branched, evergreen shrubs or small trees up to 5 m high; twigs
slender, densely leafy, hairy when young, buds protected by hard, reddish-brown, ciliate
scales. Leaves spreading in one plane, very densely crowded together, glossy on upper
surface, elliptic, broadly elliptic-oblong to suborbicular 0-7-1 -5 cm long and 0-6-1 cm
wide, petioles, midrib and leaf margins hairy when young, glabrescent. Flowers like
those of D. natalensis, but pedicels usually puberulous. Fruit a berry, coral-coloured
when ripe, subglobose to obovoid-globose, apiculate, calyx shallowly saucer-shaped,
slightly accrescent. Seeds usually one, grey with a finely rugose testa, obovoid, circum-
vented by an oblique thin more or less straight line; endosperm horny or bony, opaque,
not ruminate.
According to White, D. nummularia is a characteristic species of granite koppies in Northern
Rhodesia. It has been recorded from the Kruger National Park, where it grows plentifully amongst
stones in Crocodile River Poort and from Swaziland. A specimen collected by de Sousa in the adjacent
Lebombo Range also gives the habitat as “ rocky ground ”.
Transvaal. — Nelspruit: Kruger National Park, Crocodile River Poort, van der Schijff 3962.
Swaziland. — Stegi, Compton 29569; 30137.
This species is very closely allied to D. natalensis and differs mainly as given in the Key. According
to White, who is revising Diospyros for Africa, D. nummularia may prove to be only a subspecies of
D. natalensis when more information on these two species becomes available.
3. Diospyros inhacaensis F. White in Bol. Soc. Bot. 36: 97 (1962). Type
Mozambique: Lourengo Marques, Inhaca Islands, Mogg, 27221 (K, holo.; J; PRE).
Trees or shrubs 3-12 m high; twigs slender, cinereous to blackish, young parts quite
glabrous or very sparsely hairy on nerves and leaf margins. Leaves usually borne in
one plane, hence seeming distichous, glossy, dark green, elliptic to broadly elliptic, or
occasionally obovate-elliptic, 2 -5-6 -5 cm long and 1 -5-3-5 cm wide, quite glabrous or
very sparsely hairy on midrib and lower margins, coriaceous, drying a chocolate brown
or blackish colour; base cuneate, apex rounded to acute with a rounded tip; margin
finely but strongly undulate; petioles 3-5 mm long, glabrous. Flowers not seen but
probably dioecious, trimerous. Female flowers in axillary clusters of 2-3 together or
solitary. Fruits spindle-shaped or obovate-oblong, tapering at both ends and somewhat
4-angled, apiculate, 1 - 3—1 - 5 cm long and 7-8 mm in diam., drying a deep brown to
black in colour, one-seeded. Seeds obovate, circumvented by a thin more or less straight
line; endosperm white, bony, opaque, not ruminate.
Recorded from the coastal areas of northern Zululand. It grows as canopy or midstratum tree
of the coastal dune forest but also occurs more inland. In some areas it is a fairly important constituent
of the forests of these parts. Also from Portuguese East Africa.
Natal. — Ingwavuma: Sikangwane Forest area, Tinley 435; slopes facing Lake Nhlange, Tinley 383;
Lake Sibayi area, Tinley 182; 163.
Closely related to D. abyssinica (Hiern) F. White and D. quiloensis (Hiern) F. White, both of which
are tropical species not recorded for the area of the Flora. Differing from both by its elliptic leaves and
from D. abyssinica by the spindle-shaped somewhat angled fruits.
4. Diospyros chamaethamnus Mihlbr. in Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin 15: 757 (1942).
Type: South West Africa, Okavango, Karakovisa, Dinter 7305 (B. holo.f; PRE!).
Small rhizomatous suffrutices consisting of branched or unbranched shoots 30-60
cm high, originating from a woody stock; stems hairy at the base, subglabrous to quite
glabrous upwards. Leaves glabrous, oblong to narrowly oblong-elliptic (rarely some
basal leaves obovate), maximum size 9x3 cm, petioles up to 5 mm long usually with a
few oblique ridges; leaf-blade discolorous, lower surface glaucous, and dotted with
glands, upper pale green, nervation more prominent on upper than lower surface, apex
subobtuse, base cuneate to rounded, margin entire, under stronger magnification the
Ebenaceae
61
bloom on the lower surface is seen as tiny waxy globules. Inflorescence a dense axillary
cluster of flowers or occasionally flowers solitary with a densely bracteate peduncle.
Flowers dioecious, scented, up to 1-3 cm long. Male flowers: calyx densely rufous-
pubescent, often enclosed below by bracts; lobes 5-7. about as long as the tube. Corolla
urceolate 1 cm long, white; lobes reflexed, densely rufous-pubescent outside. Staminodes
absent. Stamens about 15-20 in number, in two whorls; anthers often in bundles of
2-3 together at apex of the short connate filaments, linear-lanceolate 4-5 mm long, with
a short erect appendage at the apex. Female flowers: calyx and corolla like the male.
Ovary very densely hairy with long stiff bristles, 4-8 locular with one ovule in each cell;
styles 2, short and thick, hairy; stigmatic surface occupying most of the inner surface of
styles, white, when moist somewhat raised and fleshy with a wavy margin. Disc some-
what fleshy; margin glabrous. Fruit globose, densely hairy on outside, glabrescent with
age, 3-4-5 cm in diam., 3— 5(— 8 ?) seeded. Seeds with a hard brown testa, oblong-
triangular in cross-section with rounded angles or plano-convex, 2 cm long by 1 cm wide,
endosperm horny not ruminate.
A typical constituent of the undershrub layer of the open woodlands covering the fixed white
Kalahari sand-dunes of the Okavango, Ovamboland and parts of south tropical Africa. It is frequently
associated with species such as Baikiaea plurijuga, Guibowtia coleosperma , Combretum spp., Burkea
africana and, in Ovamboland, Colophospermum mopane.
S.W.A. — Okavango Native Territory: Blokfontein, Volk 2066; Runtu, cle Winter 3733; Garu, S. of
Runtu, Maguire 1570; 1593; Karakovisa, Keet 1652; Khaudum, Strey 2664; Tamso, Maguire 1642;
Kalahari, Sehoenfelcier 12. Ovamboland: Oshikango, Rodin 2661. Grootfontein: Amangeigei, Storv
6103.
The fruits, which are edible, have a tough hairy rind. The juicy flesh is whitish, somewhat stringy,
of a fresh sweet taste and adheres to the large seeds. It is eaten by all the native tribes in the area
including the Bushmen. Vernacular names: Makwewo (Sambiu & Diriko) Makoksi (Mbukushu);
Omukokofi (plant), Ekokofi (fruit) Ovambo.
Closely allied to D. batocana Hiern but easily distinguished by its suffrutescent habit. D. batocana
is usually a small tree but can reach a height of 12 m. So far it has not been recorded for the area of
the Flora, but since it is found in Bechuanaland it may well occur within our borders.
5. Diospyros virgata (Guerke) Brenan in Kew Bull. 1953: 437 (1953). Type: Angola.
Kuito, Baum 792 (B. holo.t).
Maba virgata Guerke in Warb., Kunene-Sambesi Exped. 327 (1903).
Small virgate rhizomatous suffrutices 30-90 cm high; stems slender, rufous-
pubescent throughout. Leaves lanceolate to broadly ovate, 2-5-7 cm long and 1-3 cm
wide, densely tawny-sericeous below and dull in colour, shiny and glabrescent above.
Flowers sessile in dense axillary clusters, densely bracteate at the base with rufous bracts.
Male flowers 3-(4)merous. Calyx 4 mm long, densely hairy, deeply lobed, lobes deltoid.
Corolla urceolate, tawny-sericeous outside, 7-8 mm long, lobes 2-5 mm long deltoid.
Stamens 12-14, 3-4 mm long, quite glabrous, filaments short, ovary reduced to a tuft of
hair. Female flowers like the males but corolla-tube slightly wider and more contracted
at throat. Staminodes 3. Ovary 6-locular, densely strigose, stigmas small, sessile.
Disc fleshy, small, glabrous. Fruit up to 2-5 cm in diam., tawny-tomentose, fruiting
calyx not accrescent. Seeds elliptic-oblong, 1 cm long, testa dull, circumvented by a thin
more or less straight line; endosperm horny, white, not ruminate.
Abundant on Kalahari sands in the western half of Northern Rhodesia, according to an unpublished
note by White. Recently collected in South West Africa.
S.W.A. — Okavango : Andara, open woodland on deep sand on Caprivi side of river, de Winter &
Marais 4805; Kuring-kuru, Esterhuyse 443.
A very distinct species which cannot be confused with any of the other species included in the Flora
due to its hairy leaves, large hairy fruits and clustered flowers. The fruits resemble those of D. chamae-
thamnus, but the glabrous leaves of the latter species make it unmistakable.
Vernacular name Utono (Mbukushu).
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Ebenaceae
6. Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A. DC. in DC.. Prodr. 8: 672 (1844); A. Rich.,
Tent. FI. Abyss. 5:24 (1851); Hiern in F.T.A. 3: 518 (1877); F.C. 4, 1 : 477 (1906); Codd.
Bot. Surv. S. Afr. Mem. 26: 143 (1951). Syntypes: Abyssinia. Schimper 655, 1243
(both in G 1 ).
Evergreen trees or shrubs up to 25 m high but usually smaller, trunk up to 1 • 5 m in
diam., bark blackish grey, rough and fissured; branchlets and inflorescence tawny to
ferruginous-pubescent. Leaves alternate, elliptic- blong, obovate-oblong to oblanceo-
late-oblong, coriaceous, sparsely sericeous below or glabrescent, with a dull gloss above.
4-5-14 cm long and 1-3 cm wide, usually about 8 x 2-5-3 cm, apex obtuse to acute with
a rounded tip, base broadly cuneate to rounded and often somewhat unequal. Male
flowers sessile, 3 to many together in small pedunculate axillary cymes, tetramerous or
pentsmerous. Calyx lobed about halfway down, hairy, lobes ovate to lanceolate.
Corolla narrowly urceolate, shortly lobed, densely sericeous. Stamens 10-16, often in
pairs, filaments short, ovary rudimentary, hairy. Female flowers 4-5 merous (calyx
rather frequently 4 lobed), solitary, shortly pedicellate in axils of the leaves or from below
old leaf scars on second year’s growth; bracts 2. caducous. Calyx lobed rather more
than halfway down, ferruginously sericeous, tomentose outside; lobes cordate acuminate
and undulate plicate towards the base. Corolla 1-1 -2 cm long, urceolate, hairy outside.
Staminodes about 7. Ovary densely pubescent 4-8 celled, with a single pendulous ovule
in each cell. Disc fleshy, small, glabrous. Fruit subglobose yellowish to greenish,
glabrescent; fruiting calyx with undulate lobes, about % the length of the fruit. Seeds
2-4, oblong, compressed, pale to dark brown, testa verruculose, glossy; endosperm
somewhat ruminate near the testa. Fig. 9: 2.
Widespread in tropical Africa. Also found in the northern and eastern Transvaal, and in the
Ovamboland and Okavango Native Territories in northern South West Africa. Occurs along rivers,
and in dry areas often on termite mounds.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Louws Creek, Acocks 12880; Burtt Davy 2798; Crocodile Poort, Galpin
1354; Komatipoort, Burtt Davy 386; 2816. Letaba: Tzaneen, Codd & de Winter 3083. Kruger National
Park: Pafuri, Rodin 4606; Punda Milia, Codd & Dyer 4603 ; Malelane, Thorncroft 3113; Crocodile Bridge,
van der Scltijff 875; Sabie River, Skukuza, Letty 52. Soutpansberg: Burtt Davy 2882; Hot Springs, Smuts
2051 ; 2050. Pietersburg: Mokeetsi, Reynolds 619; Letaba River, Galpin 13857.
S.W.A. — Okavango: Popa Falls, Maguire 1675; Andara, de Winter 4277; Andara, Watt 25.
Ovamboland: Oshikango, Rodin 2625; Omafu, de Winter 3621: Ondongua, Courtney-Clarke s.n.
Caprivi: Katirna Mulilo, Killick & Leistner 3304.
The fruits are edible with a juicy pulp surrounding the flatish shiny seeds. The wood has a heavy
dark centre resembling ebony and is used by native tribes for making canoes, stamping blocks and
pestles (Northern Rhodesia). In Ovamboland it is used for making cups and spoons and the fruits
for brewing a kind of beer.
Vernacular names: Jakkalsbessie, Transvaal Ebony; Omuandi (Ovambo); Nunda (Mbukushu):
umToma (Swazi); Ntoma (Sjangaan).
See note under D. rotundifolia.
7. Diospyros rotundifolia Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 181 (1872); F.C
4, 1 : 478 (1906). Type: Mozambique, Delagoa Bay, Forbes 34 (CGE, holo.!)
Small tree, 4-9 m high, bark black with red slash, young parts puberulous; twigs
fairly stout, rufous when young, glabrescent and ash grey when older. Leaves alternate,
obovate rotund to obovate, 3-5-6 cm long, 2-4 cm wide, glossy above when young,
thickly coriaceous, olive green to pale grey green, somewhat paler below; apex rounded
to obtuse; base broadly cuneate to rounded; nerves usually finely raised above, less so
or inconspicuous below; margins revolute and often tending to curl inwards even when
fresh. Flowers dioecious, white, subsessile, solitary and axillary, glabrous or very
sparsely hairy; bracts 2, caducous. Male flowers 8 mm long and as wide at the mouth,
campanulate. Calyx more or less cup-shaped with a 4-5 lobed rim. Corolla shallowly
campanulate; lobes 4 5, reflexed. Stamens 28-30, glabrous, irregularly arranged in 2
Ebenaceae
63
whorls, often in pairs or single; anthers lanceolate, about 2 mm long; filaments very
short. Ovary rudimentary, reduced to a shortly hairy bump surrounded by the glabrous
disc. Female flowers like the male flowers. Ovary glabrous. 8 locular, styles 4-5.
Staminodes about 10. Fruit viscous when young, glabrous, apiculate, ovoid oblong,
2-5 cm long and 1 -5 cm wide, very shortly pedicellate, red when ripe. Calyx strongly
accrescent, crateriform, about 2 cm in diam., central part cup-shaped with a distinct rim;
lobes often large and wing-like with the basal part decurrent on the tube, plicate, margin
undulate. Seeds oblong, about 1 -2 cm long and 4-6 mm wide.
This species seems to be maritime in distribution and has so far been recorded only from dunes on
the eastern coast of Africa, from Zululand to British East Africa and Zanzibar. In Zululand it forms an
important part of the canopy of the dune forests of both sea-facing and inland-facing slopes.
Natal. — lngwavuma: NIange Lake, Tinier 386; 390.
D. rotundifolia is not closely allied to any of the other South African species but can be compared
with D. mespiliformis from which, however, it differs by the solitary, glabrous male flowers and the
cup-shaped fruiting calyx furnished with large lobes decurrent on the tube. Its closest relative in tropical
Africa is D. vaughaniae Dunkley.
8. Diospyros glabra (L.) de Winter in Bothalia 7: 457 (1961). Type: Linnaean Herb,
specimen 570.3 (LINN, lecto.!).
Royena glabra L., Sp. PL ed. 1: 397 (1753); Marloth, FI. S. Afr. t. 12, fig. D (1932). R. myrtifolia
Salisbury, Prodr. 285 (1796), nom. illegit. R. falcata E. Mey. ex A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 21 1 (1844).
Type: Cape, Genadendal, Drege s.n. (G, holo.!).
An erect dense much-branched evergreen shrub 0-6-1 - 8 m high; stems up to 15 cm
in thickness; branches erect or occasionally somewhat spreading, tawny pilose when
young; bark blackish-grey. Leaves alternate, sessile; leaf blade narrowly to broadly
elliptic or occasionally rotund, 1-3 cm long and 0-4-1 cm wide, coriaceous, smooth and
greenish above, finely wrinkled and brownish below, appressed pubescent when young,
soon becoming glabrous and glossy; nervation except for the midnerve indistinct;
margin entire, smooth. Flowers borne in small often pendulous 2-5 flowered racemes,
or solitary and axillary, pentamerous, dioecious (female and functionally male), up to
0-7 cm long; peduncles 0-5-1 -5 cm long, slender, with minute stalked or sessile glands;
bracts early deciduous, minute to well developed, distant, lanceolate to subulate. Calyx
only slightly accrescent, divided nearly to the base, segments 5, narrowly lanceolate-
acuminate, | as long as the corolla, minutely glandular and pubescent outside, often
pilose as well. Corolla campanulate, creamy white, mostly glabrous; tube about as
long as the lobes or slightly shorter; lobes oblong, rounded. Stamens usually 10 (reduced
to staminodes in the female flowers), anthers lanceolate, hairy. Ovary more or less
conical, 4-6 celled with one ovule in each cell, minutely glandular and sparsely to densely
pubescent; style short, appressed bristly, branches 2-3, glabrous. Fruit oblong to
subglobose, up to 1 cm long and 0 • 7 cm broad, usually not dehiscing, minutely glandular,
at length glabrous, purple or reddish when ripe; fruiting calyx mostly reflexed, gla-
brescent, segments linear lanceolate. Seeds usually solitary, broadly oblong, obliquely
divided by a thin line.
A species endemic to the winter rainfall area of the southern Cape. Often found on mountain
slopes but also in grasslands on sandy flats. Fairly common on the Cape Peninsula.
Cape. — Cape: Table Mountain, Ecklon & Zeyher 85- 8. Wynberg: Salter 9104; 9105. Stellen-
bosch: Drakenstein Peak, Marais 634. Tulbagh: Witzenberg Pass, Andreae. in Herb., Galpin 138.
Somerset West: Parker 3749. Caledon: W. of Viljoen’s Pass, Stokoe 8756. Worcester: Hex River,
Bolus 11810; Veld Reserve, van Breda 20; 52; 36; Onklaarberg, Stokoe 1176. Montagu: between
Montagu and Triangle, Mitchell 105. Swellendam: Ecklon & Zeyher 70' 10. Ceres: Vaalkloof,
Bontebergen, Marloth 9090; Winkelhaaks River, Esterhuysen 12691. Uniondale: White Els Bush,
Zitzikama, Galpin 4318. Knysna: Keet 433. Piketberg: Farm Mouton Valley, Marloth 11469.
Clanwilliam: Cedarberg, Galpin 10542; Van Puttensvlei, Pole Evans & van Nouhuys 36; Wupperthal,
Thode A. 2037. Calvinia: Lokenburg, Story 4280.
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Ebenaceae
A very distinct species with no obvious close relatives. The calyx, in contrast with the strongly
accrescent calyx of most of the other species, hardly enlarges after flowering, but is persistent on the fruits.
It is commonly known as Kraaibessie or also Bloubessiebos. Pappe in S. Afr. Forest Trees states
that the wood is porous, light and little used except as fuel. Salter in Journ. S. Afr. Bot., April 1953,
reports on an investigation of the sex of the flowers.
9. Diospyros austro-africana de Winter in Bothalia 7: 457 (1961). Type: Linnaean
Herb., specimen 570.7 (LINN, lecto.!).
Rigidly to laxly branched shrubs, 0-6-3 m high; branches erect or ascending, more
or less virgate to very rigid and much branched, laxly to very densely leafy, usually naked
below and studded with old leaf scars; bark ash grey to blackish, blistery, flaking in small
bits or peeling in long narrow strips. Leaves 0-4-3 cm long 2-5 mm broad narrowly
obovate to oblanceolate, subsessile or very shortly petiolate. alternate, obtuse, rounded
or subacute at the apex, rather stiff and thick in texture, densely pubescent, to sparsely
stellate above, finely stellate felted below and with scattered bristly appressed hairs;
nerves reticulately raised below to more or less inconspicuous; margin entire. Flowers
dioecious, female and functionally male, pentamerous, cream, pink or red, pendulous,
solitary, axillary; peduncle shorter than, to about twice as long as the flower; bracts 2,
subopposite, boat-shaped and clasping the peduncle at the base, often rust coloured,
pubescent or minutely glandular, about 2 mm long, deciduous, leaving distinct scars.
Calyx about half the length of the corolla, densely sericeous to rust coloured and
minutely glandular, deeply lobed; lobes usually deltoid. Corolla 4-9 mm long, densely
pubescent to felted outside, puberulous inside; lobes oblong to elliptic oblong, about
equal to the tube, apex rounded, reflexed. Stamens usually 10, anthers lanceolate,
hairy, filaments very short, reduced to small hairy staminodes in female flowers. Ovary
conical to very broadly ovoid, densely shaggy, 4-8 celled, borne on a thin disc with an
undulate margin; style branches 2-4 (usually 2-3), glabrous upwards; stigmas often
somewhat dilated. Fruit globose, more or less tomentose, often dehiscent from the
apex with 2-5 valves, clasped at the base by the accrescent rather obtuse or rounded
calyx (occasionally the calyx reflected with the lobes with revolute margins). Seeds
2-6 (8), oblong in outline, testa dull, circumvented by a thin line, endosperm flinty,
not ruminate.
A species variable within itself but well differentiated from the other species of Diospyros and easily
recognised by the very short, felted indumentum on the lower surface of the leaves as well as the sub-
opposite boat-shaped bracts which clasp the peduncles. Distributed throughout South Africa with the
exception of the northern Transvaal and South West Africa. Four varieties are recognised, one of which
has a very wide distribution. The others are more localised. In some areas these shrubs are browsed by
animals.
The epithet “ hirsuta ” as well as all the specific epithets of the synonyms of R. hirsuta L., have
proved to be already occupied by earlier homonyms in Diospyros. Royena cuneata Poir. is regarded as
a " nomen confusum ” as it is based on a mixed gathering consisting of two small twigs of Diospyros
austro-africana (R. hirsuta) as well as a twig of Diospyros lycioides ( R. lycioides). Rather than make a
new combination based on part of a mixed gathering, a new name was given and R. cuneata referred to
the “ nomina confusa ”. By giving a new name, the species remains based on the Linnaean type and
further confusion will be avoided.
Mature leaves usually not exceeding 1 • 5 cm in length, in dried specimens rather dark in colour with
usually rather conspicuous reticulate venation below; flowers pink or cream with a pinkish tinge;
drier areas of the Cape (excluding the winter rainfall area), Orange Free State, Transvaal. . . .
(c) var. microphylla
Mature leaves usually more than 1 -5 cm long, or if 1 - 5 cm only, then with a pale grey indumentum
and not occurring in areas mentioned above:
Upper surface of leaves glabrescent, glossy and rugose, margins often revolute, indumentum
(especially that of the flower) somewhat rust-coloured; winter rainfall area of the Cape. . . .
(b) var. rugosa
Upper surface of leaves if somewhat rugose always puberulous and indumentum pale grey:
Flowers pink to deep red, nerves rather prominently raised-reticulate below; Basutoland,
south-eastern Orange Free State and Natal (d) var. rubriflora
Flowers cream or white, nerves not very prominently raised-reticulate below; winter rainfall
area of the Cape and northwards along the west coast of Namaqualand. . (a) var. austro-africana
Ebenaceae
65
(a) var. austro-africana. De Winter in Bothalia 7: 457 (1961).
Royena hirsute i L., Sp. PI. ed. 1 : 397 (1753) non Diospyros hirsuta L.f. ; A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8:
212 (1844); Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 2: 83 (1872), excl. synonyms; F.C. 4, 1: 452 (1906),
excl. synonyms; Sim, For. FI. Cape Col. 258 (1907). R. angustifolia Willd., Sp. PI. 2: 633 (1800),
non Salisb. (1796). Type: Herb. Willd. sheet No. I ( B ! ). R. tenuifolia Salisb., Prodr. 285 (1796),
nom. illegit.
Rather lax shrubs up to 3 m high. Leaves narrowly oblanceolate, 1-3 cm long and
0-6-1 -2 mm broad, subsessile or very shortly petiolate, upper surface dark green,
densely and finely stellate pubescent, sparsely so when older, lower surface grey or
yellowish, felted; nerves raised, often more or less reticulate, midrib impressed above,
secondary nerves often slightly so. Flowers cream. 0-5-0-7 cm long; peduncles shorter
to longer than the flowers, up to 1 - 2 cm long. Calyx coarsely appressed bristly outside;
lobes 5, ovate to triangular, apices acute, glabrous to pubescent inside. Corolla felted
outside, 5-7 mm long, tube | as long as the corolla. Ovary 4-6-celled: style branches
2-3; stigmas dilated. Fruit globose to very broadly elliptic oblong, 1-1 -5 cm in diam.,
tomentose; calyx accrescent A to as long as, and usually clasping the fruit, lobes broad,
obtuse or subacute.
Found mainly in the winter rainfall area of the Cape Province.
Cape. — Caledon: between Caledon and Genadendal, Alexander s.n. Worcester: Veld Reserve,
van Breda 7. Ceres: Karoopoort, Marloth 9035. Sutherland: Marloth 3923. Calvinia: Kubiskouw
Mt., Marloth 12863; Nieuwoudtville, van Son in TRV 36640. Swellendam: Sondereinde River, Zeyher
3350. Ladismith: Marais 681. Prince Albert: Swartberg Pass, Stokoe 8757. Riversdale: Fisants-
fontein, Muir 3144. Oudtshoorn: Cango, Britten 1741. Uniondale: Kamanassie Mts., Taylor 1470.
This variety is not always easily distinguishable from var. microphylla and intermediates are found
in Sutherland and Calvinia which are difficult to place with certainty in either variety. The var. rubriflora
also is practically indistinguishable from it when the flower colour is not known, but is geographically
isolated from var. austro-africana.
The var. rubriflora is found only in the mountains of Basutoland and Natal and across the border
in the Orange Free State, while the var. microphylla occurs in the intervening area and separates the
distribution of the former two varieties.
( b ) var. rugosa ( E . Mey. ex A. DC) de Winter in Bothalia 7: 457 (1961). Type:
Cape, near Saldanhabaai and Groennekloof, Drege s.n. (G, holo.!).
Royena rugosa E. Mey. ex A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 212 (1844), non Diospyros rugosa Sap. (1862), a
fossil species. R. hirsuta var. rugosa (E. Mey. ex A. DC.) Zahlbr. in Ann. Naturhist. Hofrnus. Wien
28: 397 (1903).
Differs from the var. hirsuta by the leaves being on the whole larger, up to 3 • 5 cm
long, the glabrescent usually glossy and rugose upper surface and the often revolute
margins. The indumentum usually is slightly to distinctly rust coloured due to minute
reddish glandular hairs.
So far known only from the western coastal parts of the winter rainfall area of the Cape. It is
apparently of very limited distribution.
Cape. — Malmesbury: Pillans 6260. Hopefield: Bolus 4642. Clanwilliam: Alexanders Hoek,
Schlechter 3306; 5139; Olifants River and at Villa Brakfontein, Ecklon & Zeyher s.n.
(c) var. microphylla {Burch.) de Winter in Bothalia 7: 457 (1961). Type: Cape,
between Witte Water and Griquatown, Burchell 1696 (K. holo.!).
Royena microphylla Burch., Trav. 1 : 348 (1822), non Diospyros microphylla Bedd. (1870). R. hirsuta.
var. microphylla (Burch.) de Winter, in Bothalia 7: 18 (1958).
Differs from the var. hirsuta mainly in the smaller leaves, 0-4-1 -5 cm long and the
usually distinctly reticulate and pitted lower surface due to the raised nerves. The flowers
are mostly pink but may be cream flushed with pink in some of the Transvaal specimens.
Fig. 10: 3.
66
Ebenaceae
This is the most widespread of the varieties. It occurs in the central, south- and north-western
Cape, in the Orange Free State, south-western and south-eastern Transvaal. It prefers habitats such as
rocky ridges and outcrops.
Cape. — GraafT-Reinet: Oudberg, Bolus 470. Middelburg: Grootfontein, Theron 346. Tarka:
Winterberg Mountain, Ecklon & Zeyher 13.6. Richmond: Vlakplaats, Bolus 13815. Queenstown:
Galpin 1565. Herschel: Lundean's Nek, Marais 1062. Kimberley: Sekretaris, Acocks & Hafstrom
H. 785. Kuruman: Pole Evans 21 16. Vryburg: Mogg 8179.
O.F.S. — Zastron: Heydorn 14. Fauresmith: Vaalberg, Smith 5459. Bloemfontein: Naval Hill,
Moss 4658. Senekal: Doornkop, Goossens 679. Bethlehem: Potgieter 78.
Basutoland. — Mafeteng: Gerstner 213. Maseru: Jacot-Guillarmod 2149.
Transvaal. — Bloemhof: Rosendal Farm, Burtt Davy 9494. Ventersdorp: Leeufontein Farm>
Louw 1716. Heidelberg: Schlechter 3523; 5458. Johannesburg: Moss 18972. Pretoria: Zwartkop*
Repton 1858. Ermelo: near Hendrina, Acocks 11725. Belfast: near Draaikraal, Meeuse 10322-
Dullstroom: Pole Evans in PRE 24137.
(cl) var. rubriflora (de Winter) de Winter in Bothalia 7: 457 (1961). Type: Natal,
Mont aux Sources, lower Slopes of Drakensberg, Hutchinson , Forbes & Verdoorn 4
(PRE, holo.!; = Hutchinson 4483 in K, iso.).
Royena hirsuta var. rubriflora de Winter in Bothalia 7:18 (1958).
Differs from the var. austro-africana by the crimson or pinkish-red flowers and the
usually more distinctly reticulate nervation; from var. microphylla by the larger leaves
which are up to 2-5 cm long and 5 mm broad and the deeper red colour of the
flowers.
Mountain slopes and valleys of the Drakensberg in the Orange Free State, Natal and Basutoland.
O.F.S. — Harrismith: Smit 97.
Basutoland. — Leribe: Dieterlen 144a & b.
Natal. — Klip Rivir: van Reenen, Schlechter 6956; 3909. Bergville: Cathedral Peak, Killick 1050;
1040; Tugela Valley McLean & Bayer 216. Utrecht: Knights Hill, Codd 2497. Estcourt: Upper Mooi
River, Sims.n.; Cathkin Peak, West 32; Meteor Ridge, Moggl\09. Underberg: McLean 776. Dundee:
Pole Evans 3900; Waschbank, Gerstner 2832.
Intermediates between this variety and var. microphylla are frequently found in Basutoland in the
foothills of the Drakensberg and also in the Transkei. Some specimens from Nkandla, Thabankulu and
Harrismith represent small-leaved intermediate forms showing that the varieties are recognisable only
in the extremes of their habitats.
10. Diospyros ramulosa (E. Mey. ex A. DC.) de Winter in Bothalia 7: 458 (1961).
Type: Without locality. Drege s.n. (G, holo.!).
Royena ramulosa E. Mey. ex A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 212 (1844). R. hirsuta var. rigida Hiern in
Journ. Bot. Lond. 12: 239 (1874). Type: Cape, GraafT Reinet, Bolus 616 (K, holo.!).
Densely and rigidly branched shrubs 1-5 m high; branches ascending, with numerous
branchlets which are densely leafy at the ends, naked below and studded with old leaf-
scars or branches more elongated and leafy all over; bark smooth to finely blistery and
slightly peeling in fibre-like strips, ash-grey to reddish brown (young twigs). Leaves
alternate, subsessile or very shortly petiolate ; leaf-blade very small, 0 • 5- 1 • 2 cm longand 2-5
mm broad, elliptic to narrowly elliptic or occasionally oblong to oblanceolate or obovate
inshape, fairly thick and rigid, finely densely pubescent above, sometimes also with long
rigid more oi less appressed hairs; below with a mixture of a fine pubescence and long
rigid appressed hairs; midrib impressed adaxially, projecting abaxially, secondary nerves
faintly visible only on the lower surface; margins flat or slightly involute, entire. Flowers
solitary in the axils of the leaves, pentamerous or occasionally tetramerous, dioecious,
functionally male, or female with the stamens reduced to staminodes, 0-5-1 cm long,
greenish-white to white; peduncle from very short to 0-8 cm long, pubescent; bracts 2,
distant to subopposite, narrowed towards the base, narrow and linear or somewhat
Ebenaceae
67
leaf-like, up to 0-7 cm long. Calyx 3-5 mm long, about the length of the corolla,
deeply divided, lobes 5 (rarely 4) narrowly ovate to lanceolate 2-5-5 mm long, densely
pubescent or with a mixture of a fine pubescence and scattered stiff bristly appressed
hairs. Corolla lobes 5, oblong 3-4 mm long, pubescent outside and usually with a
median line of stiff bristle-like hairs down the back, reflexed; tube shorter than the lobes,
2-3 mm long. Stamens 10. anthers lanceolate, hairy, 3 mm long, staminodes shorter and
more hairy than stamens, up to 2 mm long. Ovary very broadly oblong, densely
pubescent below and densely bristly in the uppei part the hairs hiding the base of the
style, slightly 5-angled in cross-section, 8-10-celled; style well developed 0 • 5-1 mm long,
divided above in 3-5 glabrous branches, branches 1-5 mm long. Fruit subglobose,
fleshy when ripe, puberulous or subglabrous; calyx not very strongly accrescent, 3-5 mm
long, tips of the lobes slightly reflexed. Seeds 2-8, brown, oblong in outline, testa dull,
circumvented by a thin line, endosperm flinty, not ruminate.
Found in the Graaff Reinet District and along the west coast in the Clanwilliam, Calvinia and
Namaqualand Districts of the Cape. Also in the Luderitz district of South West Africa.
Cape. — Graaff Reinet: Marloth 7026. Clanwilliam: Schlechter 8008; Niewoudtville, Marloth
7653; Schlechter 825 ; near Clanwilliam, Gillett 4081. Calvinia: Lokenburg, Story 4313; Acocks 17351;
18230. Namaqualand: near Steinkopf, Acocks 14240; near Springbok, Acocks 19233.
S.W.A. — Luderitz: Farm Klein Aus, Kinges 2310: Aus, Dinter 6110.
This species very strongly resembles D. austro-africana var. microphylla and was included under
Royena hirsuta by Hiern as the var. rigida. It is, however, a distinct species not closely related to D.
austro-africana , from which it differs as follows: the bracts are narrowed towards the base (not clasping
the peduncles), linear or leaf-like but not boat-shaped; the fruits are glabrescent, the calyx only slightly
accrescent not strongly so as in D. austro-africana. The leaves also show a number of differences, the
nerves not being prominent and reticulate below and the lower surface not felted but pubescent. The
distribution as at present known is rather interrupted, the Graaff-Reinet collection being completely
isolated from the other known localities.
11. Diospyros acocksii ( de Winter) de Winter in Bothalia 7: 457 (1961). Type;
Cape. Kenhardt, Acocks 14395 (PRE, holo.!; K!).
Royena acocksii de Winter in Bothalia 7: 18 (1958).
Rigidly branched shrubs up to 5 m high; branches spreading at nearly right angles;
bark smooth to finely rugose, ash-grey with blackish markings to grey with a reddish
brown tinge; young branches smooth, deep mahogany red, glabrous or with a few
scattered appressed hairs. Leaves alternate, very shortly but distinctly petiolate;
leaf-blade 1-2 cm long and 0- 5-1 cm broad, elliptic to obovate-elliptic, glossy, coriaceous,
finely rugose and glabrous above, more or less smooth and sparsely strigose below (young
leaves densely strigose); margins usually slightly undulate, entire, often involute, nerves
inconspicuous except for the midrib and sometimes faintly marked secondary nerves.
Flowers tetramerous, solitary in the axils of the leaves, dioecious, functionally male or
female with the stamens reduced to staminodes, pendulous, up to 1 cm long but mostly
shorter; peduncles 5-7 mm long, sparsely strigose; bracts 2, more or less approximate,
up to 5 mm long, oblanceolate. Calyx deeply divided, lobes 4, triangular, 4-5 mm long,
and 2-5 mm wide at the base, sparsely strigose outside, glabrous inside, rather thick in
texture. Corolla creamy white, urceolate, 4-angled, slightly hairy on the angles, other-
wise glabrous; tube short (5 of the length of the flower); lobes very broadly ovate with
an acute apex, distinctly imbricate. Stamens 8, 3 mm long; filaments very short and
broad, glabrous; anthers lanceolate, 2-5 mm long, hairy on the back, less so on inside
face, dehiscing by longitudinal slits. Ovary borne on a distinct disc, four-angled,
pyramidal, when more mature very broadly oblong, glabrous, or sparsely hairy on the
angles; style as long as the four branches or slightly shorter. Fruit 1-1-3 cm long,
glabrous, broadly oblong in outline to semi-globose, slightly 4-angled, occasionally
dehiscing along the four sutures which are visible as fine but distinct lines; calyx
accrescent, | the length of the fruits, lobes ovate, apices acute, more or less reflexed.
Seeds strongly laterally compressed, 8 (or fewer), glabrous, blackish, shiny.
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Ebenaceae
This species has a very limited distribution and has so far been recorded only from the Kenhardt
and Namaqualand districts of the Cape and the Warmbad district in South West Africa. Like many of
the trees and shrubs of this arid area it grows in the dry watercourses and depressions where water collects
after rains.
Cape. — Namaqualand: Small Bushmanland, Pella, Pearson 3546. Kenhardt: 126 miles from Ken-
hardt, Pole Evans 2259; near Pofadder, Acocks 14395.
S.W.A. — Warmbad: farm Witsand, Galpin 14149; 20 miles from Warmbad on Goodhouse road.
Ga/pin s.n.
A very distinct species with tetramerous flowers and relatively small, leathery, inconspicuously
nerved leaves with undulate margins. Only two other South African species have tetramerous flowers,
one of which, D. glandulifera , shows very little resemblance to D. acocksii. In D. glandulifera the calyx
lobes are much accrescent and exceed the fruits in length, and the young parts are covered with glands.
The second species, D. ramulosa, only occasionally has tetramerous flowers but there is a certain similarity
in the leaves and fruits which suggests an affinity with D. acocksii. The climatic preferences of D.
ramulosa and D. acocksii are very similar, but D. acocksii has a much more limited distribution in the
arid areas near the Orange River in the northern Cape Province and north of the river in South West
Africa.
12. Diospyros pallens ( Thunb .) F. White in Bothalia 7: 458 (1961). Type; Cape,
Thunberg, sheet No. 1 (UPS, lecto.!; K, fragment!).
Royena pallens Thunb., Prodr. 80 (1794); Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 85 (1873); F.C.
4, 1 : 453 (1906), pro parte; de Winter in Bothalia 7: 19 (1958). R. brachiata E. Mey. ex A. DC. in DC.,
Prodr. 8: 213 (1844). Type: Cape, van Staden’s River, Drege s.n. (G. holo.!).
A diffuse and spreading shrub, 1-2-5 m high: branches spreading-ascending to
erect ; bark pale, light-grey to light-brown, more or less smooth ; whole plant subglabrous,
soon becoming more or less glabrous. Leaves alternate, petioled, petioles up to 5 mm
long (usually 4-5 mm); leaf-blade narrowly elliptic to elliptic, 1-3 cm long and 0-5-1 cm
broad, thinly coriaceous, glabrous or with a few scattered appressed hairs on the midrib
and margins, glossy (when fresh) finely wrinkled (like old leather) when dry, slightly
discolorous; nerves inconspicuous except for the midrib, margins revolute. Flowers
dioecious, female or functionally male, pentamerous, solitary, axillary, about 1 cmlo ng,
white, pendulous; peduncle about 1 cm long, glabrescent to very sparsely appressed-
hairy; bracts 2, linear, 3 mm long, involute. Calyx 5-partite, segments narrow, tapering
towards the apex, apex acute, very sparsely strigose outside, sparsely pubescent inside.
Corolla deeply 5-lobed, lobes ovate, acute, pubescent at the apex; tube very short.
Stamens 10, 4 mm long, anthers linear-lanceolate, bristly especially on the connectives,
and with a tuft of bristles at the base; filaments short and broad, glabrous. Ovary
conical, densely covered with stiff erect bristles which obscure the shape; style branches
4, glabrous. Fruits globose, up to 1 cm long, thinly pubescent, with scattered long stiff
yellowish bristles intermixed with very short hairs; calyx accrescent, very abruptly
reflexed; segments lanceolate, 0-8-1 • 1 cm long, glabrescent. No ripe seeds seen.
Apparently a rather localised species, so far recorded only from the Knysna, Port Elizabeth.
Uitenhage and Bathurst districts. Grows near the coast at an altitude of below 1.000 ft. and seems to
prefer the scrub on dunes near the sea and further inland. Knysna is the point nearest to the Cape where
it has been found and the type may have been collected there by Thunberg.
Cape. — Knysna: Groene Vallei, Drege s.n.; near coast, Taylor 1144; Robberg, Taylor 1350. Port
Elizabeth; Krakakamma Forest, Ecklon & Zeylter s.n.; Sea View, Long 1337. Uitenhage: near Van
Staden’s River, Drege s.n. Bathurst: Kowie, Salisbury s.n. ; Port Alfred, Salisbury 16.
Regarding the choice of a lectotype, see note in Bothalia 7: 19 (1958) under Royena pallens Thunb.
Hiern in Flora Capensis took a very broad view of this species including under it amongst others Royena
pubescens. R. lycioides and R. sericea. R. pubescens and R. lycioides are here regarded as distinct and
now bear the names Diospyros dichrophylla and D. lycioides, while Royena sericea is treated as a subspecies
of Diospyros lycioides.
Ebenaceae
69
13. Diospyros glandulifera de Winter in Bothalia 7: 457 (1961). Type: Natal,
Tugela. Gerrard 1608 (K., holo.!; W!).
Royena glandulosa Harv. ex Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 89, t. 2 (1872), non Diospyros
glandulosa Lace (1915).
A shrub 2-3 m high; branchlets spreading; young shoots, peduncles and fruit hispid
with simple hairs mixed with jointed glandular hairs, subferruginous. Leaves alternate,
shortly but distinctly petioled; petioles 1-2 mm long; leaf-blade ovate to broadly
elliptic, 1-2-5 cm long and 0-6-1 -3 cm broad, thinly coriaceous or firmly membranous,
sparsely pilose with jointed glandular hairs; apex subacute, base rounded or obtuse.
Flowers dioecious, female and functionally male, tetramerous or pentamerous, solitary,
pale yellow; peduncle about 1 cm long. Calyx deeply lobed, pilose outside, pubescent
within, strongly accrescent in fruit, lobes lanceolate, acute, about 3 mm long. Corolla
urceolate, deeply lobed, glabrous except for the minutely ciliate margin, lobes rounded
and recurved. Stamens usually 8 (or 10) inserted in a single row at the base of the
corolla, anthers hairy, filaments short or stamens reduced to staminodes. Ovary hairy,
8- (10-) celled; style hairy, branches glabrous at the apex, 4 (5) in number. Fruit very
broadly oblong-ovate, about 1-3 cm long, sparsely glandular-pubescent with four
longitudinal lines where the carpels join ; calyx accrescent, loosely enclosing the fruits or
reflexed, deeply lobed; lobes about 2 cm long, ovate-oblong, rather thin but stiff in
texture, reddish-brown, many-nerved. Seeds about 1 cm long, 3-8, brown, oblong in
outline, circumvented by a thin line, endosperm flinty, not ruminate.
Endemic in the Northern bushveld areas of Natal where it grows on sandstone ledges.
Natal. — Lower Umfolosi: between Black Umfolosi and Nongoma, Acocks 11672; Syrett 4973.
Ubombo: Gerstner, 4540. Hlabisa: Emgangado Mtn., Gerstner 5085. Lower Tugela: Tugela Valley,
Edwards 1897.
This species is incompletely known. More material should be collected to implement the description
which is based mainly on the type collection. It is related to D. simii and D. dichrophylla but can easily
be distinguished from both these species by the glandular-hispid hairs on the young parts.
14. Diospyros whyteana (Hiern) F. White in Bothalia 7: 458 (1961). Type: Nyasa-
land, Milanje, Whyte s.n. (BM, holo.!).
Royena whyteana Hiern in Trans. Linn. Soc. Bot. 2, 4: 25 (1895). R. lucida L., Sp. PI. ed. 1 : 397
(1753) non Diospyros lucida Loud. (1841); Jacq., Fragm. t. I, f. 6: 3 (1800-1809); A. DC. in DC.,
Prodr. 8: 24(1844); Hiern. in F.C. 4, 1 : 447 (1906); Marloth, FI. S. Afr. 3 : 40 (1932). Type: Linn.
Herb, specimen No. 570 .1 (LINN, holo.!). R. wilmsii Guerke in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 60 (1898). Type:
Transvaal, Pretoria, Wilms 923 (B, holo. f; K!) R. goetzei Guerke, l.c. 30: 372(1901). Type: Tanganyika
Goetze 1344 (B, holo.t; BM!). R. nyassae Guerke, l.c. 30: 373 (1901). Type: Kingagebirge, Goetzz
1203 (B, holo.t; BM!).
An erect dense evergreen shrub 0-5-2 m high or tree up to 6 m high; trunks up to
30 cm thick with a dark-coloured often almost black bark ; branches somewhat spreading;
young twigs densely tawny pubescent. Leaves borne in two ranks, alternate, shortly
petioled; leaf-blade narrowly elliptic to ovate-oblong, deep green and glossy, glabrous
or hairy above, pale dull and hairy below (drying a rich reddish-brown); nerves somewhat
prominent to inconspicuous, midrib prominent below, somewhat impressed above;
margin entire, fimbriate. Flowers dioecious, female or functionally male, borne in small
pseudo-racemes which develop into leafy twigs, pendulous. 5-10 mm long, pentamerous,
urceolate with spreading eventually reflexed corolla, creamy white; peduncle 0-5-2 cm
long, densely hairy with ferruginous one-celled hairs mixed with many-celled short gland-
tipped hairs which also occur on the calyx and bracts ;.bracts 2, separated by an internode,
lanceolate to ovate-cordate, subsessile, often glabrous above and hairy below with the
margins fimbriate, early deciduous. Calyx urceolate, densely hairy, shortly 5-lobed at
apex of tube. Corolla deeply 5-lobed, campanulate, with lobes reflexed, thinly hairy
outside and on inner surface at apex of lobes; lobes about equal to the tube. Ovary
conical, hairy with a mixture of one-celled hairs and short glandular many-celled hairs,
70
Ebenaceae
4-6-celled with one ovule in each cell. Fruit subglobose, up to 2 cm in diam., glabrescent,
red, completely enclosed in the inflated bladder-shaped calyx. Seeds 2-4 per fruit, pale
brown, 8 mm long, circumvented by a thin line. Fig. 10: 4.
A very widespread species occurring from the eastern part of the Cape into the Transvaal and the
eastern part of tropical Africa to Ethiopia. Mainly found on mountain slopes and ridges, often in
rocky situations.
Cape. — Cape Peninsula: Table Mtn., Marloth 367; 368. Riversdale: Muir 3144. Worcester:
Tulbaghskloof, Ecklon & Zeyher 776. Knysna: Plettenberg Bay, Kapp 779 ; Deepwalls, Keet 441.
Humansdorp: Zitzikama Forest, Galpin 4317. Albany: Grahamstown, Britten 2640; Galpin 330.
Komga: near Komga, Flanagan 894. Stutterheim: Kabaku Hills, Acocks 9322. Victoria East:
Hogsback, Rattray 275. Queenstown: Fincham's Neck, Grant 3176.
Natal. — Estcourt: Griffin's Hill, West 1069. Nkandla: Insuzi River Valley, Edwards 1473.
Estcourt: Weenen, Pentz 103. Bergville: Cathedral Peak, Killick 1647. Utrecht: Knights Hill, Code!
2504. Ngotshe: Emahaleni, Gerstner 5090. Hlabisa: Nhlwati, Ward 2269; Niginya, Wylie in Herb.
Wood 10487.
Swaziland. — Mbabane, Miller S/4; Mankaiana, Ntondozi, Compton 26905.
Transvaal. — Potchefstroom : Elandsfontein, Louw 1581. Rustenburg: Boshoek, Rose-Innes 60.
Heidelberg: Leendertz 3860. Pretoria: Baviaanspoort, Smith 1068. Witbank: Loskop Dam, Mogg
17288. Belfast: Waterval Onder, Prosser 1244. Barberton: Williamson 88; Codd 1604. Pilgrim’s Rest:
Lothian, Keet 1129. Nelspruit: Kruger National Park, Numbi, van der Schijff 3435; 141. Potgietersrus :
Pyramid Estate, Galpin 9026. Waterberg: Leeuwpoort, Rogers 18797. Letaba: Rodin 4111.
This species is fairly variable as may be expected when its wide distribution and the different habitats
in which it is found are considered. The plants from the winter rainfall area tend to have large flowers
and rather wide leaves, which become progressively smaller and narrower towards the north. The
narrow-leaved and small-flowered form occurring on the Magaliesberg in the Transvaal was described as a
distinct species but completely grades into the Cape as well as into the tropical forms, for which two more
names are available. 1 have not considered that the separation of subspecies or varieties is justifiable,
since there does not seem to be much constancy about the differences between the plants from the
different areas. Related to D. scabrida and often "difficult to distinguish in the vegetative state, but easily
recognised by the urceolate calyx which becomes bladder-shaped in fruit.
15. Diospyros scabrida (Harv. ex Hiern) de Winter in Bothalia 7: 458 (1961 ). Type:
Natal, plains near Tugela River, Gerrard 1609 (K. holo.!; TCD!).
Erect, evergreen, rigidly branched shrubs, 0-6-2 m high; branches erect or
divaricately spreading; branchlets densely leafy, ferruginous-pubescent soon becoming
glabrous; bark ash-grey, yellowish or whitish, more or less smooth. Leaves alternate,
very shortly petioled; petiole about 1 mm long, pubescent; leaf-blade flat, elliptic, ovate-
oblong, broadly oblong or even suborbicular, varying from 1 cm long and 1 - 2 cm wide
to 7 cm long and 3 cm wide, strongly coriaceous, glossy above, upper surface glabrous or
occasionally sparsely and somewhat appressed-hairy, sparsely to densely strigose below,
especially the young leaves; midrib prominent below, slightly impressed above, secondary
nerves inconspicuous or prominent below; apex rounded to acute; base distinctly cordate
to cuneate-cordate; margins entire, hairy (densely so in young leaves). Flowers dioecious,
female or functionally male, 0-7-1 cm long, fragrant, wliite orcr earn, occasionally
solitary, usually in 2-4-flowered pseudo-racemes ending in a few small leaves; peduncles
0-5-2 cm long, hairy with pin-shaped glands amongst the hairs; bracts 2, leaf-like, about
5 mm long, deciduous, approximate or distant, ovate-acuminate, strigose below, glabrous
above, margins fimbriate. Calyx 5-partite, segments lanceolate-ovate, acuminate, free
nearly to the base, 4-5-6 cm long, pubescent on the back, with occasionally a few
scattered long hairs or densely hispid with small pin-shaped glands among the hairs;
margins fimbriate. Corolla up to 10 mm long, tube 3-5 mm, glabrous, lobes as long as
or a little longer than the tube, broadly oblong with a rounded or subacute apex, glabrous
to finely pubescent, imbricate. Stamens usually 10 (occasionally 6-9), 3-4-5 mm long;
anthers linear-lanceolate, with a tuft of hairs at the base and with a few scattered hairs
on the back, reduced to staminodes in female flowers. Ovary 4-6-celled, conical,
pubescent and glandular with pin-shaped glands; style branches 2, glabrous; disc present.
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71
Fruit ovoid to globose, about 1 cm long, style persistent as a small mucro; calyx strongly
accrescent, much exceeding and enclosing the fruits, lobes broadly ovate-cordate,
pubescent to glabrescent, 1 -5-2-5 cm long. Seeds 7 mm long, 3-4 per fruit, flattened
on inside face rounded on the back.
Extending in a broad coastal belt from the Humansdorp District in the south to the Ngotshe District
of Zululand in the north. Grows in scrub on rocky outcrops, slopes of mountains and on rocky ledges.
Very occasionally found in ravines and forests.
Closely allied to D. whyteana from which it is often almost indistinguishable when without flowers
and fruits. Quite distinct, however, from this species and easily recognised by the deeply divided calyx
which is connate and bladder-shaped in D. whyteana.
Calyx lobes acuminate, densely and evenly hispid on the outer surface; leaves 3-8 cm long, elliptic
to narrowly elliptic often with the nerves impressed above; mainly in Natal (a) var. scabrida.
Calyx lobes acute, shortly tomentose and with scattered bristly hairs especially on the margins;
leaves seldom exceeding 4 cm (usually about 3 cm or less), elliptic oblong to almost suborbicular;
nerves very rarely impressed above; coastal area of the eastern Cape (b) var. cordata
(a) var. scabrida. De Winter in Bothalia 7: 458 (1961).
Royena scabrida Harv. ex Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 82 (1872). R. cordata var. scabrida
(Harv. ex Hiern) de Winter in Bothalia 7: 17 (1958).
Found in Natal and Zululand with one record from the Kentani district in the Cape.
Cape. — Kentani: Pegler 1245.
Natal. — Umzinto: Dumisa, Rudatis 1083. Pinetown: Medley Wood 8159. Lower Umfolosi:
Empangeni, Gerstner 2768. Eshowe: Medley Wood 9371 ; 11063; 8773; Thode A 1245.
( b ) var. cordata ( E . Mey. ex A. DC.) de Winter in Bothalia 7: 458 (1961). Type:
Cape, Glenfilling, Drege s.n. (G, lecto.!; K!, PRE!).
Royena cordata E. Mey. ex A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 211 (1844), non Diospyros cordata (Hiern)
Bakhuizen (1933); Sim, For. FI. Cape Col. 257, t. 103, f. 2 (1907). R. opaca E. Mey. ex A. DC., l.c. 211
( 1844) non Diospyros opaca C.B. Cl. (1882). Type: Cape, Zuurbergen between Enon and Driefontein,
Drege s.n. (G, holo. ! ; K!). R. supracordata Burch, ex Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 81
(1872), name only.
Mainly confined to the eastern Cape.
Cape. — Port Elizabeth: Steytlerville, Long 1190. Albany: Grahamstown, Galpin 46. Bathurst:
Sidey 1907. St.itterheim: Kabaku Hills, Acocks 8965. Port St. Johns: Acocks 9196. Komga :
gan 265. Queenstown: Galpin 1559. Cradock: Mountain Zebra Reserve, Brynard 123. East London:
Nahoon River mouth, Comins 1257. Somerset East: Marloth 7150.
Even though it is in some cases difficult to distinguish the var. cordata from the var. scabrida, it is
here kept distinct. The var. cordata is a more common plant and a more important constituent of the
vegetation where it occurs than the rarer var. scabrida, which in reality probably is only an offshoot of the
former variety. See also discussion under D. whyteana.
16. Diospyros lycioides Desf. in Ann. Mus. Par. 6: 448, t. 62 f. 1 (1805). Type: Cult.
Paris Bot. Gard. (G, lecto.!; K!).
Shrubs 0-6-5 m high or occasionally developing into trees up to 7 m high, lax or
often much branched; branches mostly naked below, densely leafy at the tips with the
leaves crowded together on young branches, spreading or ascending, young twigs mostly
pallid or brownish, appressed-pubescent or occasionally glabrescent; bark smooth. a,h-
grey or sometimes brownish. Leaves alternate, shortly but distinctly petiolate; leaf-
blade 1 -3-8 cm long and 0-5-3 cm wide, oblanceolate to oblanceolate-obovate rarely,
elliptic, rather coriaceous in texture, smooth, flat, dull in colour, young leaves pubescent,
appressed-pubescent, sericeous or glabrescent, mature leaves mostly glabrescent above.
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Fig. 10. I, Diospyros lycioidcs, fruiting twig; la, male flower, X 4; lb, section of male carolla
showing arrangement of stamens, X 5; 1c, section of female corolla, showing staminodes, X 5;
Id, rudimentary ovary of male flower, X 4; le, ovary of female flower, showing glabrous disc,
4; If, seed; Ig, section of ovary showing a single pendulous ovule, x4; 1 h, staminode,
9; li, stamen, X 9. 2, D. villosa, leaf, X 2. 3, D. austro-africana var. microphylla, leaf, X 2.
4, D. whytcana, showing bladder-shaped calyx enclosing the fruit. 5, D. simii, fruiting twig.
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73
sparsely appressed-pubescent to densely sericeous; mid-nerve and secondary nerves
distinctly raised below and impressed above or not raised except for the mid-nerve;
petioles 0-3-1 -5 cm long. Flowers dioecious, female and functionally male, penta-
merous, solitary, axillary, pendulous, white, cream-coloured to yellow, fragrant, 5-8 mm
long, campanulate; peduncles longer than the flowers, slender, up to 3 cm long,
pubescent, arching; bracts 2, borne on the upper half of the peduncle, distant, up to 5 mm
long, slender, linear or widened above, deciduous. Calyx densely and coarsely pubescent,
divided nearly to the base, lobes 5, triangular with a glabrescent tip, lanceolate, about
half as long as the flower, accrescent. Corolla up to 8 mm long, pubescent to glabrescent,
usually with a line of coarse pubescence down the back of the lobes; tube ^ to \ the
length of the lobes; lobes imbricate, oblong, rounded at the apex, strongly reflexed.
Stamens 10, all or a few reduced to staminodes in the female flowers; fertile
anthers 3-4-5 mm long, narrowly lanceolate, hairy, dehiscing by longitudinal slits,
filaments very short and broad, glabrous; staminodes 1-2 mm or longer, very hairy.
Ovary 4-10-celled, more or less conical when young, borne on a distinct but thin glabrous
disc, densely silvery pubescent, gradually tapering into the style; style short, branches
2-5, glabrous upwards. Fruit fleshy when ripe but drying smooth and hard, puberulous,
glabrescent, ovoid, broadly oblong in outline to subglobose, up to 2 cm long, with a
small mucro at the apex, green, yellow or rosy to red, light brown when dry; calyx
accrescent, up to 9 mm long, lobes narrowly oblong, strongly reflexed. Seeds dark
brown, minutely pitted, oblong to elliptic-oblong, with a distinct oblique groove
circumventing it; hilum broadly elliptic, smooth, 0-3 mm long. Fig. 10: 1.
This is the most widespread of all the South African species of Diospyros. The four subspecies
taken together cover the whole area of Southern Africa with the exception of the winter rainfall area of the
Cape and the Kalahari sandveld of Bechuanaland, eastern South West Africa and the north-eastern Cape.
Mature leaves with nerves not raised or hairy (often rather distinctly traced), both surfaces usually
glabrous or sparsely hairy, hairs appressed; branchlets often rather rigid; Cape, except for the
winter rainfall area and the eastern coastal area; also in O.F.S., western and north-western.
Transvaal and S.W.A (a) subsp. lycioides .
Mature leaves with at least the secondary nerves raised, or if nerves not raised very densely silvery
hairy :
Secondary and tertiary nerves raised-reticulate (c) subsp. guerkei.
Only secondary nerves raised or nerves not raised:
Mature leaves up to 2 cm long and 1 cm broad, elliptic, oblanceolate to obovate, densely
sericeous on both sides with silvery hairs often dense enough to hide the surface of the
leaves (d) subsp. nitens .
Mature leaves up to 8 cm long and 3 cm broad, oblanceolate-elliptic to obovate-cuneate, sparsely
appressed-pubescent (fairly densely so in very young leaves) (b) subsp. sericea.
(a) subsp. lycioides. De Winter in Bothalia 7: 457 (1961).
Diospyros lycioides Desf. in Ann. Mus. Paris 6: 448, t. 621 (1805).
Royena decidua Burch., Trav. 1: 317 (1822). Type: Kei-Gariep at Zoutpansdrift, Burchell 1750
(K, holo.!); R. lycioides (Desf.) A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 214 (1844). R. cuneifolia E. Mey. ex A. DC.,
l.c. (1844) . Type: Gariep near Verleptpram, Drege s.n. (G, holo.!). R. pollens sensu Hiern in F.C.
4, l : 453 (1906), partly, as to synonyms R. lycioides, R. decidua and R. cuneifolia.
Shrubs 0-6-7 m high with ash-grey, smooth, occasionally brownish bark. Leaves
up to 4 cm long and 1 - 3 cm wide when mature, oblanceolate to obovate-oblanceolate
to almost elliptic, rather coriaceous in texture, young leaves appressed-pubescent
to glabrescent; nerves not raised except for midrib.
Subsp. lycioides occurs in the drier areas of Southern Africa for example the central and northern
Cape, Orange Free State, Basutoland, western, central and northern Transvaal and the whole of South
West Africa except for the sandy eastern area. It has also been recorded from Bechuanaland just across
the Transvaal border, but does not occur in the sandy Kalahari.
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Cape. — Laingsburg: Matjedontein, Marloth 11433. Ladismith: Liebenberg 704. Oudtshoorn:
Britten 1710. Queenstown: Fincham's Neck, Galpin 2187. Aliwal North: Orange River, Gerstner 96.
Middelburg: Theron 328. Kenhardt: Pole Evans 2270. Hay: Witsand, Esterhuysen 2430. Kimberley:
Riet Rivier, Hafstrom H. 896. Barkley West: Marloth 816. Taung: Rodin 3425. Vryburg: Codd
1310; Palmyra, Brueckner 1148.
O.F.S. — Fauresmitli: C. A. Smith 928. Senekal: Ferrara, Goossens 995. Kroonstad: Farm Sand-
fontein, Schweickerdt 1079.
Transvaal. — Ventersdorp: farm Somerville 53, Codd 2125. Pretoria: Fountains Valley, Verdoorn
799. Marico: Zeerust, Tltode A1439. Waterberg: Rooiberg, Pole Evans 25. Pietersburg: Sandrivier,
Gerstner 5690. Lydenburg: Buffelsvlei, Codd 6673.
S.W.A. — Keetmanshoop: Gerstner 6298. Rehoboth: Naukluft Mountains, Bullspoort, Rodin
2950. Windhoek: Khomas Hochland, de Winter 2593. Waterberg: Liebenberg 481 1. Grootfontein:
36 miles E. of Otavi, de Winter 2874.
This subspecies can fairly easily be distinguished from subsp. sericea in areas where their distribution
does not overlap. In the areas of contact some specimens are difficult to place in either subspecies.
Typically, the leaves are glabrescent, dull, somewhat glaucous and the branchlets often become rigid and
almost spinescent. The Basuto name is Senokonoko.
( b ) subsp. sericea ( Bernh .) de Winter in Bothalia 7: 457 (1961). Type: Natal,
Durban, Krauss 423 (B, holo.|; K, lecto. !).
Royena sericea Bernh. in Flora 27: 824 (1844). R. pollens sensu Hiern in F.C. 4, 1: 453 (1906),
partly, as to synonym R. sericea. R. pollens sensu Wood, Natal Plants 3, 2: 232 (1901). R. lycioides
subsp. sericea (Bernh.) de Winter in Bothalia 7:17 (1958).
Shrubs or trees 0-6-7 m high; bark brownish or ash-grey. Mature leaves up to
8 cm long and 3 cm wide, oblanceolate, elliptic to obovate-cuneate, midrib raised,
secondary nerves not or slightly to distinctly raised and usually densely sericeous, young
leaves appressed-pubescent below, finely to densely appressed-pubescent on upper
surface.
This variable subspecies has a mainly tropical distribution. It has been recorded from all the
countries in south tropical Africa and also from the south-eastern tip of the Congo. The distribution
in South Africa is a narrow extension of its wide distribution in south tropical Africa keeping to the
east of the Drakensberg, through the Transvaal and Natal, barely reaching the Cape. A few records
are also known from Ovamboland and Okavango. Further south into South West Africa it grades
into subsp. lycioides.
Cape. — Komga: Flanagan 1192. Kentani: Pegler 1123. Port St. Johns: Umzimvubu River
Theron 1580.
Natal. — Umvoti: Greytown, Wylie s.n. Pietermaritzburg: Karkloof, Wylie 16493 (nerves not
raised). Pinetown: Kranzkloof, Haygarth in TRV 22338. Eshowe: Inkwaleni Valley, Forbes 729;
Thode A 1246. Estcourt: West 1330. Hlabisa: Hluhluwe, Ward 1689.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Crocodile Poort, Galpin 1094; Rogers 24889; C. A. Smith 7034. Nel-
spruit: Burn Davy 1614; near Pretoriuskop, Codd 5203. Lydenburg: Gillet 1046a; near Vaalhoek,
Codcl , 9805. Pilgrim’s Rest: Hendriksdal, Smuts & Gillet 2232; Smuts 84; Rogers 20547. Soutpans-
berg: Westfalia, Burn Davy 2621; Codd 6835 ; Punch Bowl Hotel, Meeuse 7918.
S.W.A. — Ovamboland: Oshikango, Rodin 2629; near Omafu, de Winter 3628. Okavango: east of
R untu, de Winter 3819.
Subsp. sericea may be readily distinguished from the preceding only when mature leaves are available-
In the young stages it is often almost impossible to separate them and the distribution is then a valuable
aid to identification. Some of the Natal specimens, especially those from the mountainous areas, have
broadly obovate-cuneate leaves with the nerves not raised but usually are fairly densely pubescent and
are included in this subspecies. The following are examples of this form: — Estcourt: Draycott Hill,
Acocks 10596. Bergville: lndumeni Valley, Killick & Marais 2137. Lions River: Karkloof, Medley
Wood 10034. Msinga: Edwards 937.
The Zulu name for this plant is Um-Ngandane. Wood in Natal Plants reports: “ the above
species has no useful properties as far as is known to us but its tough black roots have probably been the
cause of more breakage to ploughs and gear than those of any other plant we have.”
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75
(c) subsp. guerkei (Kuntze) de Winter in Bothalia 7: 458 (1961). Type: Natal.
Charlestown. O. Kuntze s.n. (NY, holo.).
Royena guerkei Kuntze, Rev. Gen. 3, 2: 196 (1898); de Winter in FI. PI. Afr. t. 1262 (1958). R.
ambigua sensu Hiern in F.C. 4, 1: 455 (1906). R. lycioides subsp. guerkei (Kuntze) de Winter in
Bothalia 7:17 (1958).
Shrubs 1-3 m high or trees 5 m high, bark ash-grey to brownish. Mature leaves
2-5 cm long and 0-7-2 cm wide, oblanceolate, narrowly obovate or elliptic; nerves
distinctly raised-reticulate on lower surface, impressed above, spreading-pubescent to
glabrous, young leaves densely spreading-pubescent.
This subspecies is found in eastern, central and southern Transvaal, the north-western districts of
Natal, with a few records from Swaziland. It prefers rocky habitats and is often associated with quartzite
outcrops, but is also found on flats.
Natal. — Vryheid: Galpin 9692. Utrecht: Pole Evans 3888; Edwards 1019. Dundee: Gregory's
Neck, Edwards 1010; 1016.
Swaziland. — Mbabane: Compton 25174; 26046; Mankaiana, Miller S/159.
Transvaal. — Potchefstroom: Elandsheuwel, Goossens 1691. Heidelberg: Suikerbosrand,
Schlechter 3505; Leendertz 7686. Krugersdorp: Witpoortjie, Moss Herb. 27973. Johannesburg:
Kensington, Gilmore 469. Pretoria: Wonderboom, Burtt Davy 2669. Rustenburg: Vlakfontein,
Liebenberg 172. Potgietersrus: Pyramids Estates, Galpin 9025. Witbank: Rogers 15355. Belfast:
near Slaaihoek, Bruce 507; near Draaikraal, Meeuse 10325; Burtt Davy 7272. Barberton: Kaapsche
Hoop, Rogers 19773.
Usually fairly easily distinguished from the other subspecies by the prominent venation and the
spreading pubescence of the leaves. Some specimens from the eastern Transvaal show intermediate
characteristics between this and subsp. sericea. The berries, which have a jelly-like flesh, have been
reported to have caused a mild form of poisoning in humans, but birds and dassies eat them apparently
without ill effects, and some sources report them as edible.
( d ) subsp. nitens ( Harv . ex Hiern ) de Winter in Bothalia 7: 458 (1961). Type:
Natal, without locality, Gerrard 1158 (K, holo.!).
Royena nitens Harv. ex Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 87 (1872). R. lycioides subsp. nitens
(Harv. ex Hiern) de Winter in Bothalia 7: 18 (1958).
Leaves up to 2 cm long and I cm broad, elliptic, oblanceolate to obovate, densely
sericeous on both sides with silvery hairs which often hide the surface of the leaves, older
leaves sometimes glabrescent; young leaves often only a few mm long, densely sericeous.
Found mostly on rocky outcrops but also in open grassland from the Petersburg district in the
north, southwards through the eastern Transvaal and into Natal.
Natal. — Ubombo: Mkuzi, Galpin s.n. Nongoma: Gerstner 5092.
Transvaal. — Pietersburg: Acocks 12909. Middelburg: Lulu Mountains, Mogg 16920. Lyden-
burg: Barnard 17; near Ohrigstad, Young 4500; Meeuse 10286. Barberton: Pole Evans 275; Galpin 568.
Piet Retief: 32 miles W. of Pongola, Cocld 2115.
Very similar to Royena cistoides Welw. ex Hiern from Angola and possibly synonymous with it.
Until better known and until a link in distribution is demonstrated, it is better kept distinct. R. cistoides
is known only from the type collection.
17. Diospyros dichrophylla ( Gand .) de Winter, comb. nov. Type: Cape, Keiskamma
River, Penther 1985 (W).
Royena dichrophylla Gand. in Bull. Soc. Bot. France 65: 56 (1918). R. ambigua Vent., Jard. Malm,
t. 17 (1803), non Salisb. (1796). Type: cult. Hort. Malm. (W, holo.!; K, fragment). R. polyandra var.
ambigua (Vent.) Pers., Syn. PI. 486 (1805). R. hirsuta sensu Jacq., Coll. 5: Suppl. 1 10 ( 1796), excl. syns.;
Fragm. Bot. Vit. t. I, fig. 2 (1800-1809). R. pollens Thunb. var. dregei A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 214
(1844). Type: Cape, Zuurbergen. Drege s.n. (G, holo.!). R. pubescens Willd., Enum. Hort. Berol. 457
(1809), non (?) Diospyros pubescens Pers. (1805). Type: Cape, cult. Hort. Berol. (B, holo.!; PRE,
photo.). R. pollens sensu Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 185 (1872), partly, as to syn. R. pubescens
Willd.
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Shrubs 0-6-3 -5 m high or trees up to 13 m, densely leafy; bark greyish to brown,
more or less smooth or wrinkled; branches straight and erect, less often ascending,
young twigs and leaves shortly but densely yellowish- to pallid-pubescent, glabrescent.
Leaves alternate, petioles 3-6 mm long, pubescent; leaf-blade mostly narrowly obovate
but varying from oblanceolate to obovate, cuneate at the base, apex rounded to broadly
acute, 1 - 5—6 cm long and 0-6-1 -5 cm broad, coriaceous, mature leaves glabrous or
sparsely appressed-pubescent and finely wrinkled above, sparsely appressed-hairy below,
especially on the midrib, midrib slightly impressed above, prominent below, secondary
nerves inconspicuous above, inconspicuous or finely traced below but not raised, margins
usually distinctly but finely revolute, very occasionally almost flat. Flowers dioecious,
female or functionally male, solitary, axillary, pendulous with lobes reflexed, cream to
white; peduncle up to 2-5 cm long, usually 1-1 -5cm long; bracts linear, margins revolute,
rather distant, 5 mm long. Calyx deeply 5-lobed, £ the length of the corolla, lobes
deltoid to triangular, shortly but densely pallid-pubescent on both sides, 2-5 mm long.
Corolla tube the length of the lobes, glabrous; lobes narrowly oblong to more or less
ovate, apex rounded or very broadly acute, pubescent on the outside and often with a
few stiff hairs in a longitudinal median line down the back, 5-8 mm long and 2-4 mm
wide, glabrous inside. Stamens usually 10, 3-5-4 mm long; anthers linear-lanceolate,
bristly, especially on the connectives and at the base; filaments short, broad, hairy at the
apex; female flowers with staminodes, staminodes 10 (or fewer), 2 mm long, densely
bristly. Ovary subglobose or somewhat depressed from above, very densely velvety-
pubescent, 8-10-celled with a single ovule in each cell, rather abruptly narrowed into the
style, often somewhat ribbed; style short, pubescent, branches 4-5, glabrous above;
stigma often somewhat dilated. Fruits large, depressed-globose, up to 2 cm long and
2-5 cm in diameter, densely velvety-pubescent, often dehiscing from above into five
valves; calyx usually strongly accrescent (occasionally only weakly so), usually reflexed
but occasionally clasping the fruits or partly reflexed, lobes lanceolate to ovate, acute,
up to 2-5 cm long and 1 cm broad (occasionally much shorter and narrower). Seeds
(probably not ripe) laterally compressed, oblong, about 1 - 0 cm long, dark brown, shiny.
The distribution of this species extends from the Montagu district in the winter rainfall area along
the east coast through Natal into the Transvaal. It is hardly ever found more than about 100 miles
inland. The furthermost inland record in the Cape is from Queenstown and it has been recorded once
from the Soutpansberg district in the Transvaal, which constitutes the northernmost limit of its distribu-
tion. It grows in coastal scrub on sandy flats, in open grassland, at forest margins and often also in
wooded kloofs. It is seldom found in dense forest (where it is replaced by the closely allied D. simii),
and does not show the preference for rocky situations typical of some of the other species.
Cape. — Montagu: Montagu Baths, Page 34. Ladismith: Zwartberge, Marloth 3994. Riversdale:
Schlechter 2188; Muiskraal, Galpin 4319; Bolus 11340. Mossel Bay: Rogers 22866. George: Wilder-
ness, Marloth 12715; Langekloof, Ecklon &Zeyhers.n. Knysna: Town commonage, Keet s.n. Humans-
dorp: Storms River, Keet 540. Port Elizabeth: Marais 378; Mogg 4684; Addo Bush, Brynard 433.
Alexandria: Burn Davy 11919; Galpin 10799; Marais 202. Albany: Grahamstown, Galpin H 18261;
Dyer 33. Bathurst: Hopewell, Acocks 11079. Queenstown: Gwatyn Farm, Galpin 8138. Komga:
Story 1240; Flanagan 140. King William’s Town: Comins 1029. Stutterheim: de Vries 93. Port St.
Johns: Eagle’s Nest, Codd 9758.
Natal. — Kranskop: Tugela River, Medley Wood 8473. Hlabisa: Ward 2441. Ubombo: Nibela,
Gerstner 5523. Ingwavuma: Codd & Dyer 2835. Mtunzini: Edwards 1587.
Swaziland. — Stegi: Compton 26014.
Transvaal. — Soutpansberg: Hutchinson & Gillet s.n. Petersburg: Blaauwberg, Codd 8701.
The common names for this species are Bloubos, Jakkalstolbos, Kraaitolbos, Tolbos, Tolletjieboom,
Monkey apple, Monkey plum, Poison peach. The wood is black and hard and of no commercial value,
except as fuel.
Hicrn in Flora Capensis applied the name R. ambigua Vent, quite incorrectly to specimens now
placed in D. lycioides subsp. guerkei. See also note under D. pattens.
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77
18. Diospyros simii ( Kuntze ) cle Winter in Bothalia 7: 458 (1961). Type: Cape,
King William’s Town, Pirie Bush, Kuntze s.n. (NY, holo.; K!).
Royena simii Kuntze, Rev. Gen. 3, 2: 196(1898); Hiern in F.C. 4, 1 : 456(1906). R. parviftora Hiern
in Trans. Camb. Phil. Soc. 12: 88 (1872), non Diospyros parviftora (Schltr.) Bakh. (East Indies). Type:
Natal, Nkandhla, Gerrard 2015 (TCD, holo.!). R. lycioides sensu Sim, For. FI. Cape Col. 259, t. 99,
fig. 4 (1907).
Scandent or seldom erect shrubs, 1-7 m high, bark greyish to brown, more or less
smooth; branches patent, spreading at about right angles or reflexed, straight or
ascending and leafy at the ends, studded below with old leaf scars, young branches thinly
strigose very soon becoming glabrous. Leaves alternate, strigose when young, glabrous
or sparsely strigose when mature, leaf-blade 3-6 cm long and 1-2 cm broad, oblanceolate
to obovate, glossy when fresh, dark green above, paler below, thinly coriaceous; midrib
raised below, strigose to glabrous, secondary nerves rarely raised below or finely traced
and not raised, apex rounded to acute; base distinctly cuneate, gradually merging into the
petiole, petioles 0-5-8 cm long. Flowers dioecious, female and functionally male,
solitary, or in few-flowered inflorescences, 1 cm long and 6 mm wide, cream in colour;
peduncle 1-2-5 cm long, sparsely strigose-pubescent, thickened above; bracts 2, linear
to linear-lanceolate, strigose, borne on upper part of the peduncle. Calyx sparsely
strigose to sericeous, segments ovate-deltoid to lanceolate-oblong, joined at the base.
Corolla sparsely to densely strigose or glabrous; tube about one third the length of the
lobes; lobes oblong; apices rounded. Stamens 10, about 4 mm long; anthers linear-
lanceolate, hairy on the connectives and at the base, filaments short, broad, glabrous,
reduced to staminodes in the female flowers. Ovary velvety-pubescent, subglobose,
usually 10-celled, with a single ovule in each cell; style hairy, branches 5, glabrous at the
apex; disc not very distinct. Fruit subglobose, velvety, 1 cm long by 1 - 2 cm broad;
calyx accrescent, as long as (or longer) than the fruit, partially reflexed but usually not
strongly reflexed, segments ovate-acute, rather thin, striate, up to 2 cm long and 1 cm
broad. Seeds 3-8, dull brown, oblong in outline, circumvented by a thin line, endosperm
flinty, not ruminate. Fig. 10: 5.
Scandent shrubs mainly growing in forests and scrambling over more rigid plants, occasionally also
found at forest margins. Very occasionally erect, laxly branched shrubs. The distribution of this
species is not well known. Most of the known records are clustered close together in the King William's
Town, East London, Komga, Kentani, Stutterheim and Keiskammahoek districts. Then follows a gap
until it is found again in Zululand and in the Eshowe and Kranskop districts of Natal.
Cape. — Keiskammahoek: Dontsa Pass, Acocks 9939. King William's Town: Amabele, de Vries 1 ;
Liebenberg 3125 ; Comins 1666. East London: Wood 2825. Komga: Flanagan, 298; Story 1239. Kentani:
near Butterworth, Killick & Marais 2045 ; near Kentani, Codd 9254; Pegler 844.
Natal. — Kranskop: Edwards 1279. Eshowe: Tugela River. Gerrard 1611. Mahlabatini: Gerstner
4594. Ngotshe: near Magut (Magudu), Acocks 13052; Codd 1957. Mapumulo: Edwards 1858.
R. parviftora Hiern is a form of this species with rather large leaves and few-flowered inflorescences,
not solitary flowers.
D. simii is closely related to D. dichrophylla and the fruits of the two species are almost identical.
The main differences are found in the habit and leaf characteristics as can be seen in the table given below
contrasting the two species,
D. simii
1. Scandent shrub mainly found in forests and on
forest margins.
2. Branches spreading at about right angles,
straight or ascending at the ends or reflexed,
sparsely strigose when young.
3. Leaves thinly coriaceous, glabrous or very
sparsely strigose.
D. dichrophylla
Erect dense shrubs or trees up to 13m high on
mountain slopes, sandy flats, wooded kloofs and
forest margins.
Branches erect or ascending often rather densely
grey or tawny pubescent when young.
Leaves coriaceous, fairly densely strigose-pubescent
or glabrous.
78
Ebenaceae
19. Diospyros galpinii ( Hiern ) de Winter in Bothalia 7: 457 (1961). Type: Trans-
vaal. Barberton, Galpin 603 (K, holo.!; PR.E!).
Royena galpinii Hiern in F.C. 4, 1 : 450 (1906).
Small suffrutices usually about 60 cm, reaching a height of 130 cm, producing
flowering shoots at ground level from the woody hard base; branches simple or branched
from the base, older stems blackish, glabrous, young shoots very densely tomentose,
tawny to ferruginous. Leaves alternate, petiolate; petioles up to 1 - 5 cm long; leaf-blade
oval, ovate or obovate. subacute to rounded at the apex, 4—1 3 cm long by 3-6-5 cm
broad, thick and fairly rigid, yellowish-green above, tawny to brownish below, densely
tomentose below, tomentose to pubescent above and becoming glabrescent with age,
base cordate, rounded or more or less truncate, nerves slightly prominent (young leaves)
or impressed (mature leaves) above, prominent and reticulate below. Flowers dioecious,
female or functionally male, solitary, axillary, pendulous, pentamerous, 1-2-1 -5 cm
long; peduncle 1-2-5 cm long; bracts borne on upper half of peduncle, lanceolate,
acuminate, 5-6 mm long, hairy below, glabrescent above, subopposite. Calyx shaggy-
tomentose on both surfaces, lobes ovate to lanceolate, 0-5-1 cm long, divided nearly to
the base. Corolla very deeply lobed, partly pubescent outside, glabrous within, lobes
oblong, obtuse, about 1 - 3 cm long, pubescent where not overlapping in bud, more or less
reflexed. Stamens 10, 4-5 mm long, filaments short, broad, anthers lanceolate, hairy on
the back, reduced to staminodes in female flowers. Ovary ovoid-conical, with 5 raised
hairy vertical lines and intervening less hairy spaces, 10-celled, gradually passing into the
ribbed style terminated by 5 branches; branches hairy below, glabrous at the apex.
Fruit densely hispid with rather long yellowish bristly hairs, ribbed, about 2 cm long and
1-1 -5 cm broad, much exceeded and enclosed by the accrescent calyx; calyx-lobes ovate-
acute up to 3-5 cm long, pubescent to sparsely pubescent, drying a dark reddish brown.
Seeds 4-8, shiny brown, oblong, about 15 cm long, circumvented by a thin line.
Distribution rather limited, extending from the Eshowe district in the south through Zululand and
Swaziland into south-eastern Transvaal. It prefers open situations and is often found on grassy slopes.
Natal. — Eshowe: Ginginhlovu, Wylie in Herb. Wood 8743 ; Umlalaas, Medley Wood 8630; Ngoye,
Medley Wood 10299. Ngotshe: near Dwarsrand, Codd 1968. Ingwavuma: Ndumu Game Reserve,
Ward 1990. Piet Retief: Dyer & Collet 4691; Driesdale Station, Acocks 1 1534.
Swaziland. — Stewart 8802.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Thorncroft 3951 ; Nelspruit :Mogg s.n; Schagen, Liebenberg 2830; Plaston,
Holt 142. Pilgrim's Rest: Sabie, Rogers 14864; between Kowyns Pass and Sabie Bridge, Gillet 1019.
Allied to D. villosa from which it can best be distinguished by the habit. D. galpinii is a low shrub
30-130 cm high, annually sending up shoots from a woody perennial base. These shoots usually remain
unbranched. It inhabits open mountain grasslands. D. villosa on the other hand is an erect or scandent
(often very tall) shrub, the stems are much branched, with the branches patent. It is usually a forest or
forest margin plant and often scrambles over trees and other shrubs. On the Petersburg plateau,
D. villosa var. parviflora, however, occurs as a branched shrublet showing no sign of becoming scandent.
Two specimens Rodin 4715 and Gerstner 4974 from Maputa and Hlabisa are intermediate between D.
galpinii and D. villosa, having the habit of the former and resembling the latter in the leaves.
20. Diospyros villosa (L.) de Winter in Bothalia 7: 458 (1961). Type: Cape, Linn.
Herb, specimen 570-2 (LINN, holo.!).
A scandent or erect, very hairy forest shrub 1 -5-14m high; branchlets patent, often
at about right angles to the main stems, leafy and bearing the flowers at the apex.
Leaves alternate; petioles 0-5-2 cm long, shortly tomentose; leaf-blade obovate-oblong
to very broadly obovate-oblong, 1-13 cm long by 0-5-6 cm broad, subcoriaceous, fairly
rigid, shortly tomentose above when young to glabrescent when mature, shaggy and
densely tomentose to thinly tomentose and pallid to rufous below; nerves impressed
above in mature leaves forming a finely wrinkled dark green surface, nerves strongly
to moderately raised below, often distinctly reticulate; margins revolute; apex rounded,
Ebenaceae
79
emarginate or shortly pointed; base cordate or rounded, occasionally a few leaves almost
cuneate. Flowers dioecious, female or functionally male, pentamerous, yellow, fragrant,
about 1 cm long, densely pubescent outside, solitary and axillary or 2-3-flowered in small
racemes, female slightly smaller than the male; peduncles 1—1-3 cm long; bracts sub-
opposite, very variable in shape, from linear, oblanceolate or elliptic and with a distinct
stalk to broadly ovate, variable in length, 4-8 mm long. Calyx 5-partite, or joined only
at the very base, accrescent, 4-7 mm long in flower, segments lanceolate-ovate, densely
tomentose outside. Corolla shortly tomentose outside except at the base, glabrous
within, deeply 5-lobed ; tube about {- the length of the flower; lobes oblong 6-8 mm long,
usually reflexed. Stamens 10, anthers bristly on the connectives and at the base, lanceo-
late. about 3-5 mm long, reduced to staminodes in female flowers. Ovary 8-10-celled,
densely tomentose, slightly ribbed, gradually passing into the style; style short, densely
hairy, branches 4-5, glabrous upwards. Fruit depressed globose-pentagonal, densely
bristly-hispid with pallid or yellowish hairs, 2-3 cm in diam. and 1 -5-2-5 cm long, often
dehiscing from the top downwards into 5 rather woody valves; calyx accrescent, blackish
or a dark reddish brown; lobes ovate, up to 3 cm long and 2 cm broad, clasping the
fruits, chartaceous in texture. Seeds 3-8, dull brown, oblong in outline, circumvented
by a thin line, endosperm flinty not ruminate. Fig. 10: 2.
Distribution mainly coastal in the Cape and Natal, extending in a fairly narrow belt from the
Uitenhage district in the south through Natal into the southernmost tip of Portuguese East Africa.
The variety parviftora is the only form found in the Transvaal.
Mature leaves usually much exceeding 3-5 cm in length or at least most leaves more than 3 5 cm
long; Cape, Natal and southern Portuguese East Africa var. vittosa
Mature leaves not exceeding 3 5 cm in length; Transvaal var. parviftora
(a) var. villosa. De Winter in Bothalia 7: 458 (1961).
Royena vittosa L„ Syst. Nat. 12, 2: 302 (1767); Wood, Natal PI. 3, 1 : t. 201 (1900); Hiern in F.C.
4, 1 : 450 (1906); Sim, For. FI. Cape Col. t. 99 (1907). R. corilyfolia Salisb., Prodr. 284 (1796). Type:
Unknown. R. scabra Burm. f., FI. Cap. Prodr. 13 (1768). Type: Unknown. R. scandens Burch, ex
Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 82 (1873), name only.
Leaves 2-5-13 cm long and 1-5-6 cm broad, often densely shaggy-tomentose
below or sparsely hairy between and densely hairy on the nerves.
The typical plants belonging to this var. are found mainly in the Cape and Natal where they grow in
protected places such as forest margins, kloofs, river valleys and occasionally in forests. Although often
an erect shrub, it usually is somewhat scandent and is aided by its patently spreading branches in climbing
over bushes and trees.
Cape. — Uitenhage: between Sunday's and Bushman’s Rivers, Ecklon & Zeyher 40.6. Albany:
Grahamstown, Salisbury 391; Blue Kranz, Burchett 3673; Rogers 2780; Britten 1 580. East London:
Greenpoint, Smith 3776. Stutterheim: Dohne Peak, Acocks 8941; Fort Cunynghame, Galpin 2469.
Komga: Flanagan 2332. Kentani: Pegler 1902. Lusikisiki: Marais 1207. Urntata: Lundie s.n.
King William's Town: Comins 1023.
Natal.— Port Shepstone: Oribi Flats, McClean 584; Paddock, McClean 268. Eshowe: Rogers
22844. Pinetown: Young 2243. Lower Tugela: near Mandeni, Edwards 1363; 1365.
( b ) var. parvifolia (de Winter) de Winter in Bothalia 7: 458 (1961). Type: Trans-
vaal, Soutpansberg, Elim, Obcrmeyer 713 (PRE, holo.!).
Royena vittosa var. parvifolia de Winter in Bothalia 7: 18 (1958).
Leaves not exceeding 3 • 5 cm in length and 2 cm in width, densely hairy on the nerves
and sparsely hairy between the nerves on the lower surface, very occasionally sub-
glabrous.
The distribution of this var. is mainly confined to the northern and north-eastern Transvaal, but
one record is known from the Hlabisa district in Zululand.
80
Ebenaceae
Natal. — Hlabisa: Umsinene Mouth, Gerstner 5522.
Transvaal. — Soutpansberg: Bandolierkop, Acocks 8857; Wylliespoort, Gerstner 5875. Kruger
National Park: Mutidaka, van der Schijff 1497; 599. Letaba: Spelonken, Junod 20389; Setali Mission.
Gerstner 5426. Petersburg: near Munnik, Acocks 8851.
Except for the smaller size of the leaves and fruits there are no differences between the var. parvifolia
and the typical Cape and Natal plants (see also note under D. galpinii).
Excluded Names and Species
Royena ambigua Salisb., Prodr. 285 (1796).
R. angustifolia Salisb., Prodr. 285 (1796).
R. crassifolia Salisb., Prodr. 285 (1796). No types of these three species described by Salisbury could
be found at Kew and the short diagnoses given are too inadequate to identify them with certainty.
It is known that Salisbury often produced new names for established species, sometimes even citing
the old name in synonymy. It is best, therefore, to regard the above three names as nomina dubia.
R. cuneata Poir., Encycl. 6: 322 (1804). Nomen confusum, based on a mixed gathering.
R. hispidida Harv. ex Eliern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 85 (1872). Nomen nudum; identity not
known.
R. latifolia Willd.. Enum. Plant Hort. Berol. suppl. 23 (1813). Nomen nudum; identity not known.
R. longifolia Cels., Cat. 33 (1817). Nomen nudum; identity not known.
R. media Cels., Cat. 33 (1817). Nomen nudum; identity not known.
R. myrtifolia Cels., Cat. 33 (1817). Nomen nudum; identity not known.
R. oleifolia Desf. ex Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12, 85 (1873). Nomen nudum, possibly =
Diospvros dicrophylla.
R. media Huguen ex Colla, Herb. Pedem. 4: 106 (1835). No type can be traced and description not
sufficient for identification.
R. pentandra Guerke in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 60 (1898) = Xeromphis obovata (Hochst.) Keay (Rubiaceae).
R. sessi/ifo/ia Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 84 (1872). A species of unknown origin based on
material cultivated at Kew. I have seen only a sterile branch and was unable to assign it to any
South African species.
Diospyros pubescens Pers., Syn. 2: 625 (1805). No type of this species could be traced and its identity is
uncertain.
6404
2. EUCLEA
Euclea Murray. Syst. Veg. ed. 13: 747 (1774); Hiern, Monogr. Eben. Trans. Cambr. Phil.
Soc. 12: 90 (1873); Hiern in F.T.A. 3: 511 (1877); Guerke in Pflanzenfam. 4. 1: 158
(1890); Hiern in F.C. 4, 1: 460 (1906); Sim, For. FI. Cape Col. 259 (1907); Phill.. Gen.
ed. 2: 570 (1951).
Trees, shrubs or suffrutices. Leaves alternate, subopposite or subverticillate.
simple, coriaceous, margin entire or finely crenulate. Inflorescence an axillary raceme,
pseudo-raceme, pseudo-cyme, panicle, or flowers solitary. Flowers regular, dioecious.
Calyx 4-5 lobed, persistent on the fruits, not accrescent. Corolla urceolate to sub-
globose and very shallowly 5-8-lobed on the rim, or campanulate and deeply 4-5-lobed.
Stamens in male flowers 10-30, solitary or filaments joined in pairs or groups together;
anthers lanceolate to narrowly oblong, dehiscing by lateral, longitudinal slits; filaments
very short. Staminodes present or absent in the female flowers. Ovary situated on a
fimbriate, somewhat fleshy disc, globose, hairy or glabrous, 2-6-celled, with a single
pendulous ovule in each cell or occasionally cells incompletely septate and then 2 ovules
per cell; styles 2 or 1, rarely 3. Fruit a berry, usually one-seeded (occasionally 2-3
Ebenaceae
81
seeds), usually globose, occasionally beaked or ovoid-turbinate. Seeds globose (when
fruits 2-3-seeded. hemispherical or 3-angled), divided into three parts by a curved line
(like on a tennis ball) linked by a shallow groove; endosperm usually flinty, ruminate or
not ruminate.
A genus characteristic of the Cape flora. A few species are widespread in South Africa and occur
also in tropical Africa. A small number of species are endemic in tropical Africa. The fruits are edible
in some of the species but none is very palatable. The genus is of little economic value and the wood is
only sporadically used, mainly as firewood.
Key for Identification of Flowering Specimens
(See also additional Key on p. 82.)
Corolla shallowly lobed at apex only:
Leaves linear to linear-lanceolate, at least 6 times as long as broad:
Corolla and calyx densely covered with a grey woolly indumentum:
Much branched shrub or large tree with drooping branches 1 . E. pseudebenus
Virgate suffrutices with a woody stock, leaves erect 2. E. acutifolia
Corolla and calyx often hairy but only sparsely so, or corolla densely hairy upwards and sub-
glabrous towards the base:
Anthers glabrous in male flowers; style long-exserted in female flowers; inflorescence lax
in both sexes, branches glabrous 3. E. lancea
Anthers hairy; style included, stout; inflorescence branches hairy, female inflorescence more
compact than male 2. E. acutifolia
Leaves ovate, obovate-elliptic or narrowly elliptic, usually much less than 6 times as long as broad :
Margin of the leaves undulate:
Leaves densely hairy with spreading rather long hairs, glabrescent; Basutoland, Orange Free
State and north-eastern Cape 4. E. coriacea
Leaves and young parts shortly asperulous with fine erect very short hairs; South West
Africa 7 . E. asperrima
Margin of the leaves not undulate:
Young parts including young leaves and inflorescence rusty-pubescent with crisped reddish-
brown hairs which turn grey on ageing; bracts subtending pedicels lanceolate-boat-
shaped; mature leaves elliptic to narrowly elliptic with margins raised on the lower
surface, usual ly drying olive green, shiny on the upper surface ; fruits ferruginous-velvety ;
coastal areas of the southern Cape 5. E. polyandra
Young parts hoary-pubescent to glabrous, never ferruginous; bracts lanceolate to boat-
shaped and broadly ovate:
Leaves usually quite glabrous as are also the young parts except for the inflorescence,
usually narrowly to broadly elliptic (occasionally lanceolate, oblanceolate, ovate or
obovate-elliptic) always glaucous, nerves usually somewhat raised on both sur-
faces 2. E. acutifolia
Leaves usually covered with crisped white hairs giving them a hoary look, young parts
shortly villous with grey hairs, leaves usually obovate to narrowly obovate or
occasionally obovate-elliptic to obovate-oblong, nerves usually somewhat raised on
lower surface but usually not raised on both surfaces 6. E. tomentosa
Corolla cleft at least halfway down or more:
Young leaves and twigs quite glabrous or covered with a rust-coloured granular exudate:
Ovary densely covered with bristles (see also note under E. daphnoides ):
Leaves linear to linear falcate, occasionally oblanceolate but then young parts covered with a
granular rust-brown exudate; Clanwilliam, northern and north-eastern Transvaal and
Southern Rhodesia 10. E. linearis
Leaves narrowly elliptic, elliptic, oblanceolate, obovate or ovate:
Leaves obovate, ovate or rarely almost elliptic, margin not undulate:
Flowers quite glabrous or rarely with a few appressed bristles in a median line on the
lobes; leaf-margin involute; coastal dunes and forests of the Cape. ... 13. E. racemosa
Flowers usually with a median line of appressed bristles on the lobes; leaf-margin
usually not involute; central Transvaal 9. E. crispa
Leaves narrowly elliptic, elliptic or very occasionally lanceolate, margin usually strongly
undulate; male and female inflorescences rather dense and contracted, often almost
globose, solitary or 2-3 in each axil; southern Natal, Swaziland, Transvaal and
northern South West Africa 11 . E. divinorum
82
Ebenaceaf.
Ovary quite glabrous or ovary covered with white or grey scale-like glands:
Margin of leaves usually much undulate; young parts covered with a granular rust-coloured
exudate; ovary covered with white or grey scale-like glands; central dry areas of South
Africa 12. E. undulata
Margin of leaves usually not undulate, young parts except for inflorescences not covered
with a rust-coloured exudate, quite smooth and glabrous; ovary quite glabrous, without
glands; Natal, eastern Transvaal, eastern tropical Africa 14. E. schimperi
Young leaves and twigs pubescent or asperulous:
Inflorescence a pseudo-raceme, not compound, lobes of corolla without a subgibbous blunt keel :
Corolla hairy on outside, young twigs and leaves scabrid or asperulous with very short erect
bristles 7. E. asperrima
Corolla glabrous except for a median line of appressed bristles, young twigs and leaves
pubescent with the hairs fairly long 9. E. crispa
Inflorescence usually compound, lobes of corolla always with at least an indication of a keel,
often with a distinct subgibbous keel:
Leaves mostly ovate and rather broad, indumentum short, consisting of greyish crisped hairs;
bracts of inflorescence rather broad; mainly in the Clanwilliam district of the Cape. . . .
8. E. natalensis x E. foment osa
Leaves narrowly elliptic, oblanceolate, obovate-oblong or elliptic, indumentum usually
brownish or ferruginous; bracts on inflorescence rather narrow; Cape, Natal, Transvaal,
tropical Africa 8. E. natalensis
Guide to the Identification of Fruiting Specimens
Leaves, inflorescence and young twigs always quite glabrous, at most with a granular rust-brown
exudate on the surface:
Leaves linear 10. E. linearis
Leaves not linear:
Leaves on the average widest above the middle, not tapering almost equally to apex and base:
Margin undulate, not revolute 12. E. undulata
Margin not undulate, usually revolute:
Leaves obovate to broadly obovate 14. E. schimperi & 13 E. racemosa
Leaves oblanceolate to narrowly oblanceolate 14 b . E. schimperi var. daphnoides
Leaves on the average widest at the middle, usually tapering almost equally to apex and base
or widest below the middle:
Margins not undulate 3. E. lancea, 9. E. crispa & 12. E. undulata
Margins undulate 11 . E. divinorum & 12. E. undulata
Leaves and/or young shoots and/or inflorescence-branches hairy:
Leaves linear; leaves and branchlets drooping; fruits usually solitary 1. E. pseudebenus
Leaves not linear though often quite narrow, fruits usually a few together or occasionally solitary:
Mature fruits subglobose and somewhat beaked to ovoid-conical, or if globose then exceeding
10 mm in diam., densely tomentose when immature, red and subglabrous when ripe:
Leaves mostly narrowly to broadly elliptic 5. E. polyandra
Leaves mostly narrowly to broadly ovate 6. E. tomentosa
Leaves undulate 4. E. coriacea
Mature fruits globose not exceeding 9 mm in diam., usually soon becoming glabrous, red or
black when ripe:
Leaves glaucous, thickly coriaceous subglabrous:
Fruits 7-9 mm in diam 2. E. acutifolia
Fruits 4-5 mm in diam 9. E. crispa
Leaves not glaucous or if glaucous then distinctly hairy, at least below:
Fruits borne in a pseudo-raceme 9. E. crispa
Fruits borne in a panicle or pseudo-panicle 8. E. natalensis & hybrids
1. Euclea pseudebenus E Mey. ex A. DC. in DC.. Prodr. 8: 217 (1844); Hiern in
Trans. Cambr. Phil Soc. 12: 95 (1872); F.T.A. 3: 512 (1877); F.C. 4, 1: 466(1906); Sim.
For. FI. Cape Col. 260, t. 104. fig. 2 (1907). Type: Cape. Orange River. Drege s.n. (G,
lecto.! fruiting specimen; K!).
E. angustifolia Benth. in Hook., Niger FI. 441 (1849). Type: West Africa, Cttrror s.n. (K, holo.!).
Diospyros pseudebenus (E. Mey. ex A. DC.) Parment. in Ann. Univ. Lyon, 4, 2: 81 (1892).
Ebenaceae
83
Trees 3-9 m high or occasionally shrubs with characteristically drooping branches,
trunks 8-30 cm in diam. with a rough, dark bark; branches drooping, virgate, little to
much branched, bark grey, or yellow or reddish-brown, young parts densely glandular
and sparsely hairy. Leaves alternate, pale, usually somewhat glaucous green, thickly
coriaceous, linear, often slightly falcate, 2-5-5 cm long and 2-5 mm wide; base narrowly
cuneate; apex acuminate, mucionate; nervation not prominent above, midrib and
margins raised below; margin often subinvolute in young leaves, otherwise quite flat,
petioles very short not exceeding 2 mm ; stipules absent. Inflorescence axillary, glandular
and sparsely to densely hairy; male inflorescence 3-7-flowered, female flowers usually
solitary occasionally borne in a 2-3-flowered inflorescence. Male flowers 3 mm long.
Calyx about of length of corolla, densely but shortly villous, lobes 5-6, deltoid.
Corolla globose to urceolate, densely but shortly villous outside and in the upper half on
the inside, shallowly 5-6 lobed on the rim, lobes ovate, somewhat reflexed. Stamens
12-20, in two rows, the inner and outer opposing each other, often joined together in
pairs, the inner practically sessile; filaments glabrous, flattened, up to 1 mm long;
anthers lanceolate, sparsely hairy towards the apex. Ovary rudimentary, hairy. Female
flowers 2 mm long, slightly smaller than the males. Calyx and corolla as in the male
flowers. Staminodes absent. Ovary ovoid, densely sericeous, situated on a fimbriate
disc, usually 4-celled (or 2-celled due to incomplete septa) with a single pendulous ovule
in each cell; styles 2, very short, truncate. Fruit globose, fleshy and black when ripe,
glabrescent, 5-8 mm diam., usually one-seeded. Seeds globose, 3-5 mm in diam..
divided into three parts by two thin lines and a groove; endosperm flinty, grey; embryo
somewhat curved.
A species limited to the western part of Africa from Namaqualand south of the Orange River,
northwards through South West Africa and Angola to West Tropical Africa. It inhabits areas of
extreme dryness in some of which it represents an important part of the tree flora where, together with
only a small number of others such as Tamarix, it is able to survive. In the arid areas on both sides of
the Orange River it is found much further inland than towards the north.
Cape. — Namaqualand: Richtersveld, Hellsberg, Rodin 1555; Arris Drift, Marloth 12384; Kakamas,
Aughrabies Falls, Wasserfall 1160; Orange River, Schlechter 11461.
S.W.A. — Warmbad: Ariamsvlei, Acocks 15557; 15558; Gatpin 14132. Keetmanshoop: Narubis,
Ortendahl 550; Gawachab, Pearson 4093. Rehoboth: Ubib, Keet 140 (Herb. S.W.A.). Karibib:
Usakos, Marloth 1265. Swakopmund; Haikamchab, Gatpin & Pearson 7491. Outjo; Fransfontein,
Rodin 2733. Kaokoveld: Kapupa Valley, Story 5890.
This very distinct species shows remarkably little variation in leaf and floral characteristics. It
does not appear to be closely related to any of the other species of the group with very short corolla lobes,
in which it is placed. The fruits are edible but not very palatable. The wood from which it derives the
common names of Ebenholzbaum, Ebbehout and Wild Ebony is reported to be very beautiful,
hard and durable. Owing to its distribution in the more remote areas and the relatively small numbers
which occur together, it is not likely ever to be exploited except on a small scale. In herbarium specimens
without flowers, it resembles E. linearis from which, however, it differs very widely in the drooping habit
and in the flowers which have shortly-lobed urceolate corolla tubes.
2. Euclea acutifolia E. Mey. ex A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8:217 (1844); Hiern in Trans.
Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 94 (1872); F.C. 4, 1: 464 (1906). Type: Cape, “In collibus
arenosis prope Olifantsrivier ”, Drege s.n. (G, holo.!).
E. dregeana A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 216 (1844); Hiern in F.C., 4, 1: 462 (1906), erroneously
included as syn. of E. polyandra. Type; Cape, Nieuwekloof, Drege s.n. (G, holo.!).
SuffYutices with subglabrous leaves and twigs; branchlets subglabrous or quite
glabrous, silvery grey to brownish, smooth, somewhat angular. Leaves usually alternate
or occasionally subopposite, shortly petiolate, glaucous, thickly coriaceous, quite
glabrous to sparsely hairy, narrowly to broadly elliptic or occasionally lanceolate,
oblanceolate, ovate or obovate-elliptic, 3-5-8 cm long and 0-7-4 cm wide; base cuneate
(occasionally rounded); apex acute (occasionally obtuse); nerves usually somewhat
raised on both surfaces; margin thickened, subinvolute; petiole up to 5 mm long;
84
Ebenaceae
stipules absent. Inflorescence up to 9-flowered, densely to sparsely hairy with a brownish-
grey indumentum, up to 1 - 5 cm long; female inflorescence more compact and shorter
than the male, usually not exceeding 1 cm. Flowers urceolate or globose-urceolate,
hairy, pendulous, cream. Male flowers about 3 mm long. Calyx about £ of the length
of the corolla, grey-hairy, 5-6-lobed. Corolla urceolate, shallowly 5-7-lobed on rim of
the tube, grey- pubescent upwards. Stamens 15-20, in two rows and often in pairs
together; filaments glabrous; anthers lanceolate to oblong lanceolate, hairy. Ovary
rudimentary, situated on a fringed disc. Female flowers very slightly smaller than males
but otherwise similar. Ovary ovoid-conical, situated on a fringed disc, densely covered
with grey bristles. Fruits subglobose, glabrescent, 7-9 mm in diam., one-seeded. Seeds
globose, 4-5 mm in diam. ; endosperm flinty, pale grey, somewhat ruminate.
From the Cape Peninsula in the south to the Piketberg, Caledon and Clanwilliam districts in the
north-western Cape.
Cape. — Cape Peninsula: Lion’s Back, Pil/ans 8732. Clanwilliam: Pillans 8817; 9056; Leipoldt
4477; Cedarberg, Galpin 10541. Piketberg: Pil/ans 7908; 7153; Mar loth 4481 ; Bolus 13610; Stephens
& Glover 8742. Tulbagh: Bolus 5387. Caledon: de Villiers s.n. in NBG 399/36.
Hiern in Flora Capensis regarded E. dregeana as synonymous with E. polyandra. I have studied the
type specimen in Geneva and have come to the conclusion that it should rather be included under E.
acutifolia , the inflorescence being hoary-tomentose and the leaves of a purplish-glaucous colour and quite
glabrous. The young growth and inflorescences of E. polyandra are ferruginously hairy and the leaves
dry an olive green, while the young growth of E. acutifolia is usually glabrous and the inflorescence not
ferruginous but grey. The leaves are always glaucous and may be green or purplish when dry.
Some of the sparsely hairy specimens placed in this usually glabrous species show characteristics
reminiscent of E. tomentosa and may be of hybrid origin.
3. Euclea lancea Thunb., Prodr. 85 (1796); Hiern in Trans. Camb. Phil. Soc. 12: 95
(1872); F.C. 4, 1 : 464 (1906). Type: Cape of Good Hope, Thunberg (UPS, holo.).
E. rigida E. Mey. ex A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 217 (1844). Syntypes: Cape, Modderfonteinberg,
Drege s.n.; Elleboogsfonteinberg, Drege s.n. (G !).
Shrubs 1-3 m high, evergreen, bark blackish-grey; branchlets glabrous, brownish
with a silvery shine to deep red-brown in colour, smooth. Leaves alternate, subopposite
or sometimes in pseudo-whorls at apex of young branches, subsessile to very shortly
petioled, glaucous, slightly paler below, thickly coriaceous, quite glabrous, linear-
elliptic to elliptic or occasionally oblanceolate-elliptic, 3 • 5-7 cm long and 7-1 5 mm wide ;
base narrowly cuneate; apex acute, rather abruptly mucronate; nerves finely reticulately
raised on both surfaces; margin somewhat thickened, not involute, flat; petiole up to 2
mm long; stipules absent. Inflorescence 5-9-flowered, branched, glabrous except for a
few stalked glands, axillary, 1-1 -5 cm long, pedicels 6-8 mm long; bracts oblanceolate,
boat-shaped, glandular, margins fringed ; female inflorescence usually somewhat smaller
than the male. Flowers dioecious, urceolate or globose-urceolate, pendulous, cream.
Male flowers 3 mm long. Calyx about ^ of the length of the corolla, saucer-shaped,
sparsely hairy, cleft about halfway down the tube, lobes 5-6, fringed on the margins.
Corolla globose-urceolate, glabrous in lower half and increasingly hairy upwards
especially on the fringed lobes ; lobes 5-6, very short, £ of length of tube, ovate to oblong-
ovate. Stamens 15-22, in two rows and often in pairs together; filaments glabrous, up
to 1 mm long; anthers lanceolate to oblong-lanceoate glabrous. Ovary rudimentary,
situated on a fringed disc; styles hairy, 2, slender, glabrous. Female flowers 3 mm
long. Calyx saucershaped; lobes 5-6, cleft about \ way down tube, fringed, deltoid.
Corolla urceolate and much constricted below the throat. Stamlnodes absent. Ovary
ovoid-conical, situated on a fringed disc, densely covered with short, white bristles,
3-4- celled with a single pendulous ovule in each cell; styles 2-3, glabrous, slender,
usually exserted, notched, oblique. Fruit subglobose, subglabrous, 7-9 mm in diam.,
one-seeded.
Ebenaceae
85
A species of limited distribution in the arid western Cape, recorded from the Vanrhynsdorp, Calvinia
and Namaqualand districts.
Cape. — Calvinia: Lokenburg, Acocks 17385; 17368. Namaqualand: Elleboogsfontein, Drege s.n. (G):
Kamiesberg, Drege s.n. (K); Pearson 6269 (K). Vanrhynsdorp: Gift Berg, Drege s.n. (K).
Very closely allied to E. acutifolia from which it is almost indistinguishable vegetatively. The
glabrous anthers of the male flowers and the long exserted style of the female flowers, which are arranged
in lax not congested inflorescences, as well as the glabrous branches of the inflorescence distinguish this
rather rare species from E. acutifolia.
4. Euclea coriacea A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 216 (1844); Hiern in Trans. Cambr-
Phil. Soc. 12: 94 (1872); F.C. 4, 1:463 (1906). Type: Cape, Los Tafelberg, Drege 9140
(G, holo. !).
Shrublets 1-3 m or trees 3-10 m high, evergreen; branchlets rigid, bark greenish-
brown, finely wrinkled, ultimate branchlets pubescent with rather coarse spreading
hairs, dark brown. Leaves alternate with occasional subopposite pairs, discolorous,
coriaceous and stiff, densely ferruginous-pubescent below with rather coarse spreading
hairs, pubescent above when young, glabrescent, ovate-lanceolate, ovate or ovate-oblong,
occasionally with a few leaves oblong-rotundate, 2-5 cm long and 1-3 cm wide, usually
about 4x2 cm; base broad, usually distinctly rounded, occasionally subobtuse; apex
acute, finely mucronate; secondary nerves and midrib raised below, not raised or only
very finely so on upper surface; margin with a narrow cartilaginous thickening, subin-
volute, very distinctly undulate, entire or minutely crenulate; petiole 2-5 mm long,
pubescent; stipules absent. Inflorescence axillary, densely villous, 2-7-flowered. bracts
large, hairy, broadly ovate, caducous; male inflorescence laxer, larger, and flowers with
longer pedicels than in the female. Flowers dioecious, white to cream. Male flowers
5-7 mm long. Calyx campanulate, 1-5-2 mm long, hirsute on outside, with the 5-6
lobes cleft about halfway. Corolla urceolate, appressed-hirsute, densely so on the lobes;
tube much longer than the short lobes; lobes 5-6, obtuse, about ^ of length of the tube.
Stamens 14-20, in two rows, single or 2 together; filaments glabrous, 0-5-2 mm long,
flattened; anthers lanceolate 2-3 mm long, apex acute, base subcordate, hairy especially
on the connective, dehiscing by longitudinal slits. Ovary rudimentary, hairy, with 2
glabrous linear style branches. Female flowers with calyx and corolla similar to those
of the male flowers. Staminodes absent. Ovary globose, densely hispid, 4-celled with
a single ovule pendulous from the inner wall in each cell; styles 2, hairy at the base only,
glabrous upwards; stigma oblique, crescent-shaped. Fruit sparsely hirsute, glabrescent,
fleshy, globose, turning green to yellow to deep red when ripe, 1 -2-1-5 cm in diam.,
usually one-seeded (occasionally 2-3). Seeds 8-10 mm in diam., divided into 3 parts by
a groove and two thin curved lines; endosperm flinty, pale grey, somewhat ruminate;
embryo slightly curved. Fig. 11:2.
This species has a rather limited distribution and has so far been found only in western Basutoland,
the adjacent areas of the Orange Free State and southwards in the Molteno, Queenstown and GraatT
Reinet districts of the Cape Province. It seems to prefer mountainous areas where it grows on slopes,
ledges and in ravines.
Cape. — Molteno: Flanagan 1612. Graaff Reinet: Bolus 638.
O.F.S. — Ficksburg: Galpin 14017. Zastron: Heydorn 15.
Basutoland. — Leribe, Dieterlen 195; Mafeteng, Watt & Brandwyk 2412; Mamathes, GuiUarmod
586; Nsututse, GuiUarmod 1231; Muniameng, GuiUarmod 2215.
A very distinct species readily distinguishable from the others when complete material is available.
Leafy specimens of some forms of E. crispa var. ovata are, however, well-nigh indistinguishable vege-
tatively from E. coriacea but the flowers are quite different, the corolla of the former being cleft more
than halfway down (see also discussion under E. crispa var. ovata). Allied to E. tomentosa , of which the
leaves are not undulate and elliptic to obovate. The latter is moreover confined to the western Cape.
86
Ebenaceae
5. Euelea polyandra ( L.f .) E. Mey. ex Hiem in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 92
(1872); F.C. 4, 1: 461 (1906), excl. syn. E. dregeana A.DC. Type: Cape. Thunberg
(LINN. holo. !).
Rayena polyandra L.f., Suppl. 240 (1781); Thunb., Prodr. 80 (1796); Poir., Encycl. 6: 322 ( 1 804)-
R. ovali folia Salisb., Prodr. 285 (1796), nom. illegit.
Diplonema elliptica G. Don. Gen. Syst. 4: 42 (1837). Type: not traced.
Rymia polyandra (L.f.) Endl., Cat. Hort. Acad. Vindob. 2: 123 (1843).
Euelea elliptica (G. Don) A.DC. in DC., Prodr. 8 : 216 ( 1844). E. ferruginea Bernh. in Flora 27 : 825
(1844). Type: Uitenhage, Krauss (M, iso.!). E.pubescens E. & Z. in Linnaea 20: 192 (1847), nom. nud.
Brachycheila pubescens Harv. ex Drege in Linnaea 20: 192 (1847), nom. nud.
Evergreen shrublets about 30 cm high or shrubs 0-6-2 -5 m high, bark dark brown;
branchlets somewhat virgate, densely ferruginous-pubescent, rather spreading and often
lax. Leaves alternate or subopposite, discolorous to concolorous, pale olive green
when mature, thickly coriaceous and stiff, shortly petioled, young leaves deep rusty-
pubescent, becoming grey-pubescent, sometimes quite glabrous, narrowly to broadly
elliptic, ovate or occasionally a few leaves oblong-rotundate or oblanceolate-elliptic,
2-6 cm long and 0-5-4 -5 cm wide, base subcordate to acute; apex rounded to acute;
nerves on older leaves raised on both surfaces but less so on the upper surface; margin
thickened, flat, entire; petioles short, 2-7 cm long, usually pubescent; stipules absent.
Inflorescence axillary 3-5 cm long, densely ferruginous-villous, 3-5-flowered, bracts small,
lanceolate-boatshaped, villous; female inflorescence shorter and more compact than the
male. Flowers dioecious, white, sweetly scented. Male flowers 5-6 mm long. Calyx
widely campanulate, J to half the length of the corolla, densely ferruginous-villous on
outside, 5-7-lobed. lobes divided half or more than halfway down, deltoid to narrowly
oblong-lanceolate. Corolla globose-truncate or urceolate, 4-5 mm long, sparsely to
densely strigose-hirsute on outside, especially on the lobes; lobes very short or practically
absent. Stamens 16-30, more or less united at the base, in two rows; filaments glabrous,
flat, up to 1 mm long; anthers more or less oblong, 1 -5-2 mm long, sparsely to densely
hairy especially towards the apex. Ovary rudimentary, densely hirsute, with 2 fairly
slender flattish styles. Female flowers calyx and corolla like those of the males.
Staminodes absent. Ovary subglobose, densely hirsute, 4-6-celled with a single pendulous
ovule in each cell; styles 2-3, usually hairy; stigmas oblique, crescent-shaped. Fruit
a fleshy berry, depressed-globose to globose and somewhat beaked, densely ferruginous-
hirsute, becoming red when ripe, usually with only one seed. Seeds globose, 5 mm in
diam., divided into three parts by two thin lines and a groove; endosperm flinty, pale
grey, somewhat ruminate. Fig. 11:3.
A shrub of the coastal areas of the southern Cape. It occurs in a broad belt from a little north of
the Cape Peninsula to the Albany district in the east.
Cape. — Caledon: Kleinmond, Stokes s.n. Montagu: Montagu Bath, Bolus 6722. Bredasdorp:
Potberg, Pillans 9296. Riversdale: Garcias Pass, Burchell 6941; Muir 1878. Knysna-George: Taylor
1120; Grootrivier, Taylor 659; Keet 2699, 785. Uniondale: Formosa Peak, Esterhuysen 4656. Humans-
dorp: Rietvlei, Esterhuysen s.n.; Thode A958. Uitenhage: Alexander s.n.; Van Stadens Mountain,
Ecklon & Zeyher s.n. Albany: Kowie, Marloth 6434.
Related to E. tomentosa from which it can, however, be quite easily distinguished by the lanceolate
to narrowly oblong boat-shaped bracts on the inflorescence, the rusty indumentum, and the shape of
the leaves which tend to be elliptical. The bracts in E. tomentosa are ovale to rotundate, are large and
fall off very soon, and the leaves are mostly obovate with a hoary indumentum. The distributions also
differ, E. tomentosa being mainly found in the drier north-western Cape. The ripe fruits are a bright red
in colour. Common names are Kersbos and Jakkalsbos.
For remarks concerning E. dregeana A.DC., included in the synonymy of this species by Hiern, see
note under E. acutifolia.
6. Euelea tomentosa E. Mey. ex A.DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 216 (1844); E. Mey. in
Drege, Cat. PI. Exsicc. Afr. Austr. 7 (1837), nom. nud.; Drege, Zwei Doc. 184 (1843),
nom. nud.; Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 93 (1872); F.C. 4, I: 462 (1906).
Type: Cape, near Vier-en-twintigrivier, Drege s.n. (G, lecto.!).
L. kraussiana Bernh. in Flora 27: 824 (1844). Type: Tigerberg, Krauss 1788, not located.
Ebenaceae
87
Shrubs 1-3 m high, evergreen, bark blackish grey; branchlets angled, shortly
villous with grey hairs. Leaves alternate or occasionally subopposite, concolorous or
only slightly discolorous, thickly coriaceous and stiff, thinly covered with crisped white
hairs giving the leaves a hoary look, predominantly obovate to narrowly-obovate but
sometimes obovate-elliptic or even ovate-oblong, 3-7 cm long and 1 • 3 cm broad ; base
cuneate to subobtuse; apex acute to rounded; nerves usually somewhat raised on lower
surface; pale, raised or not raised and sometimes even immersed on the upper surface;
margin entire, flat, slightly thickened, not revolute; petioles very short; stipules absent.
Inflorescence axillary, sparsely to densely covered with crisped grey hairs; bracts very
large, broadly ovate to rotundate, hairy outside, glabrous on inside, reddish brown,
caducous; male inflorescence about 2-5 cm long, females much shorter, few-flowered,
often reduced to one flower, usually almost completely enveloped in the large bracts
when young. Male flowers 5-7 mm long. Calyx divided half-way or nearly to the base,
about 3 the length of the corolla; lobes acute to acuminate, densely villous outside.
Corolla subglobose to urceolate, 4-6 mm long, sparsely villous below or glabrous,
densely hairy upwards especially on the lobes; lobes about the length of tube, obtuse,
the margin usually involute. Stamens 16-21, free or connate in pairs at the base, in two
rows ; filaments glabrous ; anthers narrowly oblong to lanceolate-oblong, 2-2 • 5 mm long,
hairy especially on the connective, dehiscing by longitudinal slits. Ovary rudimentary,
densely villous, with 2 glabrous rather slender styles. Female flowers like the males in
shape and size but often enveloped in the large bracts. Ovary globose to ovoid-conical,
densely villous-woolly, usually 4- (6-)celled, ovules single and pendulous; styles very
short, stout, glabrous, with a somewhat oblique semicircular stigma. Staminodes
absent. Fruit subglobose (when 2-3, hermispherical or triangular) up to 9 mm in diam.
Seed with two thin curved lines and a groove dividing it into 3 sections, brown, finely
rugose; endosperm flinty, pale grey, not ruminate; embryo somewhat curved. Fig. 11:4.
A species common in the rather arid areas of the south-western Cape from Moorreesburg north-
wards to Calvinia and southwards to the Cape Peninsula. It prefers rocky or stony habitats on mountain
slopes and in ravines. This probably accounts for the common name Klipkers distinguishing it
from E. polyandra which is usually called Kersbos.
Cape. — Malmesbury: Ysterfontein, Marloth 4028. Piketberg: Bolus 11907; 13608; Howes 219.
Clanwilliam: Story 2987; Henrici 3290; Citrusdal, Galpin 12921B. Calvinia: Schmidt 230. Moorrees-
burg: Bolus 9973; Nieuwerust, Marloth 8271.
See discussion under E. polyandra.
Drege’s specimen from Vier-en-twintigrivier was selected as lectotype since the other Drege syntype
in the DC. Herbarium, collected between Vanderwaltsgat and Olifantsrivier, is considered to be a hybrid
between E. natalensis and E. tomentosa. Galpin 12921a :n PRE is a very close match of the latter. See
p. 90.
7. Euclea asperrima M. Holzhammer in Mitt. Bot. Staatss. Munchen 1, 10: 450
(1954). Type: South West Africa, Tsarisberge, Volk 753 (M, holo.!; PRE!, Herb.
S.W.A. !).
Shrubs 1-2 m high; branches rigid, bark reddish-brown, becoming grey on older
branches; branchlets shortly grey asperulous, glabrescent. Leaves alternate, shortly
petioled, concolorous, thickly and rigidly coriaceous, finely asperulous (young leaves
densely asperulous), elliptic, obovate-elliptic to broadly obovate; 2-3-5 cm long and
0-7-2 cm wide; base cuneate to sub-obtuse; apex acute to rounded-obtuse; nerves
immersed or raised on upper and lower surface; margin entire, not prominent or
thickened, more or less flat or undulate; petioles about 3 mm long; stipules absent.
Inflorescence pseudo-cymose, axillary, 1 • 5-2 cm long, shortly grey-hirsute and granular
with rust-brown exudate amongst the hairs, 5-7-flowered ; bracts lanceolate to obovate,
shortly hirsute on both surfaces, boat-shaped, 3 mm long, sessile; male and female
inflorescences more or less of the same size. Male flowers of same size as females, about
2355522—4
88
Ebenaceae
3 mm long. Calyx sparsely hairy outside, more or less campanulate, tube short, lobes
5, about as long as the tube, ovate. Corolla campanulate, cleft about halfway down,
hairy outside. Stamens 10-20, often somewhat connate at the base; filaments glabrous;
anthers lanceolate, hairy towards the apex, dehiscing by longitudinal slits. Ovary
rudimentary, hairy. Female flowers like the male flowers, but lobes divided only about
| down and tube quite long, hairy outside. Staminodes absent. Ovary globose-ovoid,
densely white-hirsute, situated on a distinct fringed disc; 4-6-celled with a single
pendulous ovule in each cell; styles very short with 3 (or 2) branches; stigmas obliquely
crescent-shaped. Fruits not known.
Known only from the Tsaris Mountains in South West Africa.
S.W.A. — Tsarisberge: Etzold sub Walter 1923.
The hairy corolla, the shape and texture of the leaves as well as the rather fine indumentum of the
inflorescences and the large, often broad and boat-shaped bracts, seem to indicate (in spite of the rather
deeply cut corolla) that this species is related to E. tomentosa.
8. Euclea natalensis A. DC. in DC. Prodr. 8: 218 (1844); Hiern in F.C. 4, 1: 471
(1906). Type: Natal, near Durban, Drege s.n. (G, holo.!).
Royena macrophyllaE. Mey. ex A. DC. in DC. Prodr. 8: 216 (1844). Type: Cape, between Key and
Basche Rivers, Drege s.n. (G, holo.!).
Euclea multiflora Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 101 (1872); F.T. A. 3: 513 (1877); F.C. 4, 1 : 471
(1906); Sim, For. FI. Cape Col. 262 (1907). Syntypes: many, inch Gueinzius s.n., Cooper 1253, Gerrard
92 and 699 from Natal (all in K!).
Trees 2-12 m high with spreading crown and trunks 20 cm thick or more, or shrubs
0- 6-5 m high; bark dark grey or black, thin and cracked; branchlets densely pubescent,
subferruginous, often becoming glabrous. Leaves alternate, very occasionally sub-
opposite, dark glossy green above and somewhat paler green below, coriaceous, petioled;
densely ferruginous-pubescent when older, narrowly elliptic, oblanceolate, obovate-
oblong, elliptic or even occasionally ovate, 3-10 cm long, 0-8-4 cm wide, sparsely
oo densely puberulous to pubescent on the upper surface and usually densely pubescen
tn lower surface; base cuneate to subacute; apex acute to rounded or obtuse; nervest
very often raised forming a reticulate pattern on the upper and lower surface, occasionally
not raised and rather inconspicuous (usually in specimens which dry a chocolate brown);
margin somewhat revolute or not revolute, thickened, undulate or flat, entire; petiole
4-1 0mm long; exstipulate. Inflorescence 1 -5-3 -5cm long, usually compound, paniculate,
axillary, sessile, all parts except for the corolla covered with a usually dense indumentum
obscuring the surface of the branches and calyx; flowers 10 to more than 30; bracts
obovate to obovate-lanceolate, about 2 mm long, densely hairy on outside, glabrous
inside, caducous; female inflorescences usually more compact than the males, about
1- 5 cm long. Flowers dioecious, greenish-cream to pale yellow, with a heavy sweet
scent. Male flowers usually somewhat bigger than the female. Calyx shallowly
campanulate about of the length of the corolla, densely hirsute on the outside, cleft
halfway or more, 4-6-lobed ; lobes ovate, acute to subacute. Corolla widely campanulate
and often rather shallow when completely expanded, rather angular due to the sub-
gibbous somewhat keeled lobes; lobes 4-5 with the margins somewhat fimbriate and
revolute, quite glabrous or strigose on the keels, very occasionally strigose all over the
outside; corolla lobes twice or more than twice as long as the tube, contorted, obtuse,
often somewhat apiculate. Stamens 16-20, in two rows, often in pairs together;
filaments glabrous, up to 1 mm long; anthers lanceolate, 1 -5 mm long, hairy upwards,
dehiscing by longitudinal slits. Ovary rudimentary, hairy, situated on a fringed disc.
Female flowers smaller than the male but otherwise similar. Staminodes usually present,
flat, hairy only at the apex, like the stamens often somewhat connate at the base, few to
many. Ovary subglobose, densely hirsute, usually 4-celled with a single pendulous ovule
in each cell; style very short, branches 2, broadened at the apex, stigmas obliquely
Ebenaceae
89
crescent-shaped. Fruit a berry, with a thin fleshy outer layer, red, turning black when
ripe, globose, about 7 mm in diam., thinly strigose to glabrescent, usually one-seeded.
Seeds globose, 5 mm in diam., finely rugose on the surface, dark brown, divided into three
parts by two thin lines and a short groove; endosperm not ruminate, flinty, pale grey.
An extremely widespread species extending in a rather narrow belt from the Clanwilliam district
down to the Cape and then eastwards and northwards along the eastern coast through Natal and
Swaziland. Further north it fans out into Portuguese East Africa and the eastern and northern Transvaal.
It is common all over south tropical Africa and extends northwards in the eastern half of the continent
into Kenya and Ethiopia. This variable species grows in an assortment of habitats. In the Clan-
william district it is found in similar habitats to E. tomentosa, which is confined to these arid areas. On
the east coast of the Cape it is one of the most common trees of the coastal dune bush and occurs also
in forests some distance inland. In Natal it is found in the relict subtropical forest along or near the
coast but in the Transvaal it does not seem to be confined to forest patches, but occurs in the rather arid
bush and on hillsides.
Cape. — Clanwilliam: Rogers 16849. King William’s Town: Sim 170. East London: Gonubie
Mouth, Acocks 9034; Comins 1058; Galpin 3319. Kentani: Pegler 828. Komga: Kei Mouth, Flanagan
169; 1817. Bathurst: Port Alfred, Tyson s.n. in Herb. Marloth 8504; Archibald 3632. Alexandria:
Story 1302.
Natal. — Without locality, Rudatis 1421. Durban: Avoca, Schlechter 2871. Ndwedwe: Inanda,
Wood 1014. Ingwavuma: Kosi Bay, Rodin 4652. Entonjaneni: Acocks 11659.
Swaziland. — Stegi, Rodin 4545.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Galpin 484. Pietersburg: Haenertsburg, Burtt Davy 2906. Soutpans
berg: Codd 4143. Marico: Leistner 665. Waterberg: Magalakwin, Smuts, s.n. Potgietersrust: Codd
2898.
Even though the specimens which have more hairy, smaller and less prominently nerved leaves, have
in the past been regarded as a distinct species, namely E. multiflora, I have failed to find sufficient constant
differences to separate them from E. natalensis. There is, however, a certain pattern about the distribu-
tion of the small-leaved hairy forms when compared with that of the larger leaved more glabrous forms
to which the type of E. natalensis belongs. The former occurs in the drier habitats away from the coast
and usually is small and shrubby, while the latter has a more coastal distribution and often grows into
very large and tall trees. Intermediates between these forms are however very frequently found.
The berries, which are edible, first turn red then black when ripe. In Zululand the roots are pounded
and boiled and the juice is used for dyeing palm mats black. Native names are: Intungamuzi (Zulu);
Mtshekisane (Pondo); Umchithamuzi (Swazi); i-Dungamusi (unknown); Mutangule (Venda); U-
hlangula (Shangaan).
There is evidence that this variable species hybridizes freely with several other species. In the
Barberton area in the Transvaal where E. natalensis, E. schimperi var. daphnoides, E. divinorum and
E. crispa var. crispa all occur together in the same habitats, many specimens cannot definitely be referred
to a species due to their intermediate characteristics. The very hairy inflorescences and the shape of
the flowers as found in E. natalensis seem to be dominant characters. Most intermediates exhibit
these characteristics and have often been referred to E. natalensis, even though showing an admixture
of characteristics obviously acquired from other species growing in the vicinity.
The following selection of specimens are examples of the suspected hybrids: —
E. natalensis X E. crispa var. crispa.
Leaves resembling those of E. crispa var. crispa but more hairy, inflorescences smaller and less
branched but densely hairy like in E. natalensis and flowers also like those of the latter.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Thorncroft 3004. Soutpansberg: Soutpan, Galpin 15146.
E. natalensis X E. divinorum.
Transvaal. — Kruger National Park: Malelane, Codd 4373.
E. natalensis X E. schimperi var. daphnoides.
Swaziland.— Stewart 9543.
E. natalensis X E. tomentosa.
The specimens cited below are completely intermediate between the above two species. The habit,
leaves, indumentum and size of the flower are strongly reminiscent of E. tomentosa while the cleft corolla
and the somewhat keeled corolla lobes resemble those of E. natalensis. The lobes frequently are
coarsely strigose on the keels which also is a character found in many specimens of E. natalensis. The
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shape of the bracts is intermediate, not being as broad as in E. tomentosa nor as small and narrow as
typically found in E. natalensis. In spite of the deeply cleft corolla which, according to the key in
Flora Capensis, should place all these specimens in the group to which E. natalensis belongs, all of them
have been identified erroneously either as E. tomentosa or as E. polyandra. There is little doubt that
these specimens represent hybrids of E. tomentosa and E. natalensis, species which both occur in the
Clanwilliam district where most of the intermediates were collected. They form a rather homogeneous
group which could easily be mistaken for a distinct species. The first specimens of this hybrid group
known to us were collected by Ecklon & Zeyher in the Clanwilliam district 128 years ago.
Cape. — Clanwilliam: Rodin 3059; Cedarberg, Ecklon & Zeyher s.n. ; Van Putten’s Vlei, Nouhuys 37;
Niewoudt Pass, Acocks 8592; Klaver, Smith 2607; near Citrusdal, Galpin 12921a. Vanrhynsdorp:
Giftberg Pass, Acocks 14169. Malmesbury: Hopefield, Marloth 4287; Modderfontein, Schlechter 823.
Piketberg: between Vanderwaltsgat and Olifantsrivier, Drege s.n. (Syntype of E. tomentosa E. Mey. ex
A. DC. (G!).
9. Euclea crispa ( Thunb .) Guerke in Pflanzenfam. 4, 1 : 158 (1891). Type: Cape of
Good Hope, Thunberg s.n. (UPS, holo.!; PRE. photo.!).
Erect, dense, much branched shrubs 1-5 m high, or slender to well developed trees
up to 8 m high, evergreen; trunk 5-15 cm in diam.; bark grey, smooth or old trunks
rougher and darker; branches densely leafy, bark grey to brownish grey, branchlets and
all young parts densely to sparsely hairy and usually covered with rust-brown granules
giving them a deep rusty colour which usually later disappears, glabrescent (in the
glaucous Transvaal forms glabrous when older). Leaves usually subopposite, rarely
alternate, shortly petioled, glabrous, subglabrous or densely hairy on both sides, very
variable in shape, broadly obovate, broadly elliptic-obovate, oblanceolate or lanceolate,
1-5-9 cm long, 0-5-3 cm wide; base cuneate to rounded; apex acute to obtuse and
rounded; nerves usually raised on both surfaces, occasionally not very distinctly so on
lower surface or not raised at all (Transvaal); margin usually involute, occasionally not
involute, flat or undulate, entire or minutely crenulate; petiole 1-5 mm long; stipules
absent. Inflorescence a pseudo-raceme, axillary, up to 2 cm long, densely to sparsely
hairy and densely to sparsely covered with a rust-coloured exudate between the hairs,
3—10 flowered; male inflorescence usually longer than the female, which exceed 1 cm.
Flowers dioecious, greenish-cream, cream, or white sweetly scented pendulous. Male
flowers somewhat larger (wider) than the females, 2 • 5-3 mm long. Calyx saucer-shaped,
about ^ the length of the corolla, subglabrous to fairly densely hairy, usually also with
rust-coloured or blackish granules; lobes 4 (5), deltoid or represented only by teeth on
the rim of the calyx. Corolla campanulate to widely campanulate, hairy with appressed
bristles along the middle of the lobes; tube about half the length of the corolla; lobes
usually 4 (5), usually obtuse, contorted. Stamens about 20, in two rows and often in
pairs together; filaments glabrous up to 1 mm long; anthers 2-5 mm long, lanceolate
to oblong-lanceolate, hairy. Ovary rudimentary, bristly, with two rather slender
glabrous styles, or without styles. Female flowers smaller but otherwise like the males.
Staminodes occasionally present, strap-shaped. Ovary ovoid, densely bristly, 4-celled
(or 2-celled upwards due to incomplete septation of cells) with a single pendulous ovule
in each cell; style thick, short, with crescent-shaped somewhat oblique stigmas. Fruit
globose, 4-5 mm in diam., hairy, glabrescent, with a thin fleshy covering, black when ripe,
one seeded. Seeds globose, 3-4 mm in diam., divided into three parts by 2 thin, curved
lines and a groove; endosperm flinty, not ruminate.
A widespread species ranging from the eastern and north-eastern Cape to Natal, Swaziland,
Transvaal, Basutoland and the Orange Free State. Also found in Southern Rhodesia.
Leaves very variable in shape, ovate, obovate, oblanceolate, oblanceolate-elliptic or occasionally
lanceolate-oblong, densely hairy or subglabrous, thin to coriaceous; apex subobtuse to obtuse
or acute with a rounded tip, margin usually not much undulate; widely distributed. . . .(a) var. crispa
Leaves ovate to lanceolate-elliptic, densely hairy when young, glabrescent, coriaceous and stiff;
apex acute, mucronulate; margin much undulate, often minutely crenulate; limited to the north-
western and north-eastern Cape and the adjacent areas of the Orange Free State. . . .(b) var. ovata
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91
Fig. 11. — 1, Euclea crispa var. crispa, fruiting twig; la, male inflorescence, X 3; lb, corolla
of male flower spread out to show arrangement of stamens, x 6; lc, male flower, x 6; Id, female
flower, x 6; le, ovary of female flower, x 7; If, rudimentary ovary of male flower, x 7;
lg, longitudinal section of pistil, X 7; lh, two stamens, x 10; li, seed, x 4; lj, fruit, calyx not
accrescent, X 3. 2, E. coriacea, leaf. 3, E. polyandra, flower showing shallowly lobed corolla, x 7.
4, E. tomentosa, fruit, x 1-5. 5, E. linearis, leaf.
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Ebenaceae
( a ) var. crispa. De Winter in Bothalia 7: 403 (1960).
Celastrus crispus Thunb. in Hoffm., Phyt. Blatt. 1 : 23 (1803); Roemer, Archiv. Bot. 3: 429 (1805).
Euclea lanceolata E. Mey. ex A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 218 (1844). Type: Cape, Klipplaatrivier,
Drege s.n. (G, holo.!). — var. glabrescens A.DC., l.c. Type: Cape, near Gekau, Drege s.n. (G,
holo.!). E. ovata var. glabra A.DC., l.c. Type: Cape, Nieuweveldbergen, Drege s.n. (G, holo.!). E. ochro-
carpa E. Mey. ex A.DC., l.c. 217 (1844). Type: locality uncertain, Drege s.n. (G, holo.!). E. desertorum
E. & Z. ex Drege in Linnaea 20: 192 (1847), nom. nud. E. crispa (Thunb.) Guerke in Pflanzenfam. 4, 1 :
158 (1891). E. guerkei Hiern in F.C. 4, 1: 466 (1906). Type: Transvaal, Lydenburg, Wilms 916 (K,
holo.!).
Characterised by the leaves being variable in shape, ovate, obovate, oblanceolate,
oblanceolate-elliptic to lanceolate-oblong, usually densely hairy or occasionally sub-
glabrous, thin to coriaceous with upper surface tending to be glaucous, the apex sub-
obtuse to obtuse or acute with a rounded tip and the margin usually not much undulate.
Fig. 11:1.
Usually found at forest margins and in kloofs in the Cape, Natal and eastern Transvaal. In other
parts of the Transvaal and in the Orange Free State often one of the characteristic components of the
bush groups found scattered in the veld. Occurs from the Riversdale district in the Cape along the coast
to the Albany district, where it fans out, extending in a broad belt through Basutoland, Natal and Swazi-
land to the Transvaal. Absent only from the open grassveld areas of the Transvaal and Orange Free
State.
Cape. — Riversdale: Muir 3639. Alexandria: Acocks 12793. Albany: Comins 979. Stutterheim:
Acocks 8918. Elliott: Marais 1037. Kentani: Pegler 1117. Bizana: Acocks 13365.
Basutoland. — Mamathes: Guillarmod 921; 834. Leribe: Dieterlen 63.
O.F.S. — Senekal: Goossens 770. Ficksburg: Galpin 14016.
Natal. — Port Shepstone: Acocks 10914. Camperdown: Franks in Herb. Wood 11984. Bergville:
Killick 979. Utrecht: Codd 2508. Weenen: Edwards 944. Ngotshe: Acocks 13953. Paulpieters-
burg: Galpin 9705.
Swaziland. — Mbabane: Compton 24775.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Thorncroft 3016. Nelspruit: Breyer 17970. Belfast: Galpin 13280.
Lydenburg: Galpin 13631. Pietersburg: Codd 8699. Soutpansberg : Gerstner 5964. Pretoria: Burtt
Davy 5614. Schweizer-Reineke : Rogers 22703.
This variety contains many forms but these are often found growing together and show no constant
characteristics by which they might be distinguished. The specimens from the coastal Cape, Natal and
eastern Transvaal are fairly uniform and tend to be large and thin-leaved with the nerves prominent
on both sides, and are glabrescent when mature. Specimens with leaves of a different texture and
nervation often occur together with the large-leaved forms and show characteristics of intermediate
nature with other species growing in the vicinity. There is little doubt that these plants represent hybrids.
In the eastern Cape, var. crispa grades into var. ovata and specimens from this area are often difficult to
place in either variety.
In the central and western Transvaal glaucous forms are common. Some of these have narrow
leaves and are thin in texture, while others are thickly coriaceous and broad-leaved. All these can,
however, often be found growing together in a single community with plants agreeing in all details with
the eastern Transvaal form and completely grade into one another even though the extremes may seem
to be quite different species. The broad-leaved glaucous forms are on the whole more glabrous than the
narrow-leaved glaucous forms. The western Transvaal specimens are often rather hairy and agree in
this respect with some specimens from Bechuanaland. The floral characteristics of the species are fairly
constant, much more so than those of the leaves. The following are examples of these forms: Pretoria:
Dyer 3191; Gerstner 6484 (narrow glaucous leaves); Gerstner 6486. Middelburg: Mogg 16921. Potgieters-
rus: Story 1850. Lydenburg: Codd 6666 (broad, coriaceous, glaucous leaves). Rustenburg: Sutton 872.
Marico: Thode A 1441 (glaucous, very hairy leaves).
The berries are black when ripe and are said to be edible. Vernacular names: Gwarrie, Blou-
gwarrie ; Mutangule (Venda).
( b ) var. ovata (Burch.) de Winter in Bothalia 7: 403 (1960). Type: Kuruman
District, Burchell 1706 (K, holo.!).
E. ovata Burch., Trav. 1 : 387 (1822); A.DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 218 (1844); Hiern in Trans. Cambr.
Phil. Soc. 12: 98 (1872); F.C. 4, 1: 468 (1905), partly, excl. syn. Celastrus crispus Thunb. — var.
hispida A.DC., l.c. Type: Drege (G, holo.!). E. humilis E. & Z. in Linnaea 20: 192 (1847), nom. nud.
(intermediate between var. ovata and E. undulata).
Ebenaceae
93:
Distinguished from var. crispa by the leaves which are less variable, usually ovate to
lanceolate-elliptic, always densely hairy when young, coriaceous and stiff, the apex acute
and mucronulate, and the margin much undulate and often minutely crenulate.
A variety with a fairly limited distribution in the southern Orange Free State and bordering districts
of the Cape, extending to the Graaff Reinet, Cradock and Middelburg districts.
Cape. — Graaff Reinet: Bolus 1312; 572. Cradock: Zebra Park, Acocks 16210. Middelburg:
Grootfontein, Theron 490. Kimberley: Marloth 795. Barkly West: Acocks 1470. Kuruman: Wilman
1145. Herbert: Asbestos Mountains, Koize 791.
O.F.S. — Philippolis: Springfontein, Acocks 13517. Fauresmith: Verdoorn 952; Smith 5508.
Bloemfontein: Pole Evans 19639H (not typical, intermediate between vars. ovata and crispa).
The leaves of this var. are often so reminiscent of those of E. coriacea and its area of distribution
occupies such a position that the view that it originated from hybridization between E. coriacea and E.
crispa var. crispa naturally comes to mind. The main obstacle to this theory is the fact that, in the
floral characteristics, the var. ovata closely resembles E. crispa var. crispa, evidence of the influence of the
floral characteristics of E. coriacea being conspicuously absent. A study of other known hybrids has
shown that this does not infrequently happen, the hybrid progeny usually resembling one of the parents
much more than the other. See also de Winter in Bothalia 7: 403 (1960).
10. Euclea linearis Zeyh. ex Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 96 (1872); F.C.
4, 1 : 466 (1906). Type: Cape, Clanwilliam, Windhoek. Olifants River. Zeyher 1125 (K,
lecto.!; PRE!, OXF!, W!).
E. eylesii Hiern in Journ. Bot. 45: 47 (1907). Type: Rhodesia, Mashonaland, Sebakwe, Eyles 44
(K, holo.!).
Usually shrubs 0-3-5 m high, occasionally trees 5 m high, often low gregarious
suffrutices 1 - 5 m or more in diam., evergreen, bark grey; branches slender, bark silvery-
grey to brown; branchlets quite glabrous except fot a tust-brown granular exudate found
on very young parts, bark usually reddish-brown. Leaves subopposite, seldom a few
alternate, subsessile or very shortly petioled, coriaceous, glaucous, quite glabrous and
smooth except for a rust-brown granular exudate on the young leaves, linear, linear-
falcate or rarely oblanceolate to oblanceolate-elliptic, 1-8 cm long and 2-4 mm wide
(rarely as wide as 3-5 cm by 5 cm long); base tapering gradually into the very short
petiole; apex rather abruptly acute to rounded; nerves inconspicuous on both surfaces,
or slightly raised above and midrib prominent below; margin not thickened or revolute,
quite flat, entiie; petiole not more than 1 mm long; stipules absent. Inflorescence
axillary, not exceeding 1 • 5 cm long, 3-7-flowered, glabrous except for a granular rust-
brown exudate on all parts except the corollas; bracts lanceolate, boat-shaped; male
inflorescences usually about 1 cm long, slightly longer than females. Flowers tetra-
merous, dioecious, cream. Male flowers somewhat larger than female flowers, 3-3-5
mm long, campanulate with the lobes somewhat spreading. Calyx saucer-shaped, with
4 deltoid lobes, cleft about halfway down, speckled on outside with a granular rust-brown
to black exudate. Corolla campanulate, 3 mm long, lobes cleft about halfway down,
glabrous or occasionally with a few appressed bristles on the back, ovate, obtuse.
Stamens 12-13, often in pairs together, filaments glabrous, up to 0-5 mm long; anthers
lanceolate to lanceolate-oblong, up to 2 mm long, glabrous or with a few hairs at the
apex. Ovary rudimentary, usually represented by a small hump with a few bristles on it.
Female flowers similar to male flowers except for the slightly smaller calyx and corolla
and the somewhat more deeply cleft calyx. Stair.inodes absent. Ovary subglobose,
densely bristly-hirsute, situated on a fringed disc, 4-6-celled with a single pendulous
ovule in each cell; styles 2-3, stout, short, glabrous; stigma oblique more or less
crescent-shaped. Fruit with a thin fleshy covering when ripe, globose, sparsely strigose-
glabrescent, 7-8 mm in diam., usually one-seeded. Seeds subglobose, 5 mm in diam.,
blackish grey, divided into three parts by two thin curved lines and a deep groove;
endosperm flinty, olive grey, somewhat ruminate. Fig. 11: 5.
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Ebenaceae
Found on rocky outcrops amongst boulders, on grassy ridges in fynbos and on dry wooded slopes.
A species with a much disrupted distribution. Recorded from a fairly limited area in the Calvinia and
Vanrhynsdorp districts in the Cape, appearing again in the eastern and central Transvaal and again
in Southern Rhodesia. As far as is known these isolated occurrences are not linked, nor does it seem
likely that the species will be found in the intervening areas in the future. No constant characters could
be found to separate specimens from the different areas.
Cape. — Calvinia: Lokenburg, Acocks 17579; Comins 1151. Vanrhynsdorp: Ciiftberg Pass, Acocks
14167. Langekloof: Schlechter 824.
Transvaal. — Lydenburg: Lulu Mountains, Keet 6057; near Steelpoort Station, Codd 9780; Codd
6697 ; Lombaard in TRV 37739; Maartenshoop, Codd 8796 (broad-leaved form). Middelburg: Olifants
River Gorge, Mogg 22121. Waterberg; Nylstroom, Bremekamp & Schweickerdt 471; Keet 6086;
near Nylstroom, Story 1539; Naboomspruit, Boynton s.n. Pietersburg: Blaauwberg, Codd <£ Dyer
9137; Codd 8691.
This species shows remarkably little variation in two of the three isolated areas of distribution. It
is peculiar that specimens from the Lydenburg district show more variation than is recorded for the rest
of the specimens together. Codd 8796 has very broad and long leaves for this species and a few other
specimens from this area also show a tendency to have broad leaves at the base of branches, and narrower
leaves towards the apex. It is significant that the Transvaal plants are the only ones which are in contact
with the related E. crispa, from which it mainly differs in the narrow linear leaves and quite glabrous
twigs and inflorescences. The Cape and Rhodesian plants of E. linearis occur outside of the distribution
of E. crispa. It seems probable therefore that the variability of the Transvaal specimens, where both
species occur, can be attributed to hybrid influences. Sterile specimens can be confused with E. pseude-
bemts but the different habitat and more coriaceous leaves of the latter sufficiently distinguish them to
make identification possible even in the sterile state.
1 1. Euclea divinorum Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc., 12: 99 (1872); F.C. 4, 1: 469
(1906); F.T.A. 3:513 (1877). Type: Rhodesia, Victoria Falls, Kirk s.n. (K, lecto.!).
Shrubs 2-6 m high, much branched, densely leafy, evergreen, foliage pale to yellow-
green, occasionally glaucous, stems with smooth, usually grey bark; branchlets densely
leafy, glabrous, bark pale brown, turning grey. Leaves subopposite, very occasionally
alternate, discolorous, lower surface paler than the light green upper surface, coriaceous,
often with fine wrinkles and resembling old leather, petioled, quite glabrous, elliptic,
occasionally lanceolate (in coppice shoots very broadly elliptic and twice the normal
size), 3 - 5—8 cm long 1-2-5 cm wide; gradually tapering to a narrowly cuneate base,
tapering to a rounded apex; nerves raised as fine lines on upper surface or not raised, not
raised on lower surface or immersed; margin usually strongly undulate, entire, quite flat;
petiole up to 5 mm long, wrinkled; stipules absent. Inflorescence axillary, 0-7-1 -5 cm
long, rather dense and contracted, often almost globose, single or 2-3 in each axil;
peduncle and pedicels densely speckled with small rust-brown granules; bracts oblong-
boat-shaped, speckled, caducous; female inflorescence usually not exceeding 1 cm,
somewhat shorter than the male. Flowers dioecious, white to cream, usually tetra-
merous, rarely pentamerous, cup-shaped to campanulate, somewhat pendulous. Male
flowers somewhat larger than female flowers. Calyx saucer-shaped to shallowly cup-
shaped, about 1 mm deep and 3 mm in diam., usually with 4 lobes divided halfway down,
finely speckled with small rust-brown granules, otherwise glabrous. Corolla deeply
cup-shaped (rarely campanulate) 3-4 mm deep and 4 mm wide, hairy down the middle
of the lobes; tube short; lobes divided halfway or more than halfway down the tube.
Stamens 10-17 (usually 11-14), in pentamerous flowers more numerous than in tetra-
merous flowers, in two rows and single or 2-3 together; filaments glabrous, 3-7 mm
long; anthers lanceolate with a rounded base, bristly, dehiscing by longitudinal slits.
Ovary reduced to a small raised hump covered with bristles. Female flowers smaller
than male and usually campanulate. Calyx cup-shaped 1 mm deep and 1 -5 mm wide;
lobes 4-5, divided less than halfway down, speckled with rust-coloured granules.
Corolla campanulate 2 ■ 5-3 mm deep and 3 • 5-4 mm wide, hairy along the middle of the
lobes; tube short, lobes divided more than halfway down and somewhat spreading.
Staminodes absent. Ovary subglobose, densely covered with short bristles, 4-(5-)celled;
Ebenaceae
95
ovules single, pendulous from inner wall of the cells; styles short, divided into 2 stout
branches, each bi-lobed; stigma obliquely crescent-shaped. Fruit a somewhat fleshy,
globose berry, fleshy part very thin, purple, soon drying out, 5-7 mm in diam., usually
one-seeded. Seeds globose, 4-5 mm in diam., divided into three parts by a groove and
two thin curved lines, very finely rugose, brown, endosperm flinty, grey to white.
Found in association with thorn scrub, on wooded hillsides, dry river banks and occasionally in open
forest. It seems to prefer the more arid and warm areas in South Africa, and its occurrence here can be
regarded as an extension of its much wider tropical distribution. Found in northern Natal, Swaziland,
northern Transvaal and northern S.W.A. Also common in south tropical Africa and the eastern part of
Africa northwards.
Natal.— Hlabisa: Ward 2522; 1588; 1587; Gerstner 5226; 4795. Ubombo: Mkuzi, Galpin 13688.
Nongoma: Acocks 11682; Codd 1910. Hluhluwe: Bayer 1483. Vryheid?: White Umfolosi, Swynnerton
36. Empangeni: Gerstner 2121 .
Swaziland.— Bremersdorp, Hutchinson s.n.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Louw’s Creek, Wager in TRV 22438. Pietersburg: near Munnik Ivy 3;
Blaauwberg, Leeman 61; Bremekamp & Schweickerdt 129; Tsheuschner s.n. Soutpansberg: Curson &
Irvine 4; Kromhoek, Ohermeyer, Schweickerdt & Verdoorn 98; Georgenholz, Wesphal 71. Kruger
National Park: Thorncrojt 31 15; Letty 210; Codd 4387; van der Schijjfl; Story 3811.
S.W.A. — Okavango: de Winter 1831; de Winter & Wiss 4457. Ovamboland: de Winter 3623;
Rodin 2618; Loeb 6404. Kaokoveld: Story 5673.
A species which, on the whole, is much less variablet han is usually found in Euclea. Intermediate
forms between E. crispa var. crispa and E. divinorum are frequently found and very probably represent
hybrid forms. A broad-leaved form of the species occurs in tropical Africa and has been described as
E. keniensis Fries and E. katangensis de Wild. It cannot be regarded as more than a subspecies or
variety of E. divinorum. This broad-leaved form is sometimes difficult to distinguish from E. schimperi,
from which it differs, however, by the strigose corolla lobes of the flowers, bristly ovaries and the leaves
which are broadest at or below the middle, never above the middle as in E. schimperi. E. huillensis
Guerke, based on Baum 33 (represented in Kew and Vienna), also belongs in this broad-leaved form.
The fruits turn purple when ripe and are edible, but the flesh is very thin and not of pleasant taste.
Gerstner reports that the berries are a strong purgative but does not indicate whether the flesh or seeds
are used for this purpose. Rodin mentions that in Ovamboland purple ink is made by boiling the fruits
and that they are also used for making beer. Small branches of this plant were hung up above the
entrance of Ovambo dwellings as a good-luck token. Because of this, it was never used as firewood.
The Bechuanas call it Motlhakula, the Sjangaans Nhlangula, the Ovambo Omundime. Hiern
mentions its i se as “ Medicine of the diviners in Batoka Country ” which accounts for the choice of
“ divinorum ” as a specific epithet.
12. Euclea undulata Thunb., Prodr. 85 (1796). Type; Cape of Good Hope, Thunberg
s.n. (UPS, holo.!).
Erect dense twiggy evergreen shrubs, 0-75-5m high or trees up to 7 m high with a
densely branched canopy, stems or trunks 2-15 cm in diam., bark grey, scaly; branchlets
much divided, densely covered with leaves, glabrous except for rust-coloured glands
which often cover the young parts giving the surface a rust-brown granular appearance.
Leaves subopposite, alternate or in pseudo-whorls at ends of the branches, coriaceous
(in texture often resembling old leather), shortly petioled, pale to dark green, paler and
often rust-brown below when young, quite glabrous but sparsely to densely covered with
rust-coloured glands which give the surface a granular appearance, obovate, oblanceolate,
narrowly-elliptic or narrowly oblanceolate; base cuneate; apex obtuse, subobtuse or
abruptly narrowed to a rounded tip; nervation indistinct on both surfaces or raised on
upper surface, usually not raised on lower surface; margin entire, not revolute, very
strongly undulate to practically flat; petioles 1-3 mm long. Inflorescence 5-20 mm
long, axillary, glabrous except for rust-coloured, often stalked glands, 5-7-flowered;
bracts lanceolate, boat-shaped, glandular. Flowers dioecious, white, greenish-white or
cream, fragrant, mostly tetramerous. Male flowers somewhat larger than the females,
3-3 • 5 mm long. Calyx shallowly saucer-shaped, shallowly 4-(5-6-)lobed, glandular on
the outside, \ or less of the length of the corolla. Corolla cup-shaped to widely bell-
shaped, glabrous or with a few hairs on the lobes; tube cleft halfway or more; lobes
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Ebenaceae
4(5-6), ovate. Stamens 12-20, in 2 rows, often in pairs together; filaments glabrous;
anthers lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, hairy at the apex. Ovary rudimentary, situated
on a fringed disc, occasionally with 2 glabrous styles and then densely covered with
whitish glands. Female flowers smaller than the males, 2-2-5 mm long. Calyx saucer-
shaped 4-(5-6-)lobed on the rim, glandular outside. Corolla usually campanulate, tube
cleft halfway down or more, lobes 4(5-6) usually contorted, as long as or longer than the
tube, usually glabrous, occasionally with a few appressed bristles. Staminodes present
or absent, star-shaped, hairy upwards. Ovary depressed ovoid, situated on a fringed
disc, usually densely covered with white or grey scale-like glands, usually 2-celled due to
incomplete septation of two cells with septa present only in the form of a ridge (4-6-
celled ovaries also found with the cells complete and a single pendulous ovule in each);
styles usually 2, stout, joined at the base, glabrous; stigma obliquely crescent-shaped.
Fruit a globose, fleshy berry, 4-6 mm in diam., one-seeded, red, turning purple or black
when ripe. Seeds globose, 3-4 mm in diam., divided into three parts by two thin
curved lines and a groove; endosperm flinty, pale grey.
A very widespread species occurring in the Cape, South West Africa, Bechuanaland, western and
northern Transvaal, and the lowveld areas of northern Natal and Swaziland. It occurs sporadically in
Southern Rhodesia but this seems to be the northernmost limit of its distribution and except for a number
of specimens from Bechuanaland it has not been recorded from other parts of tropical Africa. This
species often closely resembles E. divinorum but differs from it >n the glandular not hairy ovary, the
smaller leaves and fruits, the usually glabrous corolla and the less dense not compound inflorescence.
The vernacular name used for both varieties is Guarrie or Gwarrie. The fruits have been reported
as edible in both varieties but are not very palatable. The leaves of var. undulata as well as var. myrtina
are reported to be browsed by cattle and the var. myrtina by kudu in South West Africa.
Leaves obovate to broadly obovate, ratio of length to width 3: 1 or wider, apex rounded to
subacute:
Margins very deeply and distinctly undulate; south-eastern Cape (a) var. undulata
Margins not very prominently undulate:
Leaves yellow-green, strongly coriaceous; S.W.A (b) var. myrtina
Leaves somewhat glaucous, coriaceous; Natal, Transvaal and Swaziland (a) var. undulata
Leaves narrowly-elliptic, elliptic or oblanceolate-elliptic usually tapering more or less equally to
apex and base, ratio of length to width 4: 1 or narrower ( b ) var. myrtina
(a) var. undulata.
E. undulata Thunb., Prodr. 85 (1796); Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 105 (1872); F.C. 4, 1 : 474
(1906).
Characterised by the obovate to broadly obovate leaves, which are not more than
3 times as long as wide, and the rounded, obtuse or subacute apex.
Found mainly in the south-eastern Cape where it prefers stony and rocky habitats on open slopes
on mountains and ridges ; also occurs in the lowveld areas in Natal, Swaziland and the eastern Transvaal.
Cape. — Worcester: Veld Reserve, van Breda 27. Montagu: Marloth 2837. Laingsburg: Matjies-
fontein, Conans 1089. Riversdale: Schlechter 2001; Corente Rivier, Muir 341. Oudtshoorn: Rogers
22590; Bolus 121 12. Prince Albert : Stokoe 8758. Uitenhage: Alexander s.n. Albany : near Grahams-
town, Dyer 3322; Marais 290. King William's Town: Buffalo River, Galpin 5926. Stutterheim: Kei
Valley, Acocks 9692. Queenstown: Junction Farm, Gwatyn, Galpin 1841. Komga: Kaboutsie River,
Flanagan 141.
The following specimens from Natal and Swaziland and some of the specimens from the Kruger
National Park have obovate leaves but the margins are not very undulate. They represent one of the
extremes of variation of var. undulata, but are also linked with var. myrtina by specimens such as van der
Schijffl 858.
Natal. — Lower Umfolosi: Acocks 11662. Zululand: Gerstner 4340.
Swaziland. — Stegi, Rodin 4557.
Transvaal. — Kruger National Park, van der Schijff 3878.
Gerstner describes the Zululand form as a thin-stemmed “ willow-like ” shrub 7 m high with a scaly
longitudinally fissured bark. The fruits are edible and the roots are used as a purgative.
Ebenaceae
97
(b) var. myrtina {Burch.) Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 106 (1872); F.C.
4, 1 : 475 (1906). Type: Cape, Kosi Fontein, Burchel! 2573 (K, holo.!).
E. myrtina Burchell, Trav. 1: 465 (1822).
Distinguished from var. undulata by the narrowly-elliptic, elliptic or oblanceolate
elliptic leaves which taper more or less equally to apex and base and are at least 4 time,
as long as broad.
Very widely distributed in the northern and north-western Cape, South West Africa, western and
northern Transvaal, and entering Natal through the eastern Transvaal and Swaziland.
Cape. — Prieska: Bryant 862. Hay: Langeberg, Pole Evans 2490; Acocks 8521. Herbert: Twee-
fontein, Esterhuysen 4071 ; Mazelsfontein, Acocks 1907.
Transvaal. — Bloemhof: Burtt Davy 1525. Zeerust: Gerstner 3309. Marico: Wonderfontein,
Pole Evans 2220; 2219. Rustenburg: Pilanesberg, Phillips & Schweikerdt 3548. Pretoria: Farm
Boekenhoutkloof, Codd 1339. Potchefstroom : Louw 1547. Waterberg: Warmbaths, Sidey 1470;
Irvine 92. Potgietersrus: Zebediela, Codd 2287; Pruizen, Burtt Davy 9805. Petersburg: Blaauwberg,
Codd 8716. Lydenburg: Steelpoort, Lombaard in TRV 34719.
S.W.A. — Keetmanshoop: Small Karas Mountains, Oertendahl 173. Luderitz: Kinges 2309. Wind-
hoek: Khomas Hochland, de Winter 2581. Rehoboth: Buellsport, Strey 2280. Grootfontein : de
Winter 3694; 3003.
Some specimens from Otavi and Grootfontein in Southwest Africa have larger leaves with almost
flat margins. These also represent an extreme of variation of var. myrtina. Examples of such specimens
are: de Winter 3003 from Otavi and de Winter 3694 from Grootfontein.
13. Euclea racemosa Murr., Syst. Veg. 13: 747 (1774); A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 219
(1844); Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 104 (1872); F.C. 4, 1 : 474 (1906), excl. var.
burchellii ; Marloth, FI. S. Afr. 3, 1 : 37. t. 12 and fig. 11 (1932). Type: based on Burm.,
Rar. PI. Afric. t. 84, f. 1 : 258 (1739).
Low shrubs 60 cm- 5 m high or small trees 2-6 m high, evergreen, densely branched;
trunk 10-15 cm in diam., bark usually grey and smooth; branchlets glabrous, angular,
often reddish. Leaves alternate, subopposite or opposite, subsessile to distinctly
petioled, quite glabrous, thickly coriaceous, somewhat paler below than on upper surface,
drying a reddish to pinkish brown, oblanceolate to obovate, rarely almost elliptic,
1 -5-5 cm long and 7-15 mm wide, usually about 2-5 cm long and 1-1 -3 cm wide; base
distinctly cuneate; apex subobtuse rounded and obtuse; midrib and mostly only the
secondary nerves raised on upper surface, somewhat raised or not raised on lower
surface with midrib distinctly raised in lower half and gradually disappearing into leaf
surface in top half of the leaf; margin thickened, raised, involute, entire; petiole 1-4 mm
long, wrinkled. Inflorescence an axillary raceme, glabrous 1 • 5-4 cm long, 8-20 flowered ;
pedicels 2-5 mm long; bracts lanceolate, caducous; female racemes usually small and
more compact than males. Flowers dioecious, creamy white, cup-shaped, pendulous.
Male flowers 4 mm long and 3 mm wide, larger than female flowers, usually tetramerous.
Calyx more or less saucer-shaped with 4 triangular lobes (occasionally lobes 5-6), quite
glabrous. Corolla glabrous or with a few scattered hairs on outside ; tube half the length
of the corolla or shorter; lobes subobtuse to obtuse. Stamens 10-20 in two rows, single
or in groups of 2 or three together; filaments varying in length, from practically absent
to 1 mm long, glabrous; anthers lanceolate to narrowly oblong, 1 • 5-2 mm long, glabrous
except for a few hairs at apex, dehiscing by longitudinal slits. Ovary rudimentary,
hairy (occasionally fairly large with a style and surrounded by a scalloped disc and then
flower usually pentamerous). Female flowers cup-shaped to bell-shaped, 14 mm long
and 3 mm wide at the mouth. Calyx shallowly cup-shaped; lobes 4 (rarely 5), half the
length of the tube, ovate. Corolla deeply cleft; lobes ovate subobtuse, tube shorter than
the lobes. Staminodes 4-8, linear to strap-shaped, appressed to ovary, as long as or
slightly exceeding the ovary, occasionally with a few hairs at the apex. Ovary subglobose,
densely covered with short bristles; 4-celled with one pendulous ovule in each cell; style
98
Ebenaceae
stout, glabrous, articulated to ovary; branches 2, each bi-lobed. Fruit with a thin, soft,
fleshy layer when quite ripe, globose, 5-7 mm in diam., usually one-seeded by abortion,
occasionally 2 seeds present. Seeds globose or hemispherical, greyish to brown, very
finely wrinkled, 4-5 mm in diam., divided into three segments by two thin curved lines
and a groove; endosperm flinty, grey, not ruminate; embryo somewhat curved.
A shrub of coastal dune scrub and occasionally also found in low coastal forest. Endemic in the
Cape Province; recorded from Hondeklip Bay in Namaqualand southwards to the Peninsula and east-
wards to Bathurst.
Cape. — Clanwilliam: Lamberts Bay, Pole Evans & van Nouhuys 22. Malmesbury: Yzerfontein,
Pole Evans 4330. Peninsula: Camps Bay, Marloth 555; Three Anchor Bay, Pole Evans 4331 ; Hout Bay,
Smuts 1075. Somerset West: Gordons Bay, Gerstner 6168. Bredasdorp: Mierkraal, Schlechter 10500
Riversdale: Muir 47. Humansdorp: Phillips 3347. Bathurst: Port Alfred, Tyson in Herb. Marloth
8516.
A species closely allied to E. schimperi from which it differs mainly in the leaf shape and texture and
the hairy ovaries. Some robust specimens with large leaves are difficult to distinguish from E. schimperi
and it is possible that hybridisation sometimes takes place where the species are in contact.
The specimen Burchell 3219, the type of E. racemosa var. burchellii Hiern, is better placed in E.
schimperi since the ovary is glabrous.
14. Euclea schimperi (A. DC.) Dandy in Andrews, FI. PI. Anglo-Egypt. Sudan 2: 370
(1952). Type: Abyssinia, Adoa, near Adoam, Schimper 159 (G, holo.!).
Small trees 3-8 m high or occasionally more shrubby and straggly and 2-5-4 m
high; trunk 5-8 cm in diam., or occasionally up to 30 cm; bark smooth, grey or blackish;
branchlets glabrous, angular, brownish to reddish, turning grey when older. Leaves
alternate, subopposite or in pseudo-whorls or 3-4 at ends of branchlets, shortly but
distinctly petiolate; quite glabrous, coriaceous to stiffly and thickly coriaceous, obovate
to linear-oblanceolate, 3-9 cm long and 0-5-3 cm wide; tapering to a narrowly cuneate
base; apex obtuse to subobtuse or in very narrow leaves subacute with a rounded tip;
midrib and mostly only secondary nerves raised on surface, raised or only slightly raised
on lower surface, with the midrib usually gradually disappearing in upper half ; margin
thickened and involute often undulate; petiole 2-6 mm long. Inflorescence an axillary
raceme 1 ■ 5-4 cm long, glabrous, often speckled with rust-brown granules on the surface;
bracts lanceolate, caducous; female racemes not exceeding 2-5 cm, more compact and
with smaller flowers than the male. Flowers dioecious, white to cream, campanulate,
pendulous, sweetly scented, glabrous or with a few scattered bristles outside. Male
flowers 5 mm long and 4 mm across the mouth, mostly tetramerous. Calyx saucer-
shaped, glabrous, lobes usually 4, shallowly cleft to almost absent. Corolla glabrous,
tube longer than the lobes, lobes j of length of the tube, obtuse. Stamens 12-17 in two
rows in clusters of 2-3 together, inner row usually with short filaments; filaments from
very short to 1 mm long, glabrous; anthers 2-3 mm long, narrowly oblong to lanceolate
with a few hairs on the acute to acuminate apex, dehiscing by longitudinal slits. Ovary
rudimentary or represented only by a tuft of hairs, when developed glabrous, but usually
surrounded by a few hairs. Female flowers 3-3 • 5 mm long, 2-2 • 5 mm wide at the mouth,
usually tetramerous with occasionally a pentamerous flower present. Calyx usually
shallowly cup-shaped, lobes as long as the tube, ovate, mucronate, glabrous. Corolla
usually cleft about halfway or deeper, lobes broadly oblong, obtuse. Staminodes
absent. Ovary oblong-globose, situated on a fimbriate fleshy disc, quite glabrous,
usually 4-locular (occasionally 2 or 6) with a single pendulous ovule attached to the inner
wall in each cell; styles 2 (or 3) stout, stigma crescent-shaped, truncate. Fruit with a
thin fleshy covering when quite ripe, globose, 6-8 mm in diam., usually with only one
seed. Seeds globose, 3-5 mm in diam., finely wrinkled, divided into three segments by
two thin lines and a groove; endosperm flinty, grey, not ruminate.
Ebenaceae
99
Found in the coastal scrub and low forests of the eastern Cape, Natal and the eastern Transvaal. It
is the most common Euclea species in tropical Africa and ranges from Abyssinia along the eastern side
of Africa to the Cape. In South Africa, specimens belonging to this species were in the past named as
E. macrophylla E. Mey. ex A. DC. and E. daphnoides Hiern, both later synonyms of E. schimperi (A. DC.)
Dandy.
Leaves obovate to broadly oblanceolate, thinly coriaceous to coriaceous when mature, .(a) var. schimperi
Leaves linear-oblanceolate to narrowly oblanceolate-elliptic, usually becoming stiffly and thickly
coriaceous when mature ( b ) var. daphnoides
(a) var. schimperi. De Winter in Bothalia 7: 404 (1960).
E. schimperi (A. DC.) Dandy in Andrews, FI. PI. Anglo-Egypt. Sudan 2: 370 (1952).
Kellaua schimperi A. DC. in Ann. Sc. Bot. 2, 18:209 (1842).
Euclea kellau Hochst. in Flora 26: 83 (1843). Type as for K. schimperi. E. macrophylla E. Mey.
ex A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 218 (1844); Hiern in F.C. 4, 1 : 472 (1906). Type: Cape, between Key and
Basche River, Drege s.n. (G, holo.!). E. bilocularis Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 102 (1872).
Type: Zanzibar, Kirk s.n. (K, holo.!). E. urijiensis Hiern in Journ. Bot. Lond. 33: 179 (1895). Type:
Shire, Urigi Valleys, Karagwe, Scoit-Elliott 8180 (K, holo.!). E. latidens Stapf in Journ. Linn. Soc. Bot.
37: 525 (1906). Type: Uganda, North-west Ankole, Lake Kafuru, Dawe 431 (K, holo.!). E. racemosa
Murr. var. burchellii Hiern in F.C. 4, 1 : 474 (1906). Type: Cape, Somerset, Bosch Berg, Burchell 2319
(K, holo.!).
The var. schimperi is distinguished from the var. daphnoides as indicated in the Key.
It does not differ from the var. daphnoides in floral characteristics.
Many of the tropical species of Euclea described by Guerke, of which I have not
seen types, will probably have to be included in the synonymy of this variety.
Found in the eastern coastal scrub and low forests of the Cape. In Natal it is mainly replaced by
the var. daphnoides but is again found in the eastern Transvaal and northwards into tropical Africa from
the Rhodesias to Ethiopia.
Cape. — Uitenhage: Enon, Drege; near Melkhoutboom, Story 2605. Queenstown: Junction Farm,
Galpin 8139. King William’s Town: Keiskamma Hoek, Stayner s.n. Bathurst: Kariega River, Story
224. Stutterheim: Fort Cunnynghame, Sim 2144. Komga-Kentani : Kei Mouth, Flanagan 1222.
Willowvale: between Gekau and Basche rivers, Drege, s.n.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Clutia Mine, Galpin 1329. Nelspruit: Shingomine, van der Schijff 3817.
(b) var. daphnoides {Hiern) de Winter in Bothalia 7: 405 (1960).
Euclea daphnoides Hiern in Trans. Cambr. Phil. Soc. 12: 102 (1872); F.C. 4, 1 : 472 (1906). Type :
Cape, Port Elizabeth, Wagenbooms River, Langekloof, Burchell 4909 (K, lecto.!).
This variety differs from the var. schimperi as indicated in the Key.
Distributed from the eastern Cape through Natal to the eastern and north-eastern Transvaal. Also
recorded from southern Portuguese East Africa.
Cape. — Humansdorp: Wagenbooms River, Burchell 4909; near Patentie, Story 2440.
Natal. — Weenen: Mt. Ellis, Acocks 11598; Nkasine Road, Edwards 739. Msinga: Inadi River,
Dyer 4386. Mahlabatini: near Mahlabitini, Acocks 11667. Hlabisa: Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Ward
2502.
Transvaal. — Nelspruit : Pretoriuskop, Codd 6040; Pilgrim’s Rest, van der Schijff 4124.
A few specimens from Natal and Transvaal, which otherwise are indistinguishable from typical var.
daphnoides, have hairy ovaries. This can only be explained as being due to hybrid influences. The
species invariably has glabrous ovaries except in areas where related species with hairy ovaries occur
associated with it. Specimens intermediate between var. daphnoides, E. divinorum and E. crispa var.
crispa are not at all rare in the Nelspruit and Barberton districts of the Transvaal.
100
OLEACEAE
by I. C. Verdoorn
Trees, shrubs, climbers or occasionally low, herbaceous, woody-based plants.
Leaves opposite (sometimes alternate) exstipulate, simple or compound, acarodomatia
sometimes present on underside of leaves in axils of veins. Inflorescence cymose usually
paniculate or occasionally only one flower developing or flowers appearing fascicled.
Flowers regular, hermaphrodite or occasionally unisexual, sometimes with heterostylous
arrangement. Calyx shortly or deeply 2-15-lobed. Corolla gamopetalous, 4 or more
lobed, sometimes lobed almost to the base. Stamens normally 2, epipetalous. Ovary
superior, bilocular with 2 to 4 ovules in each loculus. Fruit dry or fleshy, dehiscent or
indehiscent.
Found throughout the hot and temperate regions of the world.
Fruit a woody capsule; corolla salver-shaped, tube well developed, lobes
spreading, with a group of swollen brown to purplish hairs at the base of the
lobes 1. Schrebera
Fruit a drupe, berry or membranous capsule, never a woody capsule; corolla-lobes
without a group of swollen brown to purplish hairs at their base:
Fruit a drupe or berry; trees, shrubs or climbers:
Corolla-tube long and slender; lobes narrow; fruit a berry, 2-lobed, one usually
aborting; climbers or bushy shrubs 2. Jasminum
Corolla-tube short to almost none:
Leaves without acarodomatia; calyx toothed or shallowly lobed; corolla-tube
short but distinct, lobes only slightly longer than broad; inflorescence
terminal or axillary, very many flowered; ovules pendulous, seed
albuminous 3. Olea
Leaves on flowering branches usually with acarodomatia; calyx deeply lobed;
corolla-tube very short, usually slit to base between alternate lobes,
lobes usually appearing distinctly longer than broad* because of deeply
infolded margins; apex cucullate; inflorescence axillary, often on old
wood, few-flowered; ovules attached ventrally; seeds exalbuminous,
cotyledons thick 4. Linociera
Fruit a membranous capsule; low virgate shrublet or herbaceous plant with woody
base; corolla yellow 5. Menodora
6422
1. SCHREBERA
Schrebera Roxb., PI. Coromandel 2: 1, t. 101 (1798), nom. cons; Harv. ex Wright in F.C.
4, 1: 482 (1907); PhilL, Gen. ed. 2: 571 (1951); Verdoorn in Bothalia 6: 550 (1956).
Type species: S. swietenioides Roxb., Burma.
Natlwsia Hochst. in Flora (1841). Type species: N. alata Hochst., Abyssinia.
Except in L. lalipetala in tropical Africa
Oleaceae
101
Trees or shrubs (sometimes subscandent ?). Leaves opposite, compound (simple
in some species outside S. Africa); rhachis usually winged. Inflorescence a paniculate
cyme. Flowers heterostylous. Calyx campanulate, loosely enveloping the corolla,
truncate or irregularly and obscurely lobed. Corolla salver-shaped, white, sometimes
tinged with pink or puce; tube well developed, cylindrical; segments 6 or more, spreading
to reflexed, each with a group of swollen brown to purplish hairs at the base. Stamens
2, inserted on the corolla either in the throat with the anthers exserted or a little below the
throat with the anthers included; filaments short, anthers large, introrse. Ovary
bilocular, small, truncate or obscurely bilobed at apex; ovules 4 in each loculus; style
filiform; stigma included or exserted, subcapitate or oblong in outline. Fruit a bivalved,
woody capsule with loculicidal dehiscence; seeds produced into a long solitary subapical
wing.
Found in Africa and East India mostly in the tropics. The two species that extend into South
Africa have compound leaves. There is not a single record of a simple-leaved species from inside the
area covered by the Flora, the nearest being S. trichoclada Welw. found quite frequently in the Zambesi
basin with one record as far south as Lundi, Southern Rhodesia. In Mozambique the southernmost
record is on the north banks of the Save River.
No common names or uses are known for this genus in South Africa.
Branchlets glabrous or occasionally puberulous; leaves glabrous; branches of inflorescence and
calyx persistently puberulous, never tomentulose nor quite smooth; cymes not very compact
1. S. alata
Branchlets grey or silvery tomentulose; leaves pubescent or glabrescent; branches of inflorescence
and calyx tomentulose; the calyx sometimes becoming quite smooth (never puberulous);
cymes compact 2. S. argyrotricha
1. Schrebera alata ( Hochst .) Welw. in Trans. Linn. Soc. Bot. 27: 41 (1869); Turrill
in F.T.E.A. Oleaceae: 4 (1952); Verdoorn in Bothalia 6: 550 and Fig. 1, 552 (1956).
Type: Abyssinia, Schimper 245 (K, iso.).
Nathusia alata Hochst. in Flora 24, 1 : 25 and 2: 672 (1841).
Schrebera saundersiaeHarv. , Thes. Cap. 2: 40, t. 163 (1859), Wrightin F.C. 4,1 : 483 (1907). Type:
Durban, Gerrard 1153 (PRE, iso.!). S. latialata Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 30: 73 (1901). Type: Durban,
Medley Wood 5201 (PRE, iso.!).
Tree (said to occur occasionally as a subscandent shrub in Natal) from about 4 to 8
m tall with stem up to 30 cm in diameter, bark greyish or light brown in colour ; branchlets
glabrous or puberulous, not tomentulose. Leaves glabrous, 5-13 cm long, 5-foliolate,
sometimes 3-foliolate; leaflets varying considerably in size, texture and shape, the lateral
elliptic to broadly elliptic or oblong, unequally cuneate at the base, about 3-7 cm long
and 1-4 cm broad, the terminal usually a little larger than the other leaflets, more
obovate-oblong, sometimes elliptic, subsessile or cuneate into a petiolule up to 1 cm
long; petiole and rhachis winged, wing variable, narrow or broad auricled at base or not.
Inflorescence puberulous, about 6-1 1 cm long, the lateral branches slender, usually over
2 cm long; bracts deciduous, variable in size, some 5 mm long and 2 mm broad, often
narrower, rarely broader. Calyx more or less tubular-turbinate, persistently puberulous
outside, sometimes densely so, almost velvety, pubescent in upper portion within, more
or less truncate and slit or variously lobed, persisting in fruit. Corolla sweetly scented,
white suffused with pink or puce at different stages, tube cylindrical, about 1 -4 cm long,
glabrous or variously puberulous in parts outside, often pubescent with rather long hairs
near the base within; lobes suborbicular, about 5 mm long, crenate on margins,
spreading, with a cluster of glandular reddish-brown hairs near the base on inner face.
Stamens 2, inserted near the apex of the corolla and then exserted or, in other
specimens, below the apex and then included. Ovary 2-celled, about 1*5 mm long,
somewhat flattened and puberulous on top, obscurely 2-lobed, ovules 4 in each cell
pendulous; style about 1 • 5 cm long, glabrous or sometimes sparsely pubescent with sho
102
Oleaceae
patent gland-tipped hairs, long exserted in flowers with stamens included and vice versa;
stigma about 1-5 mm long, obscurely 2-lobed. Capsule green when young (turning
black on drying) becoming light brown at maturity, puberulous except at base within
calyx, obovate-oblong, slightly laterally flattened at right angles to the septum, parallel
to the wall of division, with a ridge along the septum. Seeds 8 mm long with an oblong
1 • 1 cm x 6 mm subterminal wing (degree to which wing runs down one side varies, also
the width).
Found in the marginal flora of forests in the northern and eastern Transvaal and Natal and also in
the coastal bush of Natal. Recorded from Ethiopia and southwards through tropical Africa to the
Transvaal and Natal.
Natal. — Durban: Medley Wood 5201; Gerrard 1153. Ingwavuma: Codd 7024.
Transvaal. — Barberton : Rimers Creek Gorge, Galpin 1115. Pilgrim’s Rest : Kowyns Pass, Codd &
Verdoorn 7604. Soutpansberg: near Sibasa, van Warmelo s.n.
Turrill in the Flora of Tropical East Africa (1952) takes a broad view of this species and considers
the following to be synonymous: S. obliquijoliolata Gilg, S. merkeri Lingelsh. and S. nyassae Lingelsh.
In South Africa the same view is held, for it has been found that considerable variation in the size, shape
and texture of the leaves as well as the extent to which the rhachis is winged may occur on the same tree
at different stages of growth or in different seasons. S. alata is very close to the following species and is
mainly distinguished by its glabrous or glabrescent new growth as opposed to thetomentulose branchlets
of S. argyrotricha. In a few cases in the late season it may be difficult to distinguish between these but
the habitat will be of some assistance since 5. argyrotricha is found in the dry bushveld while S. alata
grows in the comparatively moist forest areas and coastal belt.
2. Schrebera argyrotricha Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 30: 74 (1901); Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 483
(1907); Verdoorn in Bothalia 6: 553 and Fig 2, 555 (1956). Type: Lydenburg, Wilms,
201.
S. gilgiana Lingelsh. in Pflanzenr. 72: 108 (1920). Syntypes: S. Rhodesia, Marloth 3403; Transvaal,
Rehmann 5950; Natal, I andauer 150. S. mazoensis S. Moore in Journ. Bot. Lond. 45: 48 (1907). Type:
S. Rhodesia, Eyles 202 (BM, holo.).
Small trees or shrubs, often with a short main stem about 1 m long, and several long
erect smooth branches, but sometimes trees about 6 m tall; young branchlets grey or
silvery tomentulose. Leaves 3-5-foliolate, 4-10 cm long, grey green in effect owing to
the pale ashy pubescence which is persistent in western area plants, while those from
eastern regions are glabrescent; leaflets variable in shape and size, the lateral from
1-5-7 -5 cm long and 0-8-3 -5 cm broad, usually very broadly elliptic-oblong, the
terminal subsessile, slightly larger, more or less obovate and shortly cuneate at the base,
upper surfaces slightly darker than the lower, both surfaces pubescent or (in eastern
regions) glabrous; petiole and rhachis narrowly to broadly winged, variously auricled
at or near the base or without auricles. Inflorescence tomentulose, 2-7 cm long, cymes
compact, bracts deciduous, variable in size, lower up to 1 cm long, 9 mm broad, upper
usually 5 mm long and 3 mm broad, innermost narrower, more or less spathulate.
Calyx silvery pubescent to glabrescent outside, sometimes smooth at least in top half,
minutely puberulous on upper portion within, tubular-turbinate, truncate, slit or
shallowly lobed, persistent in fruit. Corolla sweetly scented, white suffused with pink
or puce at different stages; tube cylindrical, smooth outside and with a few long hairs
about the centre within, about 1 cm long; lobes often 7, spreading abruptly to slightly
reflexed, about 4-5 mm long and 3 -5-4 -5 mm broad, irregularly crenate on the margins
with a cluster of glandular reddish brown hairs near the base on inner face. Stamens 2,
inserted near the apex of the tube and then exserted or, in other specimens, below
the apex and then included. Ovary 2-celled, about 1-5 mm long, subtruncate and
obscurely 2-lobed at the apex, very shortly pubescent on top; style about 1 cm long,
usually glabrous; stigma long exserted in flowers with stamens included and vice versa,
bifid, lobes about 1 ■ 5 mm long, adhering to each other. Capsule green and pubescent
when young (turning black, on drying), light brown at maturity, oblong-obovoid,
Oleaceae
103
slightly laterally flattened, with a ridge along the septum. Seeds about 7 mm long, with
a subterminal oblong wing about 9 mm long and 6 mm wide, sometimes narrower (wing
varies in width and degree in which it runs down one side).
Occurs in dry bushveld, especially on rocky slopes. Recorded from Southern Rhodesia, Portuguese
East Africa, the Transvaal, Swaziland and Natal.
Natal. — Mapumula: Nonoti, Medley Wood 8789 (NH). Nkandla: Insuzi Gorge, Acocks 12730.
Swaziland. — Mohlangotsha Mtn., Mankiana, Miller S/267.
Transvaal. — Nelspruit: Pretorius Kop, Codd 6053; Acocks 16620. Lydenburg: Marais 63; 64;
Verdoorn & Coddl6l4. Waterberg: Naboomspruit, Galpin 8855; near Warmbaths Codd 2961 ; Verdoorn
2400. Soutpansberg: Machava, Acocks 8861. Petersburg: Blaauwberg, Smuts & Pole Evans 919; Codd
8676.
As in S. alata so in this species there is a great deal of variation in the size, texture and shape of the
leaflets, in their number, 3 or 5, and the degree in which the rhachis is winged and auricled. Besides this,
in S. argyrotricha two ecotypes occur. Some specimens, especially those which come from the western
regions or a sunny aspect, are completely covered with a dense greyish tomentulose pubescence whereas
others are partly or almost completely smooth. The latter are usually from plants which grow in the
eastern regions or in shade such as the south aspect of a gorge. The smooth form can be confused with
5. alata. Features by which they may be distinguished are that S. alata usually grows to be a larger tree
with a somewhat laxer inflorescence which is never smooth in part but persistently and minutely
puberulous (not tomentulose) while the other parts, such as the leaves, are always glabrous.
6440 2. JASMINUM
JasminumL., Sp. PI. ed. 1:7 (1753); Gen. PI. ed. 5: 7 (1754); Harv. ex Wright in F.C.
4, 1: 479 (1906); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 572 (1951); Verdoorn in Bothalia 6: 556 (1956).
Type species: J. officinale L., India.
Climbing, scrambling or erect shrubs or shrublets. Leaves compound or reduced to
one leaflet, digitately or pinnately 3 or more foliolate, usually opposite. Inflorescence
consisting of a solitary flower or a few-flowered simple or compound cyme, terminal on
main and lateral branchlets, sometimes axillary as well. Flowers (usually ?) hetero-
stylous, white or yellow, sometimes flushed with rose, often sweetly scented. Calyx-tube
campanulate, lobes 4-13, often long and subulate. Corolla-tube long and slender, lobes
4-11, imbricate, spreading abruptly. Stamens 2, inserted more or less midway or near
the top of the tube, not exserted; filaments short. O vary 2-locular with 2, rarely more,
ovules in each loculus, attached near the base, usually only one ovule developing; style
slender; stigma clavate or bi-lobed. Fruit a berry, deeply bi-lobed, usually one lobe
aborting.
Found in Asia, Africa, Australia and southern Europe.
The flowers are usually heterostylous and the short-styled and long-styled flowers grow on separate
plants.
Under the common name “ Jasmine ” this genus is extensively grown in gardens as an ornamental
plant. At least two of our species are frequently found in cultivation, J. multipartitum and J. angulare.
Several Indian and Asian species are cultivated in South Africa and one, J. multiflorum (Burm.) Andr.,
has become naturalised along the Umgeni River near Durban and in Barberton, where it is frequently
grown as a hedge. J. multiflorum is easily distinguished from the indigenous species by the ovate-
cordate leaves which are mostly over 5 • 6 cm long and 2 • 5 cm broad and by the densely hirsute-tomentose
twigs, pedicels and calyces including the long subulate calyx-lobes. The Asian species, J. humile L., is
quite commonly cultivated and when dried and pressed it may be confused with the South African species
J. angulare. But the leaves in J. angulare are usually 3-foliolate with only an occasional 5-foliolate leaf
whereas in the cultivated plant they are 5-foliolate with only an occasional 3-foliolate leaf, moreover, they
are alternate in J. humile. The growing plants, when in flower, could not be confused since the flowers
are yellow in J. humile and white in J. angulare.
104
Oleaceae
Leaves compound, 3-5-7-foliolate;
Leaves usually digitately 5-7-foliolate, sometimes 3-foliolate but then specimens from the
Transvaal; leaflets more than twice as long as broad; shrublets about 45 cm tall. A. J. quinatum
Leaves usually 3-foliolate, sometimes some pinnately 5-foIiolate; shrubs, twiners or scramblers:
Leaves narrowly linear-lanceolate to linear-oblong, more than twice as long as broad, glabrous
and without acarodomatia, only petioles pubescent 2. J. tortuosum
Leaves ovate to oblong, seldom up to twice as long as broad:
Inflorescence fairly compact; petioles suberect; leaves (on pressed specimens) covering the
base of the flowers, occasionally pinnately 5-foliolate 3. J. angulare
Inflorescence of broad lax cymes, usually broader than long; petioles spreading; leaves (on
pressed specimens) not covering the base of the flowers:
Inflorescence terminal and axillary only in upper leaves; acarodomatia, if present, in axils
of lower veins only; leaflets usually under 5 cm long; calyx small, under 2 mm long
4. J. fluminense
Inflorescence terminal and axillary; acarodomatia in axils of central and upper veins also;
leaflets usually over 5 cm long; calyx usually over 2 mm long 5. J. abyssinicum
Leaves unifoliolate:
Calyx-lobes much shorter than the tube, very shallow or up to 1 ■ 5 mm long, then thickened and
conduplicate, apiculate, but never produced into a subulate upper portion; acarodomatia if
present mostly in axils of basal or lower veins; petioles articulate in upper portion. . . .
6. J. breviflorum
Calyx-lobes almost as long as to much longer than the tube, subulate at least in upper half, if
rather short then leaves with acarodomatia also in axils of upper veins:
Whole plant glabrous or inconspicuously puberulous in parts; no acarodomatia:
Glabrous plants with lanceolate-elliptic glaucous leaves, usually about 3 times as long as
broad; petiole articulate in upper portion; inflorescence normally 3-flowered; restricted
to south-eastern Cape 7. J. glaucum
Twigs, at least, shortly densely and persistently puberulous; leaves rarely 3 times as long as
broad; petiole articulate in lower half; flowers usually single on short pedicels....
8. /. multipartitum
Plants, at least in parts, conspicuously pubescent, either tomentulose or patently pubescent
with straight or curled hairs:
Pedicels rather short and thick, usually about 5-7 mm long, densely pubescent; calyx lobes
up to 13, subulate, usually definitely longer than the tube; leaves without acarodomatia;
twigs more or less tomentulose; petioles articulate, usually in lower half. .. .9. J. stenolobum
Pedicels rather long and slender, sparsely pilose or glabrous; leaves usually with acarodo-
matia; petioles short, articulate near apex 10. /. streptopus
(aggregate sp.)
1. Jasminum quinatum Schinz in Yjschr. Naturf. Ges. Zurich 55: 245 (1910);
Yerdoorn in Bothalia 6: 558 and PI. 1, 611 (1956). Type: Transvaal, Lydenburg,
Schlechter 3914 (PRE, iso.!).
J. tortuosum sensu Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1: 482 (1907), partly, as to specimens from Kalahari.
J. lupinifolium Gilg & Schellenb. in Bot. Jahrb. 51: 83 (1914). Syntypes: Lydenburg, Wilms 584; 924
(L!); 1832.
Sub-shrubs with erect or straggling stems about 40 cm long from a creeping rhizome.
Twigs ridged or angled, glabrous or thinly to densely pubescent with straight or crisped
hairs. Leaves digitately 5-foliolate, sometimes 3-, 4- or 7-foliolate; petiole flattened,
1 • 5-5 mm long, rarely up to 12 mm long; leaflets with the central the largest, 12-40 mm
long, and 2-9 mm broad, rarely larger, the lateral smaller and the outermost still smaller,
glabrous or sparsely to densely pubescent with straight or crisped hairs, linear-lanceolate,
lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, apiculate at the apex, cuneate at the base into a petiolule-
like claw, claw varying in length, that of the central leaf usually the longest, up to 5 mm
long, rarely longer. Inflorescence terminal, sometimes also axillary in the upper pair
of leaves, cymes 1- to 3-flowered, the terminal and axillary forming what appears to be
a subcorymbose inflorescence; peduncle 0 to 20 mm long, glabrous or pubescent;
pedicels 3-12 mm long, of some lateral 1-flowered cymes from axils of upper leaves up to
20 mm long, glabrous or pubescent. Calyx glabrous, tube about 2-5 mm long, 5-6
toothed, teeth somewhat unequal, 1-2-5 mm long, rarely up to 3 mm long, triangular
with margins folded inwards, sometimes conduplicate, apiculate, sinuses U-shaped.
Oleaceae
105
Corolla white, tube 18-22 mm long, 5-6-lobed; lobes 10-12 mm long and about 4 mm
broad. Stamens apiculate, included in the plants with long-styled flowers and sub-
exserted in plants with short styled flowers. Ovary quadrate, about 1 • 5 mm long; style
2-lobed, lobes 3 mm long, short or eventually exserted. Fruit twin berries, often only
1 developing, globose, about 5 mm diam.
Found in the open on mountain slopes, among rocks on hillsides, along sandy stream-banks or on
shaly slopes in open woodland. Not recorded outside the Transvaal.
Transvaal. — Pretoria: Hennops River, Leendertz in TRV 8174; Koedoespoort, Mogg 11788-
Carolina: Waterval Boven, Rogers 18386; Waterval Onder, Prosser 1228; Bergendal, Galpirt 12365.
Belfast: near Draaikraal, Codd 8053. Lydenburg: Wilms 924; near Crocodile River, Schlechter 3914;
Spekboom River, Young A455; A456; Sekukuniland, Gray 4186; along Sabi Road, Smuts & Gillett
2494; near Lydenburg, Codd 6663; 6664; Codd & Verdoorn 7599; Orighstad Valley, Walters 10762. Piet
Retief: Galpin 9667.
This species resembles J. tortuosum Willd. (see following) of the eastern Cape in that the leaflets are
long and narrow and without acarodomatia, but in J. tortuosum the leaves are always 3-foliolate whereas
in J. quinatum they are mostly digitately 5-foliolate and only occasionally with some leaves 3- or 7-folio-
late. The habit of the latter is a low shrublet forming a fairly dense growth from a creeping rootstock
whereas J. tortuosum is a high climber, and the area of distribution is distinct.
All the living plants examined bore flowers either long styled or short styled, never the two sorts
mixed on the one plant.
As in other species in the genus, J. quinatum may occur in a completely glabrous, a conspicuously
hairy or an intermediate form.
2. Jasminum tortuosum Willd., Enum. 1: 10 (1809); DC., Prodr. 8: 311 (1844),
partly, excl. vars.; Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1: 482 (1907), partly, excl. specs, cited;
Verdoorn in Bothalia 6: 558 and PI. 2, 612 (1956). Type: Cape, Willdenow (B, holo.;
PRE, photo.).
J. flexile sensu Jacq., Schoenbr. 4: 46, t. 490 (1804), non Vahl.
Twiner or scrambler with branches angled in parts, the ultimate usually hirsute in
parts; hairs white, crisped. Leaves 3-foliolate; petiole hirsute especially along the upper
surface, about 5-10 mm, rarely 2 cm long; blade glabrous and without acarodomatia,
1 * 7^4 cm long and 0-5-1 -4 cm broad (rarely larger, 4-5x2 cm); acute or broadly
rounded at apex, mucronate, cuneate at base into a petiolule, central petiolule the longest;
midrib prominent below and running into the petiolule at the base. Inflorescence
glabrous, terminal on the branches and on the lateral branchlets, and axillary in axils of
the upper pair of leaves only, 3-5-flowered, peduncle 1-2-5 cm long; pedicels 1-1 -5 cm
long (rarely 2 cm long). Calyx usually 5-lobed, sometimes 6, 2 -5-5 -5 mm long; lobes
from much shorter than the tube to about as long as the tube, 1-2-5 mm long, triangular,
acuminate, conduplicate, apiculate, sinuses U-shaped. Corolla white, usually 6-lobed,
tube 1 • 5-2-7 cm long; lobes up to 1-2 cm long, 5 mm broad. Fruit not seen.
High climber in trees in the south-western Cape. Not recorded outside this area.
Cape. — Mossel Bay: Grootplaas, Muir 2400. Oudtshoorn: Huis River Pass, Compton 20327,
(NBG). Caledon: Elbrecht in TRV 19010. Tulbagh?: Drege s.n. (L !).
Very few records of this species exist. Further investigation may prove it to be only a narrow-
leaved variety of J. angulare, but the absence of acaradomatia supports the view that it might be maintained
as a separate species.
3. Jasminum angulare Vahl, Symb. 3: 1 (1794); Willd., Sp. PI. 1: 38 (1797); Hook. f. in
Bot. Mag. t. 6865 (1886); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4,1 : 481 (1907), excl. Burtt Davy 360;
Verdoorn in Bothalia 6: 560 and PI. 4, 614 (1956). Syntypes: Cape, originally, 2
specimens in Herb. Vahl, Copenhagen.*
A syntype of var. glabratum is cited in error in Bothalia l.c. for the type of J. angulare.
106
Oleaceae
J. capense Thunb., Prodr. 1 : 2 (1794); FI. Cap. ed. 1 : 4 (1807-13). Type: Uitenhage, Zeeko River,
Thunberg s.n. J. angulare var. glabratum E. Mey., Comm. 174 (1837); DC., Prodr. 8: 311 (1844).
Syntypes: Uitenhage, Enon, Drege a; Addo, Drege b (K; L !) ; Transkei, Gekau, Drege c. J.natalense
Gilg & Schellenb. in Bot. Jahrb. 51 : 86 (1914), for the greater part, as to specimens from Natal and
Pondoland, excl. Schlechter 1 1749 from Komatipoort. Syntypes: Natal, Weenen, Wood 940 ; Pondo-
land, Bachmann 1029; Beyrich 77.
Shrubs, usually scrambling or climbing, sometimes climbing up to 7 m high in
trees ; ultimate branchlets 4-30 cm long, angled (at least in parts), angles ridged, glabrous
to variously pubescent from thinly so to tomentulose and densely pubescent with crisped
hairs. Leaves 3-foliolate, or occasionally a few pinnately 5-foliolate; petioles usually
ascending, rarely patently spreading, 0-4-2 cm long, glabrous, thinly pubescent or
tomentulose; leaflets glabrous, thinly pubescent or tomentulose on both surfaces,
acarodomatia often present on under surface in axils of lower veins, usually broadly
ovate, sometimes oblong, variable in shape, with apex acute, mucronate or rounded, the
terminal 1 • 3-4 • 5 cm long and 0 • 6-2 • 5 cm broad, with a petiolule 0 • 3-2 cm long, rarely
lobed at the base and when deeply lobed forming a pinnately 5-folicflate leaf; lateral
leaflets usually distinctly smaller than the terminal with a petiolule 2-6 mm long,
sometimes longer. Inflorescence of 1 or 2 terminal, rather compact cymes (the leaves
in pressed specimens usually concealing the base of the inflorescence), pedicels of lateral
flowers about 1-2 cm long, usually glabrous, sometimes thinly pubescent or rarely
densely so. Calyx campanulate, usually glabrous, tube 2-5-3 mm long, 7-toothed, teeth
about 1 • 5 mm long, varying in size. Corolla white, usually greenish outside (rarely pink,
fide Galpin); tube 1-7-3 -5 cm long; lobes 5, about 1-1-5 cm long, 6-7 mm broad.
Stamens inserted in upper portion of tube, included; filaments 2 mm long; anthers 2-5
mm long, distinctly apiculate, apicule 1 mm long. Ovary brown, 1-5 mm long; style
ultimately exserted, 2-lobed, lobes about 5 mm long. Fruit a globose berry, often in
pairs, about 7 mm diam.
Found among boulders on hillsides, near rivers, in scrub and scrub forest, and in coastal bush.
Recorded from most parts of the Cape (except in western and northwestern areas), Natal and near the
Natal border in the Transvaal. Not recorded from outside S. Africa except in cultivation.
Cape. — Ladismith: Suar Mtn., Liebenberg 703. Uitenhage: Enon, Thode A2698 (obviously
pubescent); Thode A 2699 (completely glabrous); Swartkops River, Ecklon &Zeyher s.n. Port Elizabeth:
St. George’s Strand, Long 852. Bedford: Acocks 17633. Kentani: Pegler 1810. Lusikisiki: between
port St. John’s and Lusikisiki, Hutchinson 1778.
Natal. — Umzinto: Dumisa, Campbelltown, Rudatis 188 (L). Pietermaritzburg: Scottsville,
Fisher 701. Estcourt: confluence of Bushman and Little Bushman's Rivers, Acocks 9939; Colenso,
Hutchinson 1861. Newcastle: Charlestown, Medley Wood 5166.
Transvaal. — Volksrust: Jenkins in TRV 9300.
Since both J. angulare Vahl and J. capense Thunb. were published during 17*74, and more exact
dates cannot be found for the publications, the author who first cites one of these as a synonym of the
other must be followed (International Rules, Art. 67). Willdenow in 1797 cited J. capense as a synonym
of J. angulare, therefore, of these two synonyms the latter, J. angulare Vahl, is the correct name.
In this species some of the plants are completely glabrous or appear glabrous with sparse pubescence
in parts while others are conspicuously tomentulose. The examination of a range of material shows
that the tomentulose specimens are not restricted to any particular region and that in some places both
pubescent and glabrous forms occur near each other, such as two collections of Thode at Enon, A 2699
(glabrous) and A 2698 (tomentulose). It was found too that in some cases on the same specimen both
glabrous and tomentulose twigs occurred. On this account a species or variety separated from J.
angulare on the presence or absence of pubescence cannot be maintained. In the pinnately 5-foliolate
leaves this species resembles the tropical African species, J. goetzeanum Gilg, but in this latter species
the leaves, which are alternate, are normally pinnate and the inflorescence lateral as well as terminal.
J. angulare is sometimes found in cultivation. It flowers at any time between October and January.
Dried specimens may be confused with those of the tropical Asian species J. h'umile which is also
found in cultivation. The flowers of J. humile, however, are yellow and the leaves alternate.
Oleaceae
107
4. Jasminum fluminense Veil., FI. Flumin. 10 (1825); l.c., Atl. 1, t. 23 (1827); Dandy
in Kew Bull. 1950: 368 (1951); Turrill in F.T.E.A. Oleaceae: 19 (1952); Verdoorn in
Bothalia 6: 562 and PI. 5, 615 (1956). Type: Brazil, Santa Crux, introduced plant,
specimen not known to have been preserved.
J. mauritianum Boj. ex DC., Prodr. 8: 310(1844); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 482 (1907). Type:
Mauritius, Bojer (G, holo.; PRE, photo.). J. schroeterianum Schinz in Verh. Bot. Brand. 30: 256(1888).
Type: South West Africa, Schinz s.n.
Woody climber or scrambler, sometimes shrubby; ultimate branchlets usually long,
10-20 cm or more, densely shaggily pubescent to rather thinly tomentose, sometimes
partly glabrescent. Leaves 3-foliolate; petioles patently spreading with apex only
upturned, 0-5-2 -2 cm long, usually densely pubescent, rarely partly glabrescent; leaflets
densely to sparsely pubescent on both surfaces, sometimes subglabrous, ovate, gradually
narrowing to an acute or rounded apex, acarodomatia when present usually in axils of
lower veins only, the terminal leaflets about 2 -5-4 -8 cm long and 1 -4-3 cm broad on a
petiolule 1 to 1-9 cm long, lateral markedly smaller with petiolule 3-10 mm long.
Inflorescence terminal and axillary in the upper leaflets only, together forming a broad
cymose-panicle, branches of the inflorescence densely pubescent with crisped hairs;
pedicels 1 • 5-6 mm long, similarly pubescent. Calyx shortly campanulate, pubescent
like the pedicels or subglabrescent, 1 -5-2 mm long with 5-6 teeth or lobes, up to 1 mm
long, often smaller or almost obsolete. Corolla white, fragrant, tube 1 -5-2-5 cm long,
lobes 6-8, about 1 -2 cm long, 5 mm broad. Stamens inserted in upper half; filaments
about 1 - 5 cm long; anthers 4-5 mm long, acute at apex, not reaching the mouth of the
corolla tube. Style 2, lobed at apex, lobes sub-exserted. Fruit brown to shiny black
when mature, globose, about 7 mm in diameter, often twin berries developing.
Found in South Africa along rivers or in watercourses in dry country, scrambling over small bushes
or climbing in trees on wooded slopes in the lowveld. Occurs in Mauritius, the Seychelles, Arabia and
Africa. Introduced and naturalised in the West Indies and Brazil, S. America. In Africa recorded
from Nigeria, Ethiopia and Eritrea southwards to South West Africa, the Transvaal and northern Natal.
Natal. — Ingwavuma: Lubambu River, Acocks 13134; Ndumu Game Reserve, Ward 2003.
Swaziland. — Hlatikulu: Sipopaneni, Compton 26294.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Komatipoort, Schiechter 11749. Nelspruit: Kruger National Park,
Pretorius Kop, Codd 5655. Letaba: Gravelotte, Galpin 13523. Petersburg: Blaauwberg, Codd 8706;
Smuts & Pole Evans 940. Soutpansberg: north of Fogwells, Smuts & Gillett 3134; Dongola, Dyer 4311;
Messina, Rogers 21829. Potgietersrus: near Magalakwin River drift, Hutchinson 2665.
S.W.A. — Caprivi Strip: Caundo River, Curson 1024. Okavango: west of Runtu, de Winter 3820.
This species was for some time generally known in Africa, Asia and the Mascarenes as J. mauritianum
Boj. In the Kew Bulletin 1950 (published 1951) Dandy pointed out that this name is antedated by
J. fluminense which Velloso had described in 1825. Elis specimen was from Brazil where the tropical
African species had established itself.
The two species J. fluminense and J. angulare are closely related and are best distinguished from each
other by the very small calyx of J. fluminense , usually not over 2 mm long, its broad inflorescence borne
clear of the leaves, and short pedicels. The distribution is distinct, J. fluminense being a tropical species
reaching only as far south as the north eastern Transvaal and northern Zululand (Ingwavuma) whereas
J. angulare occurs commonly in the Cape and as far north as Volksrust in the Transvaal and Utrecht in
Natal.
Turrill in the Flora of Tropical East Africa, page 21 (1952), divides J. fluminense into subspecies and
varieties. It has not been found possible in practice to uphold these in southern Africa. With regard to
the affinity of J. fluminense with J. abyssinicum, see the notes under this latter species.
5. Jasminum abyssinicum Hochst. ex DC., Prodr. 8: 311 (1844); Bak. in F.T.A.
4, 1: 11 (1902); Gilg & Schellenb. in Bot. Jahrb. 51: 84 (1913); Turrill in F.T.E.A.
Oleaceae: 18 (1952); Verdoorn in Bothalia 6: 563 and PI. 6, 616 (1956). Type: Abys-
sinia, Schimper 169 (K, iso.).
J. wyliei N.E. Br. in Kew Bull. 1909: 419 (1909). Type: Natal, Nkandla, Wylie in Herb. Medley
Wood 8860.
108
Oleaceae
Shrub, usually with profuse and high climbing branches; ultimate branchlets long,
terete, ascending, minutely puberulous (in South African specimens). Leaves 3- foliolate ;
petioles patently spreading with apex only ascending, 1-5-3 -3 cm long, minutely
puberulous; petiolules of lateral leaflets 1-6 mm long, of the terminal 10-20 mm long;
leaflets broadly ovate to orbicular-ovate, often shortly acuminate at the apex, the terminal
usually 2 -5-7 -5 cm long and 2-4-5 cm broad, glabrous (in South African specimens),
acarodomatia, when present, in axils of central and upper as well as basal veins on the
lower surface. Inflorescence terminal and lateral in the axils of the leaves, cymose-
paniculate, lax (in South African specimens), the branches minutely puberulous; pedicels
varying in length on the same inflorescence, from 4 mm (in terminal flowers) to 15 mm
(on lateral flowers), puberulous. Calyx campanulate, puberulous, about 3 mm long,
shortly 5-6-toothed; teeth 0-5-1 mm long with wide sinuses between. Corolla white,
suffused reddish purple without; tube about 2-2 cm long; lobes 5-6, about 1 cm long and
6 mm broad. Stamens inserted in upper half of the corolla tube ; filaments 1 • 5 mm long ;
anthers included, 5 mm long, apiculate, apicule about 1 mm long. Ovary subquadrate,
about 1-5 mm long and broad; style long, terete; stigma 2-lobed, lobes oblong-sub-
cylindrical in outline, about 4 mm long. Fruit a twin berry, one often aborting, sub-
globose, about 1 cm diam.
Found only in high forest in South Africa to date. Occurs frequently in tropical Africa from
Ethiopia southwards to the northern Transvaal and northern Natal.
Natal. — Nkandla: Medley Wood 8860.
Transvaal. — Pilgrim’s Rest: Mariepskop, Marsh s.n.; Meeuse 9941. Soutpansberg: Entabeni
Forest Station, Gatpin 9679.
The name Jasminum abyssinicum was first proposed by Robert Brown for Schimper 169 and included
without description by Hochstetter in his published list of Abyssinian plants. De Candolle validated the
name by supplying a description in 1844.
Following the rather broad view of this species taken by Turrill in Flora of Tropical East Africa,
1952, J. wyliei N.E. Br. is regarded here as a synonym of J. abyssinicum DC. Turrill notes that the
nomenclatural type is not “ centrally characteristic of the species either morphologically or geo-
graphically ”. So while J. wyliei may differ considerably from the type, it cannot be distinguished from
many of the specimens classified as J. abyssinicum DC.
J. abyssinicum is closely related to J. fluminense, from which it can be distinguished principally by
the slightly larger calyx and the axillary as well as terminal inflorescences. In the South African
specimens it can also be distinguished by the usually rather larger leaves which are thinner in texture and
glabrous, and the acarodomatia which, when present, occur in the axils of upper as well as basal veins.
One or other of these features may occasionally be found in eastern forms of J. fluminense, but then the
size of the calyx will be decisive, or the shape of the inflorescence, which is more or less flat-topped in
J. fluminense and rather oval in outline in J. abyssinicum.
6. Jasminum breviflorum Harv. ex C.H. Wr. in F.C. 4, 1 : 480 (1906); Verdoorn in
Bothalia 6: 564 and PI. 7, 617 (1956); l.c. 7: 15 (1958). Type: Pretoria, Magaliesberg,
Burke s.n. (K, lecto.).
J. gerrardii Harv. ex C. H. Wr., l.c. (1906). Syntypes: Natal, Nonoti River, Gerrard 1477; Camper-
down, Rehmann 7706.
Climber, usually rampant, occasionally shrubby; twigs densely or sparsely pubescent
with patent crisped hairs or short stiff hairs, glabrescent. Leaves simple, variable in
shape and size, lanceolate-oblong, lanceolate-ovate, ovate to ovate-suborbicular, up to
4-5 cm long and 2-5 cm broad, usually smaller, pubescent on both surfaces, especially
along the veins beneath, glabrescent in parts, sometimes glabrous; petiole short, up to
3 mm long, pubescent, articulated at or above the middle, often at the apex, articulation
not obvious. Inflorescence terminal on the twigs, usually 3-flowered and often also with
solitary flowers in the axils of the upper pair of leaves; pedicels long, up to 1 • 5 cm long,
densely or thinly pubescent to glabrous. Calyx thinly pubescent, rarely densely, some-
times glabrescent; tube about 3 mm long; lobes usually 5, very shallow (calyx appearing
truncate), or up to 2 mm long and thickened and conduplicate, usually with recurved
apicule but not produced into a subulate erect apical portion. Corolla white, fragrant.
Oleaceae
109
tube 1 -5-2 cm long (in eastern Cape up to 3 cm long); lobes about 7, usually 1-2 cm
long and 2-5-5 mm broad. Stamens 2, inserted on the tube in upper half, included,
filaments very short; anthers about 3-5 mm long. Ovary about 1 mm long, truncate,
2-celled with 1 ovule in each; style filiform 1-5 cm long; stigma lobes 3-5 mm long,
exserted. Fruit a twin berry but usually only one developing, subglobose, about the
size of a large pea, turning black when ripe; seed 1, exendospermous.
Found in semi-shade in dry scrub and open woodland. Recorded from the eastern Cape, Natal,
the Transvaal and Portuguese East Africa.
Cape. — Peddie: Line Drift, Sim 6281. King William’s Town: Tyson 2232. Queenstown: Junction
Farm, Galpin 8145; Stratheric, Acocks 17945. Komga: Flanagan 1204; 1205.
Natal. — Camperdown: Acocks 10855; Rehmann 7706. Mapumula: Nonoti, Gerrard 1477.
Umvoti: Greytown, Galpin 14737. Dundee: Vants Drift, Codd 1517.
Transvaal. — Pretoria: Magaliesberg, Burke s.n.; Flammanskraal, Repton 3544. Rustenburg:
Hutchinson 2933. Waterberg: Warmbaths, Thode A1729; Naboomspruit, Galpin 494M; Thabazimbi,
Codd 4793.
In this species the calyx is almost truncate or shortly lobed. When present the lobes are rather thick
and conduplicate and usually have a recurved apicule but are not produced into an erect subulate apical
portion. Among the simple leaved species in South Africa, J. streptopus (see No. 10) has calyx-lobes
intermediate between those of J. breviflorum and those which are produced into long subulate lobes as,
for instance, in J. multipartitum (see No. 8).
7. Jasminum glaucum ( L.f. ) Ait., Hort. Kew. ed. 1, 1; 9 (1789); Harv. ex Wright
in F.C. 4, 1 : 480 (1906), partly, excl. var. parvi folium E. Mey. and citations from eastern
Cape, Natal and Transvaal; Yerdoorn in Bothalia 6: 566 and PI. 8, 618 (1956). Type:
Caledon, Langekloof, Thunberg s.n. (UPS, holo.; PRE, photo.).
Nyctanthes glauca L.f., Suppl. 82 (1781).
Jasminum ligustrifolium Lam., Encycl. 3: 218 (1789). Type: Cape, without precise locality (P ?).
J. glaucum var. lanceolatum E. Mey., Comm. 13 (1837). Type: Vanrhynsdorp, Olifants River, Drege
s.n. — var. latifolium E. Mey., l.c. (1837). Type: Clanwilliam, Drege s.n.
Shrubs, rarely scandent, glabrous in all parts. Leaves simple, glaucous, usually
about 3 times as long as broad, lanceolate, lanceolate-elliptic, lanceolate-ovate, slightly
narrowed to a rounded mucronate apex, or acute, sometimes long-acuminate, 3-6 • 5 cm
long, 0-7-2 -5 cm broad, narrowing gradually to the 3- (or more) nerved base and then
abruptly narrowed into a petiolule-like basal portion; petiole short, 1-5 mm long but
with the cuneate leaf-base appearing about 1 cm long, articulate at the apex but articu-
lation often appearing to be about midway, depending on the length of the leaf-base.
Inflorescence terminal on ultimate branchlets, occasionally also in axils of upper pair of
leaves, normally 3-flowered; bracts setaceous, usually about 1 cm long; pedicels 3-12 mm
long. Calyx with usually 5-7 subulate lobes; lobes as long as or longer than the tube,
sinuses rounded. Corolla white, fragrant; tube usually 2-2-5 cm long; lobes 6-8 in
number, 1-7-2 -5 cm long, up to 5 mm broad. Fruit black, a twin berry, one often
aborted.
Found on river banks and among loose rocks at the foot of slopes. Recorded from the south-
western Cape only.
Cape. — Paarl: Great Drakenstein Mts., Esterhuysen 9526. Caledon: Langekloof, Thunberg s.n.;
Witwater, Baur in Flerb. Marloth 8742. Worcester: Witsenberg, Ecklon & Zevher s.n. Clanwilliam:
near Keerom, Pillans 8675; Sandkraal, north of Clanwilliam, Leipoldt 4451. Vanrhynsdorp: Drege s.n.
This species is confused in the Flora Capensis with J. multipartitum. The specimens cited there
from the south-western Cape are J. glaucum (L.f.) Ait. and those from outside the winter rainfall area
are J. multipartitum Hochst. These closely related species are distinguished by the completely glabrous
plants of J. glaucum with glaucous leaves which are usually about 3 times as long as broad, and the
inflorescence being normally 3-flowered, as opposed to J. multipartitum which has puberulous branchlets,
green leaves which are variable in size but seldom 3 times as long as broad, and normally a 1-flowered
inflorescence.
Among tropical African species, J. glaucum is closest to J. kerstingii Gilg which occurs in West Africa
It differs in the plants being glabrous instead of distinctly pubescent as in J. kerstingii.
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Oleaceae
8. Jasminum multipartitum Hochst. in Flora 27, 2: 825 (1844); De Wildeman, Ic.
Sel. Hort. Then. 4: 1. 1 34 (1903); Wood & Evans, Natal PI. 4: t. 328 (1906); Harv. ex
Wright in F.C. 4, 1: 480 (1906); Yerdoorn in Bothalia 6: 567 and PI. 9, 619 (1956).
Type: Durban, Krauss 458 (K, holo.; PRE, photo.).
J. glaucum sensu Harv. ex Wright, l.c., partly; — ■ var. parviflorum E. Mey., Comm. 173 (1837); DC.,
Prodr. 8: 305 (1844). Type: Albany, Bothasberg, Drege s.n.
Shrub 45 cm to 3 m tall, sometimes scandent, twiggy; twigs puberulous, usually short
about 2 cm long. Leaves simple, usually glabrous and without acarodomatia, suberect,
shining, green, often drying blackish and brittle, very variable in size and shape, some-
times aborted or very small on the flowering twigs, oblong, ovate-oblong or ovate-
lanceolate, 1 • 5-3 • 5 cm long (usually about 2 • 5 cm long) 4-28 mm broad (usually about
9 mm broad), rounded or sometimes acuminate and acute at apex, rounded at base and
abruptly narrowed into a petiolule-like base; petiole glabrous or minutely puberulous
appearing articulated in the centre or above or below, 1-5 mm long. Inflorescence
terminal on short lateral twigs, usually 1 -flowered, rarely 3-flowered; pedicels shorter
than the calyx, 1-5 mm long, glabrous or rarely minutely puberulous. Calyx glabrous
or rarely minutely puberulous in parts; tube 2-3 mm long; lobes 5-9, margins inrolled,
appearing subulate with wide sinuses between them, 3-5 mm long sometimes minutely
puberulous at least on margins. Corolla white, pink-flushed or lobes dorsally brick red,
fragrant; tube 2-3 cm long; lobes about 11, more or less 1-7 cm long and 4 cm broad.
Stamens inserted on the tube in upper half, included, or sub-exserted in short styled
flowers; filaments about 1-3 mm long; anthers 3-5 mm long, apiculate. Ovary 2 mm
long quadrate, truncate; style 2-lobed at apex, included or eventually exserted in long
styled flowers, lobes oblong about 2 mm long. Fruit a twin berry joined at base only,
but often only one half developin , oblong to oblong-globose, slightly compressed,
about 1-1 • 5 cm long, 8-10 mm broad and 4 mm thick, green, shiny, turning black when
ripe.
Found in dry regions, on rocky slopes and boulder-strewn koppies, in woods or scrub bush.
Recorded plentifully from Uitenhage north-eastwards through the eastern Cape, Swaziland, and central
and eastern Transvaal to Portuguese East Africa.
Cape. — Uitenhage: Enon, Thode 1108. Albany: Blaauwkrantz, Hutchinson 1569. Victoria East:
between Seymour and Alice, Hutchinson & Dyer 1688. King William’s Town: Pirie Forest, Acocks
9290; Buffalo River Valley, Galpin 5912. Komga: Flanagan 59. Bizana: Mount Ayliff, Story 567.
Natal. — Durban: Marloth 4176. Pietermaritzburg: Killick & Marais 1999. Kranskop: Sidey
2395. Estcourt: Weenen, West 1157. Lower Umfolosi: Empangeni, Codd 1879. Ubombo: Mkusi,
Codd 2058.
Swaziland. — Stewart in TRV 8851. Hlatikulu: Sitobela, Compton 26402.
Transvaal. — Nelspruit: White River, Rogers 20528; Pretorius Kop, van der Schijff 961. Pilgrim’s
Rest: Branddraai, Young A641. Lydenburg: Sekukuniland, Barnard 147. Waterberg: north of
Warmbaths, Marais 553; 1267; Naboomspruit, Galpin 133133. Petersburg: Mohloma bush, near
Boyne, Gerstner 5345.
In South Africa this species has quite a wide distribution and it is often found cultivated in gardens.
It is characterised by the usually single flower on a rather short pedicel (under 1 cm. long) at the end of
short slender lateral twigs which are characteristically shortly and densely puberulous. The leaves on
these twigs are usually young or stunted, smaller than those on the sterile branches and they frequently
dry black and brittle giving the herbarium specimens a characteristic appearance. The flowers are
heterostylous; all the flowers on certain plants are short styled and on others long styled.
In the Flora Capensis this species is partly confused with J. glaucum (L.f) Ait. (see notes under that
species), and the type number of J. multipartitum, Krauss 458, is cited under J. glaucum. J. multipartitum
is also closely related to the subtropical species J. stenolobum Rolfe. The main difference between these
species is the obvious pubescence of J. stenolobum and the less conspicuous but characteristic short dense
pubescence of J. multipartitum.
Among the tropical species, J. multipartitum is nearest to J. meyeri-johannis Engl, as defined in the
Flora of Tropical East Africa (1952). The main difference is the constantly 3-flowered inflorescence of
the tropical species, and there is a slight difference in the size, texture and venation of the leaves.
The fruits of J. multipartitum were tested at the laboratories of the Division of Veterinary Services,
Pretoria, where 2 doses of 20 grams each were given to rabbits with negative results.
Oleaceae
111
9. Jasminum stenolobum Rolfe in Oates, Matabele Land, ed. 2: 403 (1889); Bak.
in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 4 (1902); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 481 (1907); Turrill in F.T.E.A.
Oleaceae: 24 (1952); Verdoorn in Bothalia 6: 569 and PI. 10, 620 (1956). Type: Mata-
beleland, Oates s.n. (K, holo.)
A bushy or straggling shrub, sometimes scrambling or climbing; branches terete,
pubescent, glabrescent; ultimate twigs 1-5 cm long, rarely longer, densely or persistently
pubescent to tomentulose with spreading or reflexed hairs. Leaves very variable in size
and shape, from ovate-lanceolate or elliptic to ovate or ovate-oblong, usually 1-4 cm
long and 0-4-1 -8 cm broad, pubescent on both surfaces, without acarodomatia; petioles
pubescent, 3-8 mm long, articulated near the base (rarely higher up). Inflorescence
terminal on short ultimate twigs, usually 1 -flowered (occasionally 2-3-flowered) ; pedicels
pubescent, usually short, 1-7 mm long, occasionally up to 1 cm long. Calyx pubescent
pubescence variable, hairs short or long and curly; tube 2-3 mm long; lobes 6-13,
subulate with U-shaped sinuses, 2-5-6 mm long. Corolla white (buds red, fide Comins),
fragrant; tube 2-2-5 cm long; lobes 7-12. 1 -3-1 -7 cm long, 3-5 mm broad. Stamens
inserted in upper half of the tube, included, anthers up to 5 mm long, apiculate. Ovary
subquadrate, compressed, about 2x1-5 mm; style 2-lobed at apex. Fruit a twin berry
(one sometimes aborting), narrowly oblong, black, those seen about 1 cm long and 6 mm
broad.
Found in dry subtropical bush, often associated with rocks. Recorded from northern Natal,
western and northern Transvaal, Bechuanaland, Ngamiland, the Rhodesias, Nyasaland, Portuguese
East Africa and Tanganyika.
Natal. — New Hanover: Albert Falls, Comins 497. Entonjaneni: north of Nkwaleni, Codd 1840
Transvaal. — Barberton: Rogers 24181. Nelspruit: Sigaas, van der Schijff 1302. Lydenburg:
Waterfall, Codd & Verdoorn 7611. Waterberg: Nylstroom, van Dam in TRV 20750. Pietersburg:
Chuniespoort, Pole Evans H 19446. Soutpansberg: north west of Soutpan, Obermeyer, Schweickerdt &
Verdoorn 92; Wylliespoort, Pole Evans 1783. Sibasa: Punda Milia, Lang in TRV 32139.
In South Africa J. stenolobum is most like J. multipartitum from which it is mainly distinguished by
the conspicuous pubescence on the twigs, leaves and calyx. The pubescence is mostly rather dense,
tomentulose, with spreading or recurved, often crisped, hairs which vary somewhat in density and length.
J. multipartitum on the other hand appears to be glabrous but is persistently, minutely and densely
puberulous, at least on the twigs.
Although overlapping in some places in the Transvaal and Natal, the areas of distribution of these
two species are on the whole distinct, J. stenolobum occurring in subtropical regions and J. multipartitum
in the temperate zone.
A note on a specimen states that the berries produce a state of coma when swallowed and cause
inability to swallow.
10. Jasminum streptopus E. Mey., Comm. 1: 173 (1837). Type: Durban, Drege
(G; PRE, photo.).
Climbing or scrambling shrub; branchlets often slender, pubescent, hairs of different
lengths, appressed or patent; straight or crisped. Leaves simple, rather thin, oblong-
elliptic, ovate-oblong or ovate-acuminate, 1-5-7 cm long and 0-8-3 cm broad, rounded
or acute at the apex, mucronate, pubescent on both surfaces, especially along the midrib,
forming a fringe on each side of it, usually with acarodomatia on the lower surface in the
axils of the lateral veins; petioles pubescent, short, 1-4 mm long, rarely 5 mm long,
obscurely articulate near the apex and somewhat twisted. Inflorescence terminal on
ultimate branchlets, 1-5-flowered, often 4-flowered. Pedicels thinly pubescent with
crisped patent hairs, glabrescent, usually 5-20 mm long. Calyx pilose, glabrescent;
tube 1-2-5 mm long; lobes 4-7, subulate from a triangular base, subulate portion varying
in length twith age of flower ?) sometimes very short, 1 • 5-7 mm long and 3 mm broad.
Fruit a twin berry often one only developing, globose, brownish to black, about 7 mm
diam.
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Oleaceae
Recorded from only the Transvaal and Natal but the tropical species J. paucifolium Knobl. and
J. swynnertonii S. Moore may be varieties of this species too.
While some of the specimens in the varieties appear so dissimilar in certain features as to give the
impression of being specifically distinct, there are intermediate forms which disprove it. The species is
characterised by the simple, rather thin leaves, the usually crisped pubescence, long slender pedicels and
calyx lobes which are subulate from a triangular base, the subulate portion varying in length.
Leaves oblong-elliptic to ovate-oblong, mostly 4-7 cm long and 1-6-3 cm broad; inflorescence
usually 3-5-flowered (a) var. streptopus
Leaves on the whole smaller and ovate-acuminate, mostly 1 • 5-3 • 5 cm long and 0 • 8-1 • 4 cm broad ;
inflorescence usually 1 -flowered ( b ) var. transvaalensis
(a) var. streptopus. Verdoorn in Bothalia 6: 571 and PL 11, 621 (1956).
J. streptopus E. Mey., Comm. 1 : 173 (1837); Wood & Evans in Natal Plants 1 : t.50 (1899); Harv. ex
Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 481 (1907).
Recorded from the coastal and riverine bush in and near Durban. May occur in the more tropical
regions also.
Natal. — Durban: Medley Wood 900; 10113; Schlechter 2967; Berea, Medley Wood 3786; Stella
Wood, Lavoipierre 95; 96. Ndwedwe: Inanda, Medley Wood 1191 ; N.E. of Waterfall, Dohse 81.
The tropical African species J. pauciflorum Benth. is close to this variety but differs in having the
inflorescence in the axils of the lateral leaves as well as terminal.
(b) var. transvaalensis (S. Moore) Verdoorn in Bothalia 6: 572 and PI. 12, 622 (1956).
Type; Transvaal, Letaba, Rogers 18108.
J. transvaalensis S. Moore in Journ. Bot. Lond. 56: 10 (1918).
Scrambler on undergrowth in bush-groups, along rivers, at the edges of forest or on wooded ledges.
Recorded from the Transvaal, Natal and Pondoland in the Cape Province.
Cape. — Bizana: Acoeks 12230.
Natal. — Lions River: F.G.C. 339; Howick, Shafton, Hutton 1180. Camperdown: Fairfield,
Rudatis 2042. Eshowe: Gerstner 3886.
Transvaal. — Piet Retief: Pole Evans 16. Pilgrim’s Rest: Sabie Efoek, Burtt Davy 1519. Ermelo:
Mavieriestad, Pott 4909. Belfast: Dullstroom, Galpin 13297. Pietersburg: Blaauwberg, Codd & Dyer
9128; 9168. Soutpansberg: Louis Trichardt, Breyer in TRV 22718; Elim, Obermeyer in TRV
29253; Pepeti Falls, Smuts & Gillett 3180; 3233.
In the shape of the leaf and the 1-flowered inflorescence this variety resembles J. swynnertonii
S. Moore from Portuguese East Africa, the Rhodesias and Tanganyika, but this latter species has slightly
larger leaves with more prominent veins. It is doubtful whether J. swynnertonii (described in 191 1) can
be anything more than another variety of J. streptopus.
6434
3 OLEA
Olea L., Sp. PI. ed. 1 : 8 (1753); Gen. PI. ed. 5: 8 (1754); Benth. & Hook. f„ Gen. PI.
2, 2: 679 (1876); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 485 (1907); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 572(1951),
partly; Verdoorn in Bothalia 6; 572 (1956). Type species: Olea europaea L., the
cultivated olive.
Leuranthus Knobl. in Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin 12: 117 (1934). Type species: L. woodiana (Knobl.)
Knobl., Natal.
Shrubs or trees, sometimes forest trees up to 33 m tall. Leaves opposite, entire,
lepidote-scaly, sometimes minutely and sparsely so. Inflorescence of trichotomous
panicles, many flowered, axillary or terminal. Calyx persistent, cupular, 4-toothed or
shortly 4-lobed. Corolla united into a short tube, 4-lobed, lobes rather broad forming
Oleaceae
113
a subglobose bud ultimately reflexed with tips ascending, deciduous. Stamens 2,
inserted on the corolla-tube, filaments short, anthers dorsifixed, relatively large with
extrorse dehiscence. Ovary subglobose, narrowed into a short style, stigma terminal,
bilobed; ovules 2, pendulous. Fruit a drupe with a thin fleshy mesocarp, endocarp
rather hard with a large seed cavity; seed usually solitary, endosperm present, cotyledons
thin.
The description by Phillips in Genera of S.A. Flowering Plants was drawn up from both Olea and
Linociera species in South Africa, therefore only partly applies to Olea.
The leaves of Olea species never have acarodomatia in the axils of the veins below; the inflorescences
are usually densely many-flowered and the flowers are small, remaining in the bud stage rather long, with
the buds subglobose; the ovules are attached at the apex and endosperm is present in the seed.
Inflorescence axillary as well as terminal:
Leaves usually densely covered with small scales below, linear-lanceolate to narrowly oblong-
elliptic 1 . O. africana
Leaves fairly sparsely and very minutely scaly below appearing minutely pitted, lanceolate-
elliptic to elliptic, usually broadest about the middle and from there tapering to base and
apex; ultimate branchlets slender, usually whitish, in parts obviously quadrate. .2. O. woodiana
Inflorescence terminal and axillary only in the two upper pairs of leaves:
Leaves linear-oblong, up to about 1 cm broad, broadest in upper two-thirds, long-cuneate at the
base 3. O. exasperata
Leaves of various shapes and sizes but never linear-oblong, usually more than 1 cm broad. . . .
4. O. capensis
(aggregate sp.)
Fruit subglobose to oblong-elliptic, up to 1 cm long; shrubs or trees up to 17 m tall; leaves
crowded on herbarium specimens; inflorescence densely many flowered:
Leaves very variable, often rounded at apex; midrib prominent beneath from base to apex;
branchlets dark grey to greyish brown; Cape coastal regions 4 (a) subsp. capensis
Leaves usually broadly elliptic, shortly acuminate to base and apex; midrib prominent only
in lower half beneath, disappearing in upper half; branchlets grey to whitish, leaves
deciduous with prominent leaf-scars; Transvaal and Natal 4 ( b ) subsp. enervis
Fruit large, oblong-elliptic, about 1-5 cm long; forest trees sometimes 30 m tall; leaves
elliptic, tapering to base and apex; petiole usually long and spreading and leaves not very
crowded on herbarium specimens; inflorescence many flowered but not densely so. . . .
4 (c) subsp. macrocarpa
1. Olea africana Mill., Gard. Diet. ed. 8, no. 4 (1768); Adamson in FI. Cape Penin.
669 (1950); Verdoorn in Bothalia 6: 573 and Fig. 3, 577, PI. 13, 623 (1956). Type:
Miller’s specimen from Leyden Botanic Gardens, originally from the “ Cape of Good
Hope” (BM, holo.; PRE, photo.).
O. buxifolia Mill., Gard. Diet, ed 8 (1768). Type: Miller’s specimen in BM (coppice shoot).
O. ehrysophylla Lam., Tabl. Encycl. 1: 29 (1791); Bak. in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 18 (1902); Turrill in F.T.E.A.
Oleaceae: 9 (1952). Type: Reunion, Sonnerat s.n. O. europaea sensu Thunb., Prodr. 1 : 2 (1794); FI.
Cap. 1:37(1818), nonLinn. O. europaea var. verrucosa Wilid., Sp. PI. 1 : 44 (1 798), based on O. europaea
Thunb. Type: Drakenstein, near Cape Town, Thunberg s.n. O. sativa Hoffm. var. verrucosa R. & S.,
Syst. Veg. 1: 69 (1817), also based on O. europaea Thunb. O. verrucosa (Willd.) Link., Enurn. 1: 33
(1821); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 486 (1907), partly, excl. syn. O. woodiana Knobl. O. verrucosa var.
brachybotrys DC., Prodr. 8: 285 (1844). Type: Mooyplats, near Cape, Drege s.n.
Trees, often 3-14 m high, sometimes stunted bushy growths; branchlets verrucose.
Leaves with a tendency for the sides to curl downwards as well as marginal rim being
reflexed, dark green above, paler beneath where it is densely covered, rarely fairly
sparsely so, with small silvery, golden or pale green scales, linear-lanceolate or narrowly
oblong-elliptic, narrowed at base and apex (apex sometimes bluntly rounded), 1 • 9-8 • 5
cm long and 0-7-1 -5 cm broad, rarely broader (see Clanwilliam and Barberton
specimens), mucronate; midrib impressed above, prominent beneath; lateral veins
obscure or faintly obvious, loops forming a more or less continuous line within the
margin; petiole usually 3-10 mm long. Panicles axillary, sometimes a short terminal
panicle present, varying in size, usually shorter than the subtending leaf, the branches
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Oleaceae
verrucose and scaly; bracts deciduous. Flowers small, white. Calyx cupular, up to
1 mm long, very shortly and obscurely 4-toothed. Corolla with a short tube, about 1 mm
long; lobes more or less connivent, eventually spreading to reflexed, about 2 mm long,
1 • 5 mm broad, margins narrowly infolded. Stamens inserted on the corolla, filaments
under 1 mm long, more or less terete, anthers attached near the base, 1 • 5 mm long, 1 mm
broad. Ovary subglobose, narrowing into a short style; stigma 2-lobed forming a
conico-globose head; ovules pendulous. Drupe green with whitish spots turning black
or prune-coloured, subglobose to oblong in outline, up to 1 cm by 9 mm on dry
specimens.
Found in a variety of habitats, from forest and riverside bush to open grassveld, flats, stony ground,
mountain kloofs and rocky ledges. Recorded very generally throughout South Africa and northwards
through east tropical Africa to Eritrea. Also found in the Mascarenes. According to some authorities
it occurs in India and Arabia but this may be another, though closely related species. (See Ciferri
of Pavia, Italy, in“ Olearia ” 1950).
Cape. — Peninsula: Devil's Mtn., Ecklon 41; Kirstenbosch, Esterhuysen 72. Tulbagh: Rogers
21182. Calvinia: Lokenburg, Story 4284. Barkly West: Acocks in Herb. Hafstrom H. 1215. Rivers-
dale: Muir 5147. Queenstown: Galpiti 2566. Komga: Flanagan 17.
O.F.S. — Bloemfontein: Potts in Grey Univ. Herb. 3322. Fauresmith: Smith 5469.
Basutoland. — Leribe: Dieterlen 313; 715.
Natal.— Durban: Medley Wood 7730. Weenen: West 1453. Msinga: Killick & Marais 2116.
Swaziland. — Ubombo Mtns., Miller S/54. Hlatikulu: Compton 26403.
Transvaal. — Pretoria: Fountains Valley, Verdoorn 605. Rustenburg: Hutchinson 2932. Peters-
burg: Codd & Dyer 9135. Barberton: Thorncroft in Herb. Rogers 30059.
S.W.A. — Aus: Marloth 4654. Grootfontein: Otavi, Dinter 5294. Rehoboth: Bullspoort, Rodin
2965.
Since the publication of “ The Oleaceae of Southern Africa ”, Bothalia 6: 549 (1956), Mr. P. S.
Green of the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, discovered the type specimen of Olea africana Mill,
among the unnamed Oleaceae in the British Museum Herbarium. At the same time, that is during 1959,
he found the type of O. buxifolia Mill, and it obviously represents a coppice shoot of O. africana. O.
buxifolia is consequently cited as a synonym of O. africana. Previously other botanists were followed and
it was placed as a synonym of O. capensis.
Over the wide range of its distribution, Olea africana varies to some extent and regional forms occur.
An example of such a form may be seen in specimens from the Griqualand West region. Here the leaves
are on the whole smaller with very silvery scales on the lower surface and with the margins incurled, but
this form grades into the more usual one and it is not strictly confined to the region mentioned. A
large-leaved form has been collected in the Clanwilliam area and at Barberton. Another variation, not
a regional one, is the dwarfed or stunted form. Such specimens may be found in any region under
drought conditions and they usually grow in the neighbourhood of normal trees.
This stunted form is very different from the normal, having small oval to almost rotund leaves which
are only sparsely scaly beneath; but it certainly cannot be regarded as a variety for it has been observed
that from such a stunted bush a normal branch may develop.
The species is distinguished by the densely scaly undersurface of the leaves, which are linear-
lanceolate or narrowly oblong-lanceolate (rarely some leaves obovate-oblong) with margins usually
recurving as the leaf dries, and lateral veins anastomosing near the margin, the loops forming a more or
less continuous line along, but a short distance from, the margin; by the axillary inflorescence and the
fruit which is oblong-globose and up to 1 cm long.
The cultivated olive, O. europaea L and its subspecies and varieties, have most of the characteristics
of O. africana and is distinguished by the larger, broad-based and more fleshy fruits. These features
may have come about through ages of selection and cultivation but they are to-day estabiished and
reproduced in the progeny. Some authorities suggest that O. africana in the broadest
source of the cultivated olive, but others favour treating O. ferruginea Royle, an Asian
from O. africana and look upon it as the possible ancestor.
The timber of O africana is considered to be valuable and durable. The leaves
and the natives use an extract from the leaves boiled in water as coffee.
The common names Wild Olive and Olienhout are generally used for this spe
Oleaceae
115
2. Olea woodiana Knobl. in Bot. Jahrb. 17: 532 (1893); Wood, Natal PI. 3: t.237
(1902); Yerdoorn in Bothalia 6: 577 and Fig. 4, 579, PI. 14, 624 (1956). Type: Durban,
Medley Wood 548.
O. mackenii Harv. ex C. H. Wr. in F.C. 4, 1 : 488 (1907). Type: Tugela, Gerrard 380. O. listeriana
Sim ex Lister in Rep. Conserv. For. Cape for 1897, 98, name only for Sim 2143; Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 1129
(1909), without description; Sim, For. FI. Cape Col. 266 (1907), in syn.
Leuranthus woodiana (Knobl.) Knobl. in Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin 12: 177 (1934).
Tree, 4-17 m, rarely 30 m high, with whitish bark, smooth or fluted; ultimate
twigs pale grey or whitish, more or less lenticellate, at least some of the upper internodes
4-angled. Leaves lanceolate-elliptic to elliptic, usually broadest about the middle and
from there narrowing to an acute base and apex (apex sometimes rounded), 4-8 cm long,
0-8-3 -3 cm broad, flat with just the marginal rim reflexed and often loosely undulate,
minutely scaly, giving the appearance of being minutely pitted, especially on lower
surface, midrib more or less impressed above, prominent below, lateral veins sometimes
faintly obvious, then prominent above, anastomosing in large loops near the margins
(loops not forming an almost straight line along the margin); petiole 4-10 mm long.
Panicles axillary and quite frequently terminal too, many flowered but not dense and
compact; branches slender, subterete, 4-angled or variously flattened and fluted, inter-
nodes and peduncles relatively long, pedicels short; bracts up to 4 mm long, sub-
deciduous. Calyx small, cupular and shortly 4-lobed, up to 1 mm long. Corolla white;
tube 0-75 mm long ; lobes about 2 ■ 25 mm long and 1 • 5 mm broad, forming a subglobose
bud, eventually reflexed. Stamens with filaments inserted on the tube, free for about
1 mm, anthers 1 • 5 mm long, 1 -25 mm broad, more or less medifixed. Ovary subglobose;
style very short; stigma 2-lobed conico-globose; ovules pendulous. Drupe drying
blackish, semi-ovoid, narrowing to apex and oblique at base, usually about 1 cm long and
5 mm broad in dried specimens, occasionally slightly larger.
Found in the high forest, woods and coastal bush in the eastern regions of South Africa. Not
recorded elsewhere.
Cape. — Port Elizabeth: Dekselfontein, near Longbush Forest Station, J. Sim 3164. Bathurst:
Port Alfred, Rogers 5245. East London: T. R. Sim 2143. Komga: Flanagan 618. Port St. Johns:
Galpin 1 1464.
Natal. — Pinetown: Isipingo Beach, Ward 649. Durban: Medley Wood 7975. Mtunzini: Inyoni
mouth, Gerstner 1957.
Swaziland. — Stegi: Ubombo Mountains, Miller S/55.
Transvaal. — Pilgrims Rest: Van der Merwe Bush, Burti Davy 1428.
The distribution of O. woodiana and O. africana overlap in eastern Natal and the species have
sometimes been confused. Medley Wood’s No. 3156, which is the same as his Garden Distribution No.
548 (from which the type was taken), is a mixed gathering. The material under these numbers at Berhn
and in the South African Museum, Cape Town, is O. woodiana whereas specimens bearing these numbers
in the Kew Herbarium and the National Herbarium, Pretoria, are O. africana.
O. woodiana resembles O. africana in that it also bears axillary inflorescences. It can easily be
distinguished by the shape of the leaves; the sparse small lepidote scales on the under surface (which
appear like minute dots or pits) ; by the anastomosing loops of the veins which do not form a more or less
straight line inside the margin; the grey or white twigs which are partly 4-angled and the dark fruits which
are more or less pointed and oblique at the base.
O. woodiana usually flowers in November. Its timber is described as “ steel-like ” by Gerstner.
No definite common name is known for this species. In the eastern Cape it is very locally known
by the vernacular name “ Umqogunja ”.
3. Olea exasperata/nr#., Hort. Schoenbr. 3, 1, t. 251 (1798); Harv. ex Wright in F.C
4, 1 : 486 (1907); Verdoorn in Bothalia 6: 579 and Fig. 5, 580, PI. 15, 625 (1956). Type:
figure in Jacq., l.c. t. 251, plant originally from the Cape of Good Hope.
O. humilis Eckl. in S. Afr. Quart. Journ. 1: 370 (1830); Sim, For. FI. Cape Col. 266, t. 120 (1907).
Type: “ in dunes at the Cape ”, Ecklon s.n.
116
Oleaceae
Bushy and straggling shrubs or small umbrella shaped trees, from about 0- 75 to 7 m
high, rarely taller; branchlets rough with numerous raised lenticels. Leaves with a
tendency for the sides to curl downwards as on O. africana, linear-oblong, 4-8 • 5 cm long,
6-10 mm broad, rarely 1-5 cm broad; broadest in the upper two thirds, narrowing
gradually to the base, minutely pitted on both surfaces, especially on lower, midrib
raised on lower surface, sometimes also on upper, a few lateral veins sometimes obvious
and raised above but disappearing about halfway to the margin, anastomosing seldom
seen, but if so loops curved; margin rim reflexed; petiole 4 mm long, rarely 5 mm.
Panicles terminal, short, broad, many flowered; buds subglobose; bracts very small,
pointed, subpersistent. Calyx short, cupular, glandular, shortly 4-toothed. Corolla
with a short tube under 1 mm long; lobes up to 2-75 mm long, margins narrowly infolded.
Stamens with filaments almost 1 mm long; anthers large, brownish, about 2 mm long and
2 mm broad, dorsifixed Ovary narrowing into a short style; stigma 2-lobed forming a
conico-globose head; ovules pendulous. Fruit “ black purple ” when ripe, up to 1 cm
long and 8 or 9 mm broad, subglobose to oblong-globose.
Found commonly on the sand dunes in coastal bush but also occurs on limestone hills, in open
grassveld or valleys along the coastal belt. Endemic to the western and southern coasts of the Cape
Province. Recorded from the Peninsula and eastwards along the coast to East London.
Cape. — Peninsula: Flout Bay, Acocks 638; Cape Town, Marloth 7542; Camps Bay, Adamson 571.
Caledon: Pole Evans 4329. Bredasdorp: Smith , 4974. Riversdale: Acocks 14592. Knysna: Buffalo
Bay, Keet 427. Port Elizabeth: St. George’s Strand, Long 856. Bathurst: near Port Alfred, Burchell
3829. East London: Sim 2310.
No common name is known and there are no reports on the timber.
The branchlets of O. exasperata are rough with numerous raised lenticels and prominent leaf-scars.
Its leaves resemble those of O. africana in the tendency for the margins to roll backwards but the lower
surface in O. exasperata appears minutely and densely pitted, not scaly as in O. africana. The terminal
inflorescence of O. exasperata is another distinguishing character between these two species.
4 Olea capensis, L., Sp. PI. ed. 1:8 (1753). Type: Plant originally from the Cape,
Linn. Herb. No. 204.
Trees and shrubs, from shrubby growth about half a meter high or taller, to trees
from 2-1 2 m tall, or forest trees up to 30 m tall. Leaves light to dark green, under surface
somewhat paler than the upper or sometimes concolorous, occasionally suffused purplish,
very variable in texture, size and shape, but not linear or oblong-linear, usually much
over 1 cm broad; petiole green or purplish; margins sometimes faintly to very decidedly
undulate, the rim only recurved; scales minute appearing like minute pits especially on
under surface; midrib prominent below, at least at base, lateral veins, when visible,
forking just beyond halfway to the margin, the anastomosing branches looped. Panicles
terminal and in axils of the 2 upper pairs of leaves, many-flowered, branches glabrous,
scaly, variously angled and sulcate; bracts small, spreading, ovate to subulate about 1 mm
long. Calyx cupular 4-toothed or 4-lobed almost to the middle, minutely ciliate.
Corolla up to 3 mm long, lobed almost to the base, lobes 4, rarely 3 or 5, ovate-oblong
to oblong, rounded at the apex but with a minute incurved mucro and the rather thick
margins slightly incurved. Fruit subglobose, ovoid, oblong-globose to oblong-elliptic,
rarely at some stages pointed, from 5 mm long and 4 mm diam. up to 2 cm long and
1 cm diam.
A very variable and complex species of shrubs and trees commonly referred to as Ironwoods.
Not found outside South Africa but closely related to the tropical African species O. welwitschii
(Knobl.) Gilg. & Schellenb., O. hochstetteri Bak. and O. guineensis (Gilg) Gilg & Schellenb.
For key to subspecies see key to species, page 113.
Oleaceae
117
(a) subsp. capensis. Yerdoorn in Bothalia 6: 582 and Fig. 6-8, 585-587, PI. 16-18,
626-628 (19561.
O. capensis L., Spl. PI. ed. 1 : 8 (1753); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1: 487 (1907). O. laurifolia
Lam., Illustr. 1: 29 (1791); Harv. ex Wright l.c. (1907), pro majore parte. Type: specimen in Paris
Herbarium, plant originally from theCape. — var. concoJor (E. Mey.) Harv. ex C. H. Wr., l.c. 487 (1907).
O. undulata Jacq., Hort. Schoenbr. 1 : 1, t.2 (1797). Type: tab. 2, Jacq. l.c. —var. planifolia E. Mey.,
Comm. 176 (1837). Type: Zuurbergen, Drege s.n. O. coneolor E. Mey., l.c. 176 (1837). Type:
Tulbagh, between Nieuwkloof and Elandskloof, Drege s.n. (L, iso!; PRE, photo.).
This subspecies is distinguished by the following features: shrubs or trees up to 12 m
tall (not taller forest trees); leaves crowded on herbarium specimens, very variable,
obovate-oblong, oblong, broadly oblong, suborbicular, elliptic, ovate- to lanceolate-
oblong, or obovate to oblanceolate-oblong; apex broadly rounded, obtuse, subacute or
acute, sometimes acuminate, usually mucronate; petiole 0-3-1 -7 cm long, midrib
prominent on lower surface; panicles compact and densely many-flowered ; fruits variable
in size and shape but not over 1 cm long and 6 mm diam. — Fig. 12:1.
Found commonly in bush, littoral scrub and forest in a broad coastal belt from Clanwilliam south-
wards to the Peninsula and eastwards to the borders of Natal and just across.
Cape. — Clanwilliam: Grasruggens Nek, Pi/Ians 8716. Tulbagh: between Nieuwkloof and Eland-
kloof, Drege s.n. Peninsula: Camps Bay, Ecklon & Zeyher 69.1; Bishops Court, Galpin 4314; Groote
Schuur, Smuts 1700; Kirstenbosch, Esterhuysen 11834; Compton 10849; Table Mtn., Marloth 11926.
Stellenbosch: Sir Lowry’s Pass, Burchell 8236. Somerset West: Hottentots Holland, Zeyher 3374.
Caledon: Hangklip, Rodin 3107. Swellendam: Grootvadersbosch, Marloth 3524. Knysna: Keurboom-
strand, Taylor 596; Noetzie, Taylor 1224; Kaffir Kop Forest, Keet in F.D. Herb. 3566. Humansdorp:
Zitzikama, Galpin 4322. Port Elizabeth: Krakakamma, Zeyher 3378. Bathurst: near Port Alfred,
Story 4491. Albany: near Hamilton Dam, Dyer 234. King William’s Town: Pirie, Sim 1336. East
London: Bonza Bay, Story 4484. Komga: Flanagan 655. Kentani: Pegler 994. Lusikisiki: Fraser
Falls, Acock s 13431.
Natal. — Port Shepstone: Uvongo, Letty s.n.
The great variation in leaf shape and texture is particularly noticeable between specimens from the
three main habitats, littoral scrub, bush and forest. The shrubby plants from the littoral usually have
large broad coarse leaves while in the forests the leaves are not so thick and are more elliptic in shape.
The intermediate forms are mostly in the bush.
In the forests the trees grow to a fair size and the timber is valued as being durable. Here the trees
are generally known as “ Black Ironwood ”. In such habitats they often grow together with subsp.
macrocarpa and are difficult to distinguish from it.
(b) subsp. enervis {Harv. ex C. H. Wr.) Verdoorn in Bothalia 6: 588 and Fig. 9,
589, PI. 19, 629 (1956); 1. c. 7: 15 (1958). Type: Natal, Gerrard 1151 (K, holo.! ; PRE!).
O. enervis Harv. ex C. H. Wr. in F.C. 4, 1 : 488 (1907).
Distinguished from the typical subspecies by the following features: leaves flatter,
of more uniform size and shape, on the average broadly elliptic, very rarely oblong-
elliptic, 4-5 cm long and 1 -5-2-5 cm broad; petiole short; lower leaves on herbarium
specimens deciduous, leaving scars; the midrib prominent only in the basal half of the
undersurface; branchlets pale. — Fig. 12: 3
Found in the dry bushveld of the Transvaal, Swaziland and inland regions of Natal.
Natal. — Port Shepstone: Lower Umzimkulu, Medley Wood 1159. Nwedwe: Inanda, Medley
Wood 500. Msinga: Buffalo River and Mooi River, Gerrard 1151. Weenen: Blaauwkrantz River,
Pentz 218. Ingwavuma: Gerstner 3774.
Swaziland. — Lebombo Mountains, near Tibilati, Hornby 2830.
Transvaal. — Barberton: between Louw’s Creek and Maid of the Mist Mountain, Hutchinson 2434.
Lydenburg: Sekukuniland, Barnard 270. Brits: Magaliesberg, opposite Wolhuterskop turn-off, Marais
279. Rustenburg: Breedt’s Nek, Repton 3905. Petersburg: Blaauwberg, Code! & Dyer 9001. Sout-
pansberg: near Lake Funduzi, Story 4857.
Although as widely spread, this subspecies has leaves which are much more uniform, and on the
average smaller, than those of subsp. capensis.
No sDecial use or common name is known.
118
Oleaceae
Fig. 12. — 1, Olea capensis subsp. capensis, flowering branch (Parker 4150); la, flower, X 8; lb, sub-
globose fruit (Adamson 944); lc, ovoid fruit (Keet 3566); Id, cross section of fruit. 2, O. capensis
subsp. macrocarpa, pair of leaves ( Ward 2247); 2a, portion of fruiting inflorescence from the same
specimen. 3, O. capensis subsp. enervis, leaf.
Oleaceae
119
(c) subsp. macrocarpa (C. H. Wr.) Verdoorn in Bothalia 6: 590 and Fig. 10, 591, PI.
20, 630 (1956). Type: Transvaal, Pilgrims Rest, Grenfell 869 (K, lecto.; PRE!).
O. macrocarpa C. H. Wr. in F.C. 4, 1 : 1 129 (1909); Kew Bull. 1909 : 186(1909). Syntypes: Pilgrim’s
Rest, Grenfell 869; Letaba, Woodbush, D.F.O. 4329. O. laitrifolia sensu Sim, For. FI. Cape Col.
264, 1. 106 (1907), partly, incl. fig.; Flarvey ex Wright, in F.C. 4, 1 : 487 (1907), partly, as to Bmchell 5225.
The distinguishing features are: forest trees, sometimes up to 30 m tall; ultimate
branchlets slender and leaves not crowded on herbarium specimens; leaves usually
narrowly elliptic, tapering to the base and apex, 5-10 cm long and 1-3-5 cm broad; apex
often acute with a subulate point, sometimes obtuse; petiole 1-2 cm long, often dark in
lower half, usually spreading patently; panicles many flowered but not very compact;
calyx shortly 4-toothed, lepidote pitted, minutely ciliate;/n«7 purple when mature, 1 • 5-2
cm long and 0-6-1 cm diameter. — Fig. 12: 2.
Confined to forest patches in the northern and eastern Transvaal, Natal and the eastern Cape as far
as Knysna.
Cape. — Knysna: Deepwalls Forest, Keet 917, in F.D. Flerb. 4083. Humansdorp: Storms River
Forest, Zahn 4026. Stutterheim: Fort Cunynghame, Sim 2104.
Natal. — Hlabisa: Hluhluvve Reserve, Ward 2247.
Transvaal. — Pilgrim’s Rest: forest near Pilgrim’s Rest. Grenfell 869; Mariepskop, forester in F.D.
Flerb. 9386. Letaba: Woodbush, D.F.O. in F.D. Herb 5329. Soutpansberg: Hanglip, Gerstner 6015.
This subspecies overlaps in its distribution with that of subsp. capensis in the Knysna Forests and
possibly in other coastal forests in the Cape. In such places it is difficult to distinguish between the two
subspecies when not in fruit and the timber is evidently also not distinguishable. Hybrids possibly
occur.
The common names Ironwood and Black Ironwood are appli ed to this subspecies as well as to subsp .
capensis. According to records, the flowering period is from February to May.
6428
4. LINOCIERA
Linociera Sw. in Schreb., Gen. PI. 2: 784 (1791), nom. cons.; Benth. & Hook, f., Gen. PI.
2, 2: 678 (1876), section Ceranthus; Bak. in F.T.A. 4, 1: 19 (1902); Turrill in F.T.E.A.
Oleaceae: 12 (1952); Verdoorn in Bothalia 6: 592 and Fig. 11,593 (1956). Type species:
L. ligustrina Sw., West Indies.
Olea sensu Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 485 (1907), partly; Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 572 (1951), partly.
Dekindtia Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 32: 139 (1902); Turrill, l.c. 14 (1952).
Campanolea Gilg & Schellenb. in Bot. Jahrb. 51: 73 (1914).
Trees, from small to large forest trees. Leaves variable in size and texture, often
large, usually oblong to elliptic or obovate-oblong, opposite, entire, minutely and
sparsely lepidote, especially on under-surface, usually with acarodomatia in the axils of
the veins beneath. Inflorescence axillary, often on previous as well as on this year's
growth; cymes sessile or more often paniculate and laxly flowered; peduncles sometimes
reduced or absent giving the impression of fascicled inflorescences; pedicels also some-
times reduced and flowers then appear glomerate. Calyx deeply lobed sometimes to the
base, lobes broad to rounded at the apex, densely setulose-pubescent to glabrous without.
Corolla with a very short tube or lobed to the base, sometimes lobes cohering in pairs
(with a stamen inserted between them) but tube slit to the base between the pairs; lobes
with margins deeply infolded and so usually appearing longer than broad, cucullate at the
apex (in African species). Stamens 2 (rarely 4 found in some flowers), anthers basifixed,
shorter than the corolla-lobes (in African species but as long as, and enveloped by the
corolla-lobes, in the typical species). Ovary sometimes hispid, subglobose, narrowed
into a short style, which is sometimes up to as long as, or slightly longer than the ovary;
2355522—5
120
Oleaceae
stigma subcapitate, obscurely bilobed; ovules collateral, attached ventrally in African
species (in typical Linociera attached at apex). Fruit a drupe with a thin fleshy layer,
endocarp rather hard and with a large seed cavity; seed usually solitary, no endosperm,
cotyledons thick.
Found in the tropics and subtropics of America, Africa and Asia, and also on certain islands in these
regions.
The section of the genus represented in Africa is characterised by the exalbuminous seeds, corolla-
lobes with margins infolded and leaves with acarodomatia in the axils of the veins on the lower surface.
Inflorescence a few- to several-flowered axillary cymose panicle :
Leaves on flowering branches rarely more than 7 cm long, if longer then under 3 cm broad. . . .
1 . L. foveolata
(aggregate sp.).
Ultimate twigs glabrous, if somewhat pubescent leaves more than twice as long as broad:
Small trees up to 10m tall; fruit up to 2 cm long; leaves usually more than twice as long
as broad (a) subsp. foveolata.
Forest trees up to 30m tall; fruits up to 2-7 by 2 cm; leaves usually not more than twice as
long as broad (c) subsp. major
Ultimate twigs tomentulose; leaves usually less than twice as long as broad mostly ending in a
broad acumen with recurved or retuse apex ( b ) subsp. tomentella
Leaves on flowering branches usually 9-13 cm long, often broadest in upper half, narrowing
gradually to the base, shortly acuminate to the apex and abruptly narrowed into a broad
obtuse 5-10 mm long acumen; petioles 1 cm or more long 2. L. peglerae
Inflorescence a reduced cyme w-th flowers subsessile and appearing glomerate in the leaf axils;
young inflorescence a densely pubescent sessile globule; calyx segments up to 4-5 mm long;
mainly tropical African species 3. L. battiscombei
1. Linociera foveolata ( E . Mey.) Knobl. in Fedde, Rep. 41: 151 (1937). Type:
Uitenhage, between Hoffmanskloof and Driefontein, Drege s.n.
Small trees, sometimes up to 10 m high or forest trees up to 30 m high; ultimate twigs
short, usually with 2 pairs of leaves, glabrous or tomentulose. Leaves varying in size
and texture, glabrous or sparsely pubescent at base and on midrib, ovate-oblong,
oblong-elliptic or oblong, rounded or shortly cuneate at base (in coppice shoots rounded
to cordate at base), shortly or gradually narrowed to an obtuse apex, or with a broad,
sometimes retuse, acumen at apex, 2-7 cm long (if longer then under 3 cm broad) and
1-3-3 -7 cm broad, very minutely and obscurely scaly, especially on lower surface,
appearing as if minutely pitted, acarodomatia usually present in the axils of the leaves
below; petiole 2-7 mm long. Inflorescence short, laxly flowered, cymose panicles,
axillary and on the old wood, glabrous, or bracts and calyces setulose, glabrescent, 0-5-3
cm long, peduncles sometimes reduced, giving the appearance of fascicled inflorescences.
Calyx 1 ■ 5-2 mm long, 4-lobed to beyond the middle; lobes rounded at the apex, usually
ciliate. Corolla white, sometimes tinted pink, sweetly scented, about 5 mm long, 4-lobed
almost to the base and between alternate lobes right to the base; lobes about 4 mm long
with margins deeply infolded and apex cucullate (like a mocassin toe), appearing longer
than broad. Stamens normally 2 (4 found in some flowers), inserted on the short tube
between alternate lobes; filaments fused on corolla-tube and only slightly longer than it;
anthers about 1-75 mm long and 1 • 5 mm broad. Ovary subglobose ; stigma subcapitate,
obscurely 2-lobed; ovules 2, attached ventrally, usually near the base. Fruit green,
turning blackish or purplish-black when mature, subglobose to oblong, 1 -5-2-8 cm long
and 0-8-2 cm broad.
The aggregate species is characterised by the comparatively small leaves, which are seldom over 7 cm
long but if so then under 3 cm broad, and the laxly flowered, glabrescent, axillary panicles, usually 1 to 3
cm long. It divides naturally into 3 subspecies as shown in the key to species. The leaves on coppice
shoots differ considerably from the normal being more broadly rounded to cordate at the base. To date
there are no records of the species outside South Africa.
Oleaceae
121
( a ) subsp. foveolata. Verdoorn in Bothalia 6: 595 and PI. 21 and 22, 631, 632
(1956).
Olea foveolata E. Mey., Comm. 176 (1837); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 485 (1907), partly.
Linociera foveolata (E. Mey.) Knobl. in Fedde, Rep. 41 : 151 (1937). L. marlothii Knobl., l.c. (1937).
Type: Natal, Dumisa, Rudatis 1416.
The typical subspecies is distinguished by its glabrous or sparsely pubescent
branchlets, never tomentulose; its leaves usually more than twice as long as broad and
shortly acuminate to an obtuse apex; and the fruit usually under, occasionally up to
about 2 cm long and 1 • 1 cm broad, but not larger. — Fig. 13: 1.
Found in bush on hill sides, in scrub forest, kloofs, gorges or rocky places in natural forest
Recorded from Uitenhage, in the Cape, eastwards and northwards to Natal, through Natal (excluding
the coastal strip) to southern and eastern Transvaal.
Cape. — Uitenhage: Zuurbergen, between Hoffmanskloof and Driefontein, Drege s.n. Port Eliza-
beth: Longmore Kloof, Taylor 840. Albany: near Grahamstown, Fern Kloof, Story 4498. East
London: indigenous in Queens Park, Paetzold in Herb. Galpin 8219. Stutterheim: Kabaku Hills,
Acocks 8964. Umzimkulu: Insikeni. Dlokolwana Forest, Miller in F.D. Herb. 6048.
Natal. — Umzinto: Dumisa, Rudatis 1416. Impendhle, Acocks 13772. Ndwedwe: near Inanda,
Medley Wood 1290. Ingwavuma: Gwoloweni Forest, Bayer 765.
Transvaal. — Lydenburg: Waterfall, Codd & Verdoorn 7613. Groblersdal: Loskop Dam, Codd
8434. Rustenburg: Ananda, Marais 286.
Of the three subspecies, L. foveolata subsp. foveolata is the commonest and the most widely spread.
It is also the most variable but, to date, the variants have not been found to occur in sufficient numbers to
form a group that could be constituted a variety. L. marlothii Knobl. has, for this reason, been put into
synonymy without even varietal rank.
Another variant in Natal has small narrow leaves, about 3-5 cm long and 1 cm broad, but it too has
not been found to occur repeatedly in the same form. In both these variants some of the leaves grade
into the typical shape and size and so, for the present, they are classed as L. foveolata subsp. foveolata.
( b ) subsp. tomentella Verdoorn in Bothalia 6: 597 and PI. 23, 633 (1956). Type:
Knysna Forest, Burchell 5539 (PRE, holo.).
O. foveolata sensu Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1: 485 (1907), partly; Adamson in FI. Cape Penin.
670 (1950).
Besides the tomentulose branchlets, this subspecies can be recognised by the
following features: leaves rather thin, rarely subcoriaceous, broadly elliptic to oblong,
mostly less than twice as long as broad, 2-6 cm long and 1-3 cm broad, shortly narrowed
to the base and apex, and usually ending in a broad acumen which is retuse at the apex,
sometimes sparsely pubescent at the base and on the midrib, at least on leaves on the new
growth, lateral veins spreading at a wide angle, petiole very short, 2-3 mm long; inflores-
cence 0-5-1 -5 cm long with the bracts and calyx often densely setulose, glabrescent;
fruit oblong-elliptic, green, turning black, up to 1 • 5 cm long and 0 - 8 cm diam. — Fig. 13:2.
Found in patches of forest on mountain slopes, in gorges, coastal scrub-forest, dune-bush or on the
edges of high forest. Recorded from the Peninsula and at intervals along the coast to the inland forests
of the Transkei, with one probable record from Natal.
Cape. — Peninsula: Table Mountain, Marloth 11925a; Hout Bay, Tierbos, Acocks 639. Knysna:
near Knysna River ford, Burchell 5539; Gouna Forest, Keet 913. Bathurst: Kowie, Britten 1879. East
London: Bonza Bay, Story 4483. Lusikisiki: near Fraser Falls, Acocks 13433.
Natal. — Nkandla: forest, Gerstner 4591, variant?
Specimens which belong to this subspecies were cited under Olea foveolata E. Mey. in the Flora
Capensis. One of the cited specimens, Burchell 5539, was selected as the type of the subspecies, the
holotype being the specimen in the National Herbarium, Pretoria.
In the coastal localities the specimens of subsp. tomentella are fairly uniform and typical, but the
inland forest specimens such as Gerstner 4591, show some variation. In these the leaves are in a degree
thinner and the inflorescences inclined to be shorter and more densely setulose-pubescent. In other
respects, such as leaf size and shape, these forest specimens vary among themselves and do not form a
recognisable group.
122
Oleaceae
(<?) subsp. major Verdoom in Bothalia 6: 598 and Fig. 13, 599, PI. 24, 634 (1956).
Type: Transvaal, Marieps Kop, Urry in PRE 28568 (PRE, holo.).
This subspecies is distinguished principally on the large fruits which are about the
size of a small walnut. Before maturity these drupes have a rather characteristic shape
being more or less ovate in outline, subquadrate and with a ridge over the obtuse apex,
rather like a duck’s bill. When mature they are more or less oblong, almost 3 cm long
and 2 cm in diameter. The flesh is rather thin and the mesocarp hard with quite a large
seed cavity. Other distinguishing characters are the glabrous branchlets, the large
leaves, up to 7 cm long and 3-7 cm broad, and the habit being a tall forest tree. — Fig.
13:3.
Found, to date, only in the high altitude forests of the eastern Transvaal. Recorded from the
Barberton, Pilgrim’s Rest and Letaba districts of the Transvaal.
Transvaal. — Barberton: near Swaziland border. Story 5440. Pilgrim's Rest: Marieps Kop, Urry
in PRE 28568; Loock s.n. (3 gatherings). Letaba: Woodbush, Botha in F.D. Herb. 3986.
Without seeing the fruit, some leafy specimens of subsp. major could be mistaken for the typical
subspecies, for although, in general, the leaves are broader, yet some of the broad-leaved variants in the
latter may grade into the narrow-leaved form of the former.
In the large fruits L. foveolata subsp. major resembles L. peglerae and L. battiscombei, differing from
the former in the smaller leaves, up to 7 cm long as against 13 cm long in L. peglerae, and from the latter
in the inflorescence being branched, not glomerate.
The following are some of the notes from forest officers on this tree. “ Large angular drupes, not
mature; common at higher altitudes and one of the more important species (commercially), but trees
short and crooked in bole and contour, little merchantable timber.” The following note is in part
rather contradictory, “ a large tree 80-90 feet high with a single large erect cylindrical bole 40-50 feet
to first branch, DBH 24 inches, bark grey, fissured, + inch-1 inch thick, heavy crown about 30-40 feet
across. The fruits are eaten by birds, monkeys and bush-pigs.”
2. Linociera peglerae (C. H. Wr.) Gilg & Schellenb. in Bot. Jahrb. 51: 71 (1914);
Yerdoorn in Bothalia 6: 599 and PI. 25, 635 (1956). Type: Cape, Kentani, Pegler 819.
Olea peglerae (sphalm. pegleri) C. H. Wr. in F.C. 4, 1 : 485 (1907).
Tree, in tall forest about 18 metres high, new growth glabrous. Leaves large, the
majority 8-13 cm long and 3-6-5 cm broad (coppice leaves 19 by 8 cm, petiole short,
base cuneate) oblong, oblong-elliptic or obovate-oblong, often widest in upper half,
usually long-cuneate at base, shortly narrowing towards apex and then abruptly narrowed
into a broad obtuse acumen at the apex, acumen up to about 1 cm long; midrib prominent
beneath, lateral veins obvious, spreading at about 45°, usually with small acarodomatia
in the axils at the time of flowering; petiole 1 cm or more long, glabrous. Inflorescence
of cyrnose panicles up to about 5 cm long, glabrous, branches long and pedicels short;
bracts sparsely pubescent, glabrescent, sometimes ciliate. Calyx about 2 mm long,
lobed to middle or beyond, lobes rounded at the apex, minutely ciliate. Corolla cream,
lobes more or less 4 mm long, united in pairs, slit to the base between pairs, margins
infolded and apex cucullate (mocassin-like). Stamens inserted on joined portion
between united pairs, anthers basifixed, 1-75 mm long. Ovary subglobose, somewhat
4-lobed; style short; stigma terminal, subcapitate, more or less 2-lobed; ovules attached
along ventral side. Fruit 1 • 7-2 • 5 cm long, 1 • 2-1 • 4 cm broad, before maturity somewhat
ovate and quadrate in upper half with a ridge across the top (duck’s bill), sometimes
faint.
Found in the mountain and coastal forests of the Transkei and Natal. Recorded to date from the
Kentani, Engcobo, Mount Curry, Nkandla and Hlabisa districts.
Cape. — Kentani: near Kentani, Pegler 819; Mannbie, Forest Officer in F. D. Herb. 7965. Engcobo:
Gora Forest, Manina, Laughton in F.D. Herb. 9162.
Natal. — Hlabisa: St. Lucia Estuary, Ward 3653. Nkandla: Qudeni Forest, Edwards 2645.
Oleaceae
123
Fig. 13. — 1, Linociera foveolata subsp. foveolata, flowering twig {Flanagan 270) ; la, section through
flower, X 5; lb, cross-section of ovary, X 6; lc, fruit and cross-section of fruit. 2, L. foveolata
subsp. tomentella, fruiting twig {Keet 526). 3, L. foveolata subsp. major, fruit ( Loock s.n.).
4, Linociera battiscombei, flowering twig, bud stage ( Codd 8737A); 4a, fruit.
124
Oleaceae
L. peglerae has the leaf characters of the common tropical African species of Linociera , being rather
large, long-cuneate at the base with a fairly long petiole and the lateral veins clearly raised on the under
surface. In fruit characters it is like L.foveolata subsp. major and L. battiscombei with drupes developing
to a large size even before they become mature and fleshy and, in the early stages having a blunt ridge
across the apex (like a duck’s bill).
The leaves on coppice shoots in this species remain cuneate at the base, unlike those of L. foveolata
which are rounded to cordate and so are hardly recognisable at that stage of development.
To date L. peglerae has not been collected very often and is therefore not well known. The following
notes are from sheets in the Forest Department Herbarium: “ It is known at Manubie Forest as Bastard
Black Iron Wood and by the natives as Umdlebe. This tree flowers in August and seed ripens in
November or early in December. It grows fairly straight, to about 50 feet in height, with a diameter
of from 9-18 in., but is rarely purchased by Sawyers. It is fairly plentiful at Manubi Forestand generally
throughout mountain forests of Transkei.” On another sheet the native name “ Umqumaswele ” is
given. The wood is said to be softer than that of O. capensis subsp. macrocarpa and to be subject to
heart-crack.
Miss Pegler writes: “ Large forest tree; glossy leaf, insignificant cream flowers.” She does not
mention a scent whereas several collectors of L. foveolata subsp. foveolata mention that the flowers of
that subspecies are sweetly scented.
When first published in the Flora Capensis, the epithet was incorrectly given as “ pegleri ” whereas
it should be “ peglerae ” since the collector is cited as “ Miss Pegler
3. Linociera battiscombei Hutch, in Kew Bull. 1914: 17 (1914); Yerdoorn in Bothalia
6: 600 and PI. 26, 636 (1956). Type: Kenya, Nairobi forests, Battiscombe 517.
Dekindtia africana Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 32: 139 (1902), non Linociera africana Knobl. (1834) nec
(Welw.) Gilg & Schellenb. (1913). Type: Angola, Chella Mtn., Dekindt 73.
Tree mostly 4-5 m tall with spreading canopy (in tropical African specimens up to
10 m tall); ultimate branchlets (new growth) appressedly pubescent or puberulous,
glabrescent. Leaves narrowly to broadly elliptic or oblanceolate to obovate-elliptic,
5-7 • 5 cm long and 2-3 • 5 cm broad (in tropical African material seen from 5-12 cm long,
and 2-4-5 cm broad), long or shortly cuneate at the base, acuminate, sometimes shortly
so, often suddenly narrowed near the apex into a blunt acumen, lateral veins obvious
on both surfaces, spreading at a fairly wide angle, usually over 45°, often with acaro-
domatia in the axils of the veins; petiole 3-9 mm long, tnflorescence a reduced cyme,
flowers appearing glomerate in the axils of the leaves, few to many in clusters; bracts and
calyx densely appressedly setulose-pubescent without. Calyx 4-6 mm long, deeply
4-lobed, the opposite pairs of lobes slightly unequal in size. Corolla 5-7 mm long, united
at the base into a very short tube, lobes with margins infolded, apex cucullate(slipper-toe).
Stamens inserted on tube, filaments very short; anthers basifixed. Ovary slightly
narrowed into a very short style; stigma terminal, 2-lobed; ovules attached along ventral
face. Fruit blackish-purple when ripe, about 1 - 8 cm long and 1 cm diam., cotyledons
thick, no albumen present. — Fig. 13: 4.
Found in wooded mountain ravines on banks of streams. Recorded from the Blaauwberg in north
western Transvaal. Also occurs in Southern Rhodesia and northwards to Kenya and Angola.
Transvaal.— Pietersburg: Blaauwberg, Codd 8737; 8737a; Codd & Dyer 9118.
This species was first described as Dekindtia africana Gilg and later independently as Linociera
battiscombei Hutch. A study of the African species of Linociera showed that Dekindtia cannot be main-
tained as a distinct genus but fits into the section of Linociera as found in Africa and defined by Verdoorn
in Bothalia 6: 592-594 (1956). Since the epithet “ africana ” had already been combined with Linociera
for a different species, it could not be used when making the transfer to Linociera. Therefore the second
specific epithet “ battiscombei ” must be used.
L. battiscombei is easily distinguished from the other South African species of Linociera by the
glomerate inflorescences, the larger calyx (4-6 mm long as against 1-5-2 mm) which is also densely
and appressedly setulose-pubescent without. It is nearest to L. foveolata subsp. tomentella in some
respects. The leaves in both taxa are usually not more than twice as long as broad, but they are somewhat
larger in this species; both have pubescent branchlets, puberulous in L. battiscombei and tomentulose
in subsp. tomentella ; the inflorescence in subsp. tomentella is sometimes much reduced and the calyx
sctulose, but on account of the smallness of the calyx (1 -5-2 mm) it cannot be confused with L. battis-
combei.
Oleaceae
125
6438 5. MENODORA
Menodora Humb. & Bonpl., PI. Aequin. 2: 98, t. 110 (1809); Harv. ex Wright in F.C.
4, 1 : 483 (1907); Steyermark in Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 19: 87 (1932); Phill., Gen. ed.
2: 572 (1951); Verdoorn in Bothalia 6: 601 (1956). Type species: M. helianthemoides
Humb. & Bonpl., Mexico.
Bolivaria Cham. & Schlechtdl. in Linnaea 1 : 207 (1826).
Calyptrospermum A. Dietr. in Linn. Sp. PI. ed. 6, 1: 226 (1831).
Perennial, suffruticose or subherbaceous from a woody base, erect or diffuse with
a strong tap-root. Leaves simple or divided, opposite, subopposite or alternate.
Inflorescence cymose, paniculate or sometimes reduced to a single flower and then with
monochasial development. Calyx persistent, united at the base with 5 to 10 lobes, lobes
sometimes cleft. Corolla united, tube usually half the length of the lobes, usually pilose
within at the insertion of stamens, lobes usually 5, imbricate. Stamens 2, filaments
inserted on the tube and decurrent to its base, free above and exserted; anthers attached
near the base, erect, oblong, dehiscing by longitudinal slits. Ovary 2-lobed, 2-celled,
ovules 2-4 in each cell, collateral, attached to the wall of partition about midway.
Fruit a bi-locular capsule, usually both cocci developing, circumscissilely dehiscent.
Seeds ex-endospermous, 1 to 4 in a coccus, reticulated.
Recorded from (1) south-western United States and Mexico, (2) central and southern South America
and (3) southern Africa.
This distribution pattern may be looked upon as evidence of the surmised land-bridge, that is thought
at one time to have connected South America with South Africa.
In southern Africa, Menodora is found in the Karoo, Namaqualand, Griqualand West, the Orange
Free State, Natal, Transvaal and Bechuanaland.
In the family Oleaceae the genus Menodora is distinguished by its fruit which is a bi-locular capsule,
both cocci usually developing. Except for one species in the United States, the dehiscence is by a
horizontal suture, the top of the capsule coming off like a cap and exposing the seeds.
Rigid suffrutex; leaves simple, usually much reduced; pedicel erect in fruit 1. M.juncea
Diffuse subherbaceous plants from woody base; leaves mostly lobed or pinnatisect; pedicel cernuous
in fruit :
Leaves mostly bi-pinnatisect, segments subulate; calyx-lobes multipartite 2. AT. afrieana
Leaves mostly 3 to 5-lobed, segments 1-5-2 -5 mm broad; calyx-lobes usually undivided. . . .
3. M. heterophylla var. australis
1. Menodora juncea Harv., Gen. PI. ed. 2: 220 (1868); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4,
1: 484 (1907); Steyermark in Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 19: 150 (1932); Verdoorn in
Bothalia 6: 602 and PI. 27, 637 (1956). Type: Namaqualand, Modderfontein, White-
head s.n. (? TCD, holo.; K, portion of holo.).
Suffrutex, virgate, 30-160 cm tall, branches rigid, suberect, terete, striate, minutely
silvery puberulous. Leaves sessile, remote, linear, cuneate at the base, often much
reduced, closely pressed to the stem, 0 ■ 3-3 cm long and up to 3 mm broad. Inflorescence
of one or several terminal, 3-flowered cymes. Calyx 5-6-lobed, tube usually 2-5-3 mm
long, lobes linear to linear-acuminate from a triangular base, 2-5-8 mm long. Corolla
yellow; tube about 6 mm long; lobes oblong to oblong-obovate, 1-2-2 cm long and
0-7-1 -4 cm broad, broadly rounded at apex, mucronate. Stamens exserted; anthers
4-6 mm long. Ovary deeply 2-lobed; style filiform, up to 1-4 cm long; stigma small,
capitate. Fruit a 2-lobed capsule, sometimes only one lobe developing, subglobose up
to 9 mm long and 8 mm broad, the coat becoming chartaceous and dehiscing circum-
scissilely; seeds black in dried specimens. Fig. 14: 2.
Found in karroid broken veld on shaly ridges and dolerite hills, in sandy valleys and watercourses.
Recorded from the western and south-central Cape and Namaqualand. Endemic.
126
Oleaceae
Fig. 14. — 1, Menodora africana, portion of plant (Smuts & Gillett 2543); la, longitudinal section of
flower, x 3; lb, longitudinal section of calyx showing gynoecium, X 3; lc, dehiscing capsule
and 2 seeds, > 3. 2, M. juncea, flowering branch (Marloth 12282b); 2a, pedicel, calyx and immature
fruit. 3, M. hetcrophylla var. australis, flowering branch ( Codd 8937).
Oleaceae
127
Cape. — Laingsburg: near Grootfontein, Marloth 8347. Willowmore: near Strydomsvlei, Acocks
19080. Beaufort West: near Rosesberg Pass, Acocks 15885. Sutherland: Jongershoek, Acocks 18634.
Namaqualand: Kamieskroon, Acocks 14996; Stinkfontein, Matthews 25412; Kubus, Marloth 12282b.
This species, which Harvey named and described in manuscript, was published posthumously in
Harvey’s Genera of South African Plants, Second Edition, 1868, edited by J. D. Hooker. It was
evidently based on Whitehead’s specimen from Namaqualand for, according to a report from the Director
of Kew, there is a specimen in the Herbarium there, collected by Whitehead and written up in Harvey’s
handwriting as Bolivaria jimcea Harv. It is further annotated “ Received from Harvey, part of his type ”.
Menodora jimcea is very distinct from the other two South African species and has its allies in the
Americas. It is a stiff erect suffrutex with remote leaves, most of them much reduced. The flowers
are in compound cymes with the pedicels erect in fruit, whereas in the other two species, the inflorescence
is 1 -flowered with monochasial development which results in the pedicels being cernuous in fruit.
2. Menodora africana Hook., Ic. PI. t. 586 (1843); Wood & Evans in Natal PI. 3; 17,
t. 240 (1902); Harv. ex Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 484 (1907); Steyermark in Ann. Missouri Bot.
Gard. 19, 1 : 123 (1932); Yerdoorn in FI. PI. Afr. 30: t. 1187 (1955); Yerdoorn in Bothalia
6: 604 and PI. 28, 638 (1956). Type: Orange Free State, Vet River, Burke 134 (“ 1341 ”
in error in Hooker’s leones).
Undershrub with many slender branches from a woody base; branches sub-
herbaceous, slender, about 5-25 cm tall, ridged, the ridges formed by decurrent bases of
the petioles, sparsely scabrid. Leaves alternate, subopposite or opposite towards the
base, subsessile to petioled, up to 1-5 cm long bipinnatisect with occasional simple or
simply pinnate leaves, segments narrow, more or less subulate with inrolled scabrid
margins. Inflorescence a reduced cyme with monochasial development ; flowers solitary,
terminal, appearing lateral when the main branch turns aside and a secondary one
develops as the main axis and overtops the flower. Calyx sparsely or densely scabrid
without; tube 2-3 mm long; lobes longer than the tube, multipartite, segments more or
less subulate. Corolla red in bud, yellow, tinged reddish when open; tube about 4 mm
long, narrow below, widening at the mouth, sparsely pilose in the throat; lobes oblong,
about 1 cm long and 4 • 5 mm broad, rounded at the apex, mucronate, slightly narrowing
towards the base. Stamens 2, filaments inserted in the corolla-tube, free for 3-4 mm,
pilose where affixed to tube; anthers 3-4 mm long, 1 -5 mm broad, sub-basifixed, erect,
sometimes minutely mucronate. Ovary 2-celled, bilobed, ovules 4 in each cell, axillary;
style about 9 mm long; stigma small, capitate, terminal. Fruit a bilocular capsule
sometimes only one locule or coccus developing, borne on a cernuous pedicel, coat
parchment-like, dehiscing circumscissilely when ripe; seeds usually 2 or 3 in each coccus,
about 1 cm long, more or less oblong, outer coat reticulated. Fig. 14 :1.
Found in the grassveld, often on the rocky sides of small depressions. Recorded from the north-
western Cape, the Orange Free State, Natal and the Transvaal. Also recorded from Bechuanaland.
Cape. — Kimberley: Moran s.n.; Kenilworth, Hafstrom H902. Barclay West : Marloth 958 ; Hebron,
Flanagan 1472. Mafeking: Moshesh, Brueckner 420.
O.F.S. — Fauresmith: Petrusburg area, Marais 140. Bloemfontein: Glen, Pole Evans 19627H.
Senekal: Doornkop, Goossens 782.
Natal. — Without precise locality: banks of Tugela River, Medley Wood, 3550; Muden Valley
Repton 1187. Estcourt: Pentz 483. Dundee: Truscott 157.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Queens River, Galpin 1071b. Standerton: near Val Station, Smuts 397.
Potchefstroom: Burn Davy 733; Boskop, Louw 355. Bloemhof: Leistner 81. Waterberg: Smuts &
Gillett'SMX. Pretoria: on Delmas Road, Yerdoorn in PRE 28544; Wonderboom, Repton2165\ Rooikop,
Smuts & Gillett 2543. Petersburg: van der Merwe 2272.
M. africana was the first of the three South African species to be described and it is the most widely
spread. It is distinguished by the multisect calyx-lobes and the bi-pinnatisect leaves with more or less
subulate segments.
An interesting feature is the monochasial development of the inflorescence.
3. Menodora heterophylla Moric. ex DC., Prodr. 8: 316 ^ 1 844). Type: Mexico,
between Laredo and Bejar, Berlandier.
128
Oleaceae
var. australis Steyermark in Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 19: 127 (1932); Verdoorn
in Bothalia 6: 606 and PI. 29, 639 (1956). Type: Rustenburg, Pegler 950 (B, holo.).
M. heterophylla sensu Oliv. in Hook., Ic. PI. t. 1459 (1884); Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 484 (1907).
Undershrub with several to many slender, more or less erect branches from a woody
base; branches about 7 to 25 cm tall, slender, more or less angled and ridged, sparsely
scabrid. Leaves very variable in size and lobing, alternate, approximate or sometimes
opposite, sessile or petioled, irregularly and pinnately 3- to 5-lobed or simple, 4-18 mm
long, 3-6 mm broad, the segments acute, 1-5-2 -5 mm broad, margins scabrid, inrolled,
surface fairly sparsely gland-pitted. Inflorescence a reduced cyme, monochasial, flowers
terminal, appearing lateral when overtopped by a secondary branch which takes the place
of the main axis. Calyx persistent but not accrescent, 5—10 mm long; tube about 2 mm
long; lobes 10-15, narrowly linear, entire or occasionally lobed, unequal in length and up
to 1 mm broad, acute, scabrid on the margins. Corolla yellow (sometimes with red
infusion in parts ?); tube about 3 mm long, infundibuliform; lobes about 1 cm long and
4-5 mm broad, oblong, slightly narrowed to the apex, or rounded with a mucro. Stamens
inserted on the tubular portion of the corolla tube, filaments pilose at base, free for about
3 mm., anthers about 3 mm long, 1 • 5 mm broad, sub-basifixed, erect, minutely apiculate.
Ovary 2-lobed, style about 6-8 mm long (appears to be red sometimes), stigma terminal,
broadly capitate, obscurely bilobed. Fruit on a cernuous pedicel, a bilocular capsule,
occasionally only 1 coccus develops, dehiscing circumscissilely when ripe, coat parchment-
like; seeds 1-4 in each coccus, 6-9 mm long, and 4-6 mm broad, outer skin reticulated.
Fig. 14: 3.
Found on sand fiats in woodland or sour bushveld. Recorded from the western Transvaal and
Bechuanaland.
Transvaal. — Klerksdorp: Phillips 53. Rustenburg: Pegler , Sept. 1903, 950; near race course,
Galpin 9668; Zwartruggens, Sutton 852; 1113. Zeerust: Thode A 1442; Matebe Valley, Holub s.n.
The species M. heterophylla occurs plentifully in central Texas and southwards to certain areas in
Mexico. D. Oliver writes in 1884 that N. E. Brown of Kew was the first to identify the South African
plants with the Texan species. In 1932 Steyermark in his “ Revision of Menodora ” agrees that the
South African specimens are not specifically distinct but owing to certain morphological differences he
describes them as a variety of the New World species. The main difference is in the size of the leaves,
which in the Texan plants are up to 4 cm long and 3 cm broad while in our plant they are seldom even
half that size. In South Africa this variety is very close to M. africana and differs principally in the
leaves being lobed rather than bipinnatisect, and the segments not being subulate. The calyx segments
are usually simple and only occasionally lobed, instead of being usually multipartite; the habit also is
rather more erect and rigid. But owing to the variation in size and shape of the leaves of M. heterophylla
var. australis, it is not always easy at first sight to distinguish between it and M. africana.
With regard to the type specimen of var. australis, Miss Pegler evidently gave the same number, 950.
to several gatherings of the species. Steyermark records the type as “ August 1903, Pegler 950 (BER).”
In the National Herbarium, Pretoria, there are two specimens numbered 950, but they were collected by
Miss Pegler on 17 September, 1903.
SALVADORACEAE
by I. C. Verdoorn
Shrubs or trees, sometimes subscandent, unarmed or with axillary spines. Leaves
simple, entire, opposite. Stipules rudimentary or absent. Inflorescence terminal and
axillary, simple or paniculate; flowers polygamous. Calyx campanulate, 4-lobed.
Corolla free or united, the tube shorter than the calyx; segments or lobes 4, imbricate.
Stamens 4, inserted at the base of the corolla and united in a ring or on the tube.
Salvadoraceae
129
alternating with the lobes; anthers 2-cel led, dehiscing length-wise. Disc absent, annular
or of separate glands between the filaments at the base of the corolla. Ovary superior
1-2 locular; style short to almost absent; stigma terminal; ovules 1-2 in each locule,
basal erect. Fruit small, a drupe or berry; seed exalbuminous with thick cotyledons.
A family of few genera and species. Found in Africa, the Mascarenes, Arabia and Asia.
Shrubs with axillary spines; flowers unisexual, dioecious; ovary 2-locular, stigma
obvious 1. Azima
Unarmed trees or shrubs; flowers hermaphrodite or subunisexual; ovary 1-locular;
stigma indistinct 2. Salvadora
6444
1. AZIMA
Azima Lam., Encycl. 1 : 343 (1783); Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 489 (1907); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 573
(1951). Type species: A. tetracantha Lam.
Monetia L’Herit., Stirp. Nov. 1, t. 1 (1785); Sonder in F.C. 1: 474 (1860). Type species: M.
barlerioides L’Herit.
Shrubs, erect or scrambling, spinous. Leaves rather coriaceous, opposite and
decussate, entire, stipules rudimentary or absent. Spines straight, usually 2 in the axil of
each leaf. Inflorescence axillary with flowers which are clustered and sessile (then
usually female) or in short spikes which are sometimes branched at the base, paniculate,
with the sessile flowers in pairs at intervals on the rhachides (then usually male). Calyx
campanulate, 4-lobed and slightly 2-lipped. Petals 4, inserted at the base of the ovary,
eventually longer than the calyx and reflexing over it. Male flower with 4 stamens
alternating with the petals, anthers eventually exserted; rudimentary ovary on a small
disc in the centre of the stamens. Female flower with 4 rudimentary sterile stamens
appressed to the lower half of the ovary; ovary eventually exserted from the calyx,
narrowing very slightly in the upper half and crowned by the subsessile stigma; locales
usually 2 sometimes 1 or 3, ovules erect, 1-2 in each locule. Fruit globose, usually
1-seeded; seeds compressed, exalbuminous, cotyledons cordate, radicle straight.
Comprising only a few species mostly with a wide distribution. Found in Africa, Madagascar, east
India and Malesia. Characterised by long axillary spines. Only one species is here recognised for
South Africa. In ancient geography Azimus was a small city of Thrace distinguished for its martial
spirit. Probably the spiny nature of the plants inspired the generic name.
Azima tetracantha Lam., Encycl. 1 : 343 (1783); Illustr. 3: 401, t.807 (1823); Wright
in F.C. 4, 1 : 489 (1907). Syntypes: Indian Orient, from plant in King’s Garden, Paris,
flowering twig; and Sonnerat s.n., fruiting twig (P, composite sheet with description
attached).
Monetia barlerioides L’Herit., Stirp. Nov. 1, t. 1 (1785); Sond. in F.C. 1: 474 (1860). Type: India,
Sonnerat s.n. M. tetracantha (Lam.) Salisbury, Prodr. 65 (1796).
Azima spinosissima Engl., Bot. Jahrb. 19: 147 (1894). Type: South West Africa, Otjimbingwe,
Giirich 60. A. tetracantha var. laxior C. H. Wr., l.c. 490 (1907). Type: East London, John Wood'm Herb.
Galpin 3129.
Shrubs, dioecious, erect, spiny, bushy and sometimes scandent, 60-90 cm tall, or
climbing up to 8 m high; branchlets terete or quadrate, glabrous or sparsely and shortly
to densely long-pubescent. Leaves opposite or subopposite, decussate, shortly petioled,
exstipulate, or with rudimentary stipules, rather coriaceous, elliptic-oblong, ovate-
oblong to broadly-oblong, suborbicular, rounded or somewhat narrowed to base and
130
Salvadoraceae
apex, 1-3-5 -5 cm long and 0 -7-4 -3 cm broad, mucronate, two pairs of lateral nerves
from near the base, nerves and veins prominent on both sides, glabrous or sometimes
pubescent with short hairs or rarely densely pubescent with long hairs. Spines usually
2 in the axils of the leaves, that is 4 at each node, varying in length, 0-5-5 cm long
(sometimes longer), glabrous or pubescent. Inflorescence axillary, sometimes also
terminal, glabrous or pubescent, with flowers usually sessile, solitary, glomerulate or
in branched or unbranched, up to 3 cm long, spikes or cymes, the spicate form with
flowers often in pairs at intervals on the rhachis; bracts ovate, mucronate, macro often
long and spinous, pubescent to glabrescent, ciliate. Calyx campanulate, 2-4 mm long,
pubescent without, sometimes glabrescent with only a few hairs persisting at the base,
4-lobed for about ^ of its length, slightly 2-lipped; lobes mucronate. Corolla greenish
to yellowish, petals 4, inserted at the base of the ovary, linear-oblong to oblong, thin
textured, eventually longer than the calyx, the upper portion reflexing over the calyx,
2-5 mm long. Male flowers', stamens inserted at the base of the rudimentary ovary
on a small disc, alternating with the petals, filaments flattened, slightly longer than the
calyx tube, anthers exserted, about 1 -5 mm long, minutely apiculate; ovary rudimentary
in the centre of the filaments on the disc. Female flowers: staminodes with short flat
filaments and arrowhead-shaped sterile anthers about as long as the filaments, appressed
to the ovary; ovary eventually longer than the calyx, up to 4-5 mm long, only slightly
narrowing in the upper half with a broad sessile terminal stigma; locules 2-3 with 1-2
erect ovules in each cell. Fruit globose, 0-5-1 cm diam. (in dried condition), crowned
by the persistent stigma, green to yellowish or white. Seed brownish, flattened, cotyle-
dons cordate with the lobes overlapping and so appearing like a circular disc, tip of
radicle protruding at the base from between the lobes. Fig. 15:1.
Essentially a lowveld plant, found in bush, scrub or forest, along rivers, on hillsides, in thornveld
(often on termitaria) and at the coast. In South Africa it has been recorded from about Riversdale
north eastwards to Natal, Swaziland and the eastern lowveld of the Transvaal, also from South West
Africa, especially in the northern regions, and from isolated patches in Griqualand West. In tropical
Africa the distribution extends northwards to the Congo and Somaliland, while outside Africa it is
found in India and Madagascar.
Cape. — Riversdale: Marloth 3540; Still Bay, Muir 141. Port Elizabeth: Rodin 1009. Uitenhage:
Enon, Thode 2700. Alexandria: Groot Tootabi, Archibald 6162. East London: Park, John Wood in
Herb. Galpin 3129. Port St. Johns: Tombo, Codd 9291.
Natal. — Camperdown: Medley Wood 11755. Lower Umfolozi: Game Reserve, Ward 1465.
Swaziland. — Near Stensons, Pole Evans 3484.
Transvaal. — Nelspruit: Pretorius Kop, van der Schijff 4064. Sibasa: Pafuri, Codd & de Winter
5531; Makuleke, Lang in TRV 32187.
S.W.A. — Windhoek: Otjisewa, Wiss & Kinges 111. Omaruru: Ondongani, Maguire 2057. Oka-
handja: Dinter 121 (GRA.). Outjo: Uchab River, Esterhuyse 346.
Over the wide range of its distribution this species varies considerably in some features, yet it is, on
the whole, an easily recognised and distinct species. The large number of specimens examined do not
reveal any groups of specimens that could be defined as varieties. The variety described in the Flora
Capensis, • — var. laxior C. H. Wr., is distinguished by the “ flowers in trichotomous panicles ” instead of
solitary or fascicled. Throughout the range of distribution in southern Africa it has been found that the
axis of the inflorescence varies from 0 to about 3 cm long and from simple to branched. The result is
that the usually sessile flowers may be solitary, in pairs, glomerules or cymes in the axils of the leaves,
spines or bracts, or they may be disposed on a short or elongated axis. The variety is therefore not
upheld.
Wii h regard to A. spinossissima Engl, from South West Africa, described as having spines up to 8 cm
long, unfortunately the type, Giirich 60, that was in Berlin has been destroyed, but several specimens have
been collected in the same region and there is nothing in the degree of spinousness or length of spines to
justify a distinct species. A tendency in the leaves to be more broadly rounded at the apex and rather
coriaceous may be regarded as a geographic form but nothing more. Dinter 121 which is listed with
Giirich 60 as A. spinossissima in Fedde, Rep. 15: 345 is not distinct from the majority of specimens
from South West Africa and so Engler's species is not being upheld. Among the variations seen are a few
with practically no spines or the spines soft and undeveloped and plants that are much more scandent
than normally. Judging by herbarium specimens, the male plants are almost without spines or the
spines arc not strongly developed while the female specimens are very spiny.
Salvadoraceae
131
Fig. 15. — 1, Azima tetracantha, portion of branch with male inflorescences; la, male flower, X 6;
lb, portion of branch with female inflorescences; lc, female flower, X 6. 2, Salvadora angustifolia
var. australis, portion of branch with terminal and axillary inflorescences; 2a, flower, X 6.
132
Salvadoraceae
The genus Monetia was described by L’Heritier more or less at the same time as Lamarck was
describing the same material as Azima and Lamarck’s description was the first to be published. It is
interesting to note that L’Heritier called the genus after Chevalier de Lamarck whose surname was Monet.
Local common names reported are “ Fire thorn ”, “ Bee-sting ” and, in Afrikaans, “ By-angel ” and
“ By-hanger ”. According to collectors’ notes the natives use the juice on their gums after the extrac-
tion of a tooth (C. J. Ward 8/9/57). Some report that this plant taints milk.
Excluded Species
Azima pubescens Suesseng. in Mitt. Bot. Staatss. Miinchen 8: 334 (1953) = Carissa edulis Vahl.
6446
2. SALVADORA
Salvadora Garcin ex L., Sp. PI. ed. 1: 122 (1753); Gen. PL ed. 5: 58 (1754); Wright in
F.C. 4, 1: 489 (1907); FI. Madagas. Salvadoraceae: 4 (1946).
Shrubs or trees, often bushy, sometimes subscandent. Leaves opposite, with
minute oil glands; stipules rudimentary or absent. Inflorescence terminal and axillary
in the upper leaves; flowers hermaphrodite or sub-unisexual, pedicelled to subsessile,
in long-branched panicles which are sometimes sessile and so appearing to be fascicled
spikes. Calyx campanulate, shortly 4-lobed or 4-lobed to about midway. Corolla
shortly united at the base, lobes 4, obtuse, eventually the upper portion spreading or
reflexing. Stamens inserted on the corolla tube, alternating with the lobes; anthers
slightly shorter than the free portion of the filament. Disc usually present, consisting
of 4 squamae at the base of the corolla tube and alternating with the stamens. Ovary
1 -celled; ovule solitary, basal; style short; stigma terminal, inconspicuous. Fruit a small
drupe, exalbuminous.
A widely distributed genus with only a few species. Occurs in Africa, Arabia, eastern areas of India
and the Mascarenes.
Leaves oblong-elliptic narrowing slightly and more or less equally to base and apex, glabrous or
loosely pubescent; terminal panicles overtopping the leaves; glands alternating with stamens,
inconspicuous 1.5. persica,
Leaves linear-oblong, rounded at the apex and long and narrowly cuneate at the base, thickly grey
puberulous; terminal panicles about as long as or shorter than the leaves; glands alternating
with the stamens conspicuous 2. S. angustifolia var. australis
1. Salvadora persica L., Sp. PL ed. 1 : 122 (1753); Wright in F.C. 4, 1 : 489 (1907).
Type: Persian Gulf, Garcin 491.
S. paniculata Zucc. ex Steud., Nom. 2, 2: 503 (1840-41), nom. nud. ?, based on Schimper 2325
Abyssinia. S. crassinervia Hochst. ex T. Anders, in Journ. Linn. Soc. Bot. 5, suppl. 1: 30 (I860), in
synonymy, nom. nud. based on Schimper 2218, Abyssinia.
Lauridia ? multiflora Engl, in Bot. Jahrb. 10: 38 (1889). Type: South West Africa, Hykamkab,
Marloth 1196.
Bushy, often sub-scandent, evergreen shrubs, 60 cm-5 m tall; branches long and
often drooping, more or less terete, glabrous or occasionally loosely pubescent, the older
whitish. Leaves rather thick, minutely pellucid dotted, verrucose, dark to bright green,
oblong-elliptic, ovate-oblong to suborbicular, 2-5-5 cm long (sometimes up to 9 cm
long) and 1-3 • 8 cm broad, slightly narrowed to the rounded, mucronate apex and shortly
cuneate at the base; petiole 5-10 mm long, patently spreading to arcuate-ascending.
Inflorescence of terminal and lateral panicles (the terminal usually overtopping the
leaves), with long slender branches, the lateral panicles in the axils of the upper leaves
Salvadoraceae
133
only; flowers small greenish-yellow, on short, about 1 mm long, pedicels. Calyx
campanulate, about 2 mm long, shortly 4-lobed, glabrous or very minutely papillose and
scaly, occasionally puberulous. Corolla greenish yellow, about 3 mm long; tube short,
about 1 mm long; lobes oblong, obtuse and sometimes notched at the apex, cucullate
in bud, eventually the upper half reflexing over the rim of the calyx. Stamens 4, inserted
in the sinuses on the tube of the corolla, filament usually just over 1 mm long and anther
just under 1 mm long. Ovary 1-celled with one erect basal ovule; style very small with
an inconspicuous stigma. Fruit a drupe, white, tinted rose and red when mature,
globose, smooth, about 5 mm diam.; seed solitary, cotyledons large, endosperm none.
Found along rivers and on river flats, in stream bank vegetation and dry bushveld (often on
termitaria), sometimes bordering the desert, often forming dense thickets. In Africa the distribution
extends from Egypt southwards to the tropics and then in two prongs, one going south-west to South
West Africa, where these plants are found in river beds west of the escarpment and in sandy frost-free
country as far south as the Kuiseb, while the other prong goes south eastwards to Lourenijo Marques,
passing through the north-eastern corner of the Transvaal. This species also occurs in Arabia, Asia
(including India and China) and Madagascar.
Transvaal. — Letaba: Shingwedzi, van der Schijff 826.
S.W.A. — Swakopmund: Otjimbingwe, de Winter 2643; Heikamchab (Hykamkab), Marloth 1196;
Usakos, Pole Evans H. 19306. Omaruru: Brandberg, Joisab, Strey 2405. Outjo: S. of Kamanjeb,
de Winter 3115. Kaoko veld: Sanitatas, Story 5691. Ovamboland: Loeb 412. Grootfontein: Ondon-
gua, le Roux 225.
In the Kew Bulletin 1949, page 90, — var. pubescens Brenan is described from Tanganyika. It
differs in the dense and conspicuous pubescence on branches, leaves and inflorescence. To date no
conspicuously pubescent specimens have been collected in the territory covered by this Flora but a
specimen from Chobe, Bechuanaland Protectorate, compares well with the type of the variety. Another
specimen Erens 286, collected near Schitwa, Ngamiland, has one half of the material completely glabrous
and the other half conspicuously pubescent. Whether the samples were taken from separate trees or
from different parts of the same tree is not indicated.
Common names recorded are Mustard Tree and Tooth-brush Tree.
The fruit is described as sweet and edible with an agreeable aromatic, slightly pungent flavour like
cress. Another report reads “ fruit with a strong peppery taste and flavour of Tropaeolum fruit ”.
(Dr. R. Story). The plant emits an unpleasant odour.
In West Africa the roots are said to be used for cleaning teeth or to relieve toothache; the leaves and
seeds contain an oil and the seeds yield about 45 per cent of fat (fide Dalziel in Useful Plants of West
Tropical Africa, 1931).
2. Salvadora angustifolia Turrill in Kew Bull. 1918: 202 (1918). Syntypes: Mada-
gascar, Tulear, Methuen ; St. Augustin’s Bay, Bouton ; Bowles', without precise locality,
Greve; Aldabra Group, Dupont 15; Cosmoledo, Fox 289.
var. australis ( Schweick .) Verdoorn in Bothalia 7: 14 (1958). Type: Soutpansberg,
Soutpan, Ohermeyer, Schweickerdt & Verdoorn 18 (PRE, lecto.).
S. australis Schweick. in Bothalia 3: 248 (1937).
Trees or shrubs, often bushy, usually up to about 3-3 m tall occasionally taller, up
to 6-75 m (fide Ward), sometimes emitting an unpleasant odour, divaricately branched;
young branchlets terete, grey tomentulose-puberulous. Leaves rather thick, grey
puberulous, spreading to spreading-ascending, linear-oblong, 2-7 cm long and 0-3-1 -7
cm broad, rounded at the apex, minutely mucronate or occasionally refuse, long and
narrowly cuneate at the base into a short to very short petiole, nerves and veins obscure
above, prominent beneath. Panicles terminal and axillary in the upper leaves, about
as long as or shorter than the leaves; branches long but the peduncle often so abbreviated
that the inflorescence appears to be a cluster of spikes; flowers subsessile and opposite
or subopposite. Calyx campanulate, about 3 mm long, densely puberulous outside,
obscurely stipitate at the base, 4-lobed ; lobes obtuse, almost as long as the tube. Corolla
united at the base and with a small stipe below, about 4 mm long; lobes subacute
134
Salvadoraceae
narrowing towards the apex, the upper portion becoming reflexed. Stamens inserted
on the corolla tube; free portion of the filament about 1 • 5 mm long; anther about 0-75
mm long, blunt at the apex; quadrate glands alternating with the stamens, usually 0-5
mm long and 0-5 mm broad. Ovary more or less globose, minutely puberulous, with a
small basal stipe; style very short but distinct; stigma inconspicuous, stigmatic surface
terminal. Fruit a drupe, globose, about 5 mm diam., minutely puberulous, subtrans-
lucent, the dry calyx and corolla persisting at the base; seed solitary exalbuminous, with
thick cotyledons enclosing a thick plumule on the basal portions. Fig. 15; 2.
Found in brackish sandy flats or limestone formation near rivers. Recorded from Tugela Hot
Springs in the Potgietersrus district, eastwards along the Limpopo flats to the north-eastern corner of
the Transvaal, and just across the border in Portuguese East Africa, from there southwards at intervals
to the Mkuzi flats in northern Zululand.
Natal. — Ubombo: Mkuzi, Codd 2062. Ingwavuma: Lebombo flats, Verdoorn 1724.
Swaziland. — Gollel, Wissetl s.n.
Transvaal. — Letaba: Shingwidzi, van der Schijjf 645. Sibasa: Punda Milia, Codd 4240; Wyllies
Poort, Haf strom & Acocks 443; Messina, Pole Evans 1453; Soutpan, Obermeyer, Schweickerdt &
Verdoorn 18.
When describing Salvadora australis the author, Schweickerdt, contrasted it with the nearly related
species S. persica Linn, and S. oleoides Decne. The last mentioned is an Indian species which does not
occur in Africa. Evidently Schweickerdt was not aware of S. angustifolia Turrill, a Madagascan species,
which agrees very well with the South African S. australis and which the author, Turrill, states is nearest
S. oleoides Decne. A study of material from Madagascar showed that the South African specimens
differed from those from Madagascar only in the persistent short dense pubescence of the branchlets
and leaves and Schweickerdt’s species was therefore reduced to varietal rank under S. angustifolia Turrill.
According to reports the plant emits an unpleasant odour and has been known to taint milk. An
infusion of the leaves is used in cases of sore eyes by the natives east of the Lebombo mountains.
LOGANIACEAE
by I. C. Verdoorn
Tiees, shi ubs, undershrubs or stragglers. Leaves simple, opposite, sometimes
3-nate, rarely subalternate to alternate; stipules present or absent, sometimes
represented by an interpetiolar ridge. Inflorescence cymose, rarely flowers solitary or
racemose, cymes often in panicles, sometimes corymbosely congested or contracted
into pseudo-heads. Flowers regular. Calyx united at least at the base. Corolla
gamopetalous, lobes 4—16, valvate, contorted or imbricate. Stamens adnate to the
corolla, as many as the corolla-lobes; anthers 2-celled, cells distinct or confluent.
()\cn\ superior, often 2-celled, sometimes 1 or 4-celled; ovules few to many, axile or
basal. Fruit a berry, drupe or capsule; pericarp sometimes thick and woody.
Found in the tropics and subtropics of the Old and New World. The members of this family are
rather divergent in some respects, but they form a recognisable group and therefore in this work the
group will be treated as a family. Other taxonomic views favour the separation of the elements into at
least j tamilies.
Loganiaceae
135
Corolla-lobes 8-16; leaves large 14-100 cm long and 6-35 cm broad; fruit inde-
hiscent, pericarp leathery; large trees 1. Anthocleista
Corolla-lobes 4-5; leaves never up to 100 cm long; if sometimes up to 10 cm
long and 5 cm broad then 3-5 nerved from near the base:
Fruit indehiscent, large (over 1 cm in diam.), pericarp woody or leathery; leaves
3 or more nerved from, or from near, the base 2. Strychnos
Fruit a capsule, small (under 5 mm in diam.); leaves never 3 or more nerved
from the base:
Inflorescence cymose, paniculate; trees, shrubs or stragglers:
Leaves usually 3-nate if opposite then not densely scaly or tomentose
beneath; calyx coriaceous, usually lined with appressed hairs; corolla
circumscissile near the base; anther-cells confluent 3. Nuxia
Leaves opposite or subopposite, usually discolorous with the lower surface
densely scaly or tomentose; calyx herbaceous, glabrous within; corolla
not circumscissile; anther cells distinct 4. Buddleia
Inflorescence racemose; suffrutices 5. Gomphostigma
6466
1. ANTHOCLEISTA
Anthocleista Afzel. ex R. Br. in Tuckey, Congo, app. 449 (1818); Prain & Cummins
in F.C. 4, 1: 1049 (1909); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 575 (1951); Bruce in Kew Bull. 1955:
45 (1955); Bruce & Lewis in F.T.E.A. Loganiaceae: 8 (1960); Leeuwenberg in
Acta Bot. Neerl. 10: 1 (1961). Type species: A. nobilis G. Don, nominated by Bruce,
l.c. (1955).
Trees, usually tall, rarely (outside S. Africa) woody climbers, branches spinous or
unarmed. Leaves opposite often connate at base, usually large, 13-115 cm long (some-
times only 8 cm long in species outside S. Africa), oblong, narrowing towards the base
in the lower half. Inflorescence terminal in trichotomously branched cymose panicles,
branches stout. Flowers large, white or dull yellow. Calyx coriaceous, deeply 4-lobed,
imbricate. Corolla with tube usually more or less cylindric; lobes 8-16, linear, lanceolate
or oblong-linear, imbricate and contorted. Stamens as many as the corolla-lobes;
filaments united at the base to form a short ring or cup; anther-cells parallel. Ovary
on a fleshy disc, 2-celled or spuriously 4-celled; ovules numerous in each cell; style
long or short; stigma oblong, globose or shortly cylindric. Fruit a sub-globose or
oblong-ellipsoid berry, pericarp coriaceous; seeds many, minute, embedded in the
fleshy placentas.
Found in Africa, Madagascar, the Mascerenes, and islands in the Gulf of Guinea. One species
occurs in Southern Africa.
Anthocleista grandiflora Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 17: 582 (1893); Leeuwenberg in
Acta Bot. Neerl. 10: 28 (1961). Type: Comores, Humblot 311 (P, neo.).
A. zambesiaca Bak. in Kew Bull. 1895: 99 (April 1895); Prain & Cummins in F.C. 4, 1 : 1049 (1909);
Bruce in Kew Bull. 1955 : 54 (1955); Bruce & Lewis in F.T.E.A. Loganiaceae: 10(1960). Type: Nyasa-
land, Buchanan 84 (K, holo.). A. insignis Galpin in Kew Bull. 1895: 1 50 (June-July, 1895). Type:
Swaziland, Horo Forest, Leyson in Herb. Galpin 1358 (K, holo.,PRE, iso., 7 sheets).
Tree, from about 6-30 m tall, unarmed, stem straight, branched high up. Leaves
clustered at the ends of the branchlets, in dried plants membranous, very large, 13-95
cm long and 6-35 cm broad in the upper half, obovate-oblong, broadly rounded at
the apex, narrowing towards the base in the lower half, base cuneate or rounded, midrib
thick, prominent, especially on the lower surface, lateral veins fairly thick at the base
and prominent on both sides becoming thin to faint towards the margin, tertiary veins
136
Loganiaceae
faint but visible; margins entire or minutely and unevenly crenulate or crisped, with a
very thin cartilaginous rim; petiole 0 or up to 6 cm long, dilated at the base, opposite
bases often ocreate or with at least an interjoining line. Inflorescence a trichotomously
branched cymose panicle, terminal and in the axils of the two upper pairs of leaves,
branches thick, longitudinally ridged and reticulate, the skin sometimes peeling in
somewhat rectangular sections. Bracts coriaceous, joined at the base, usually ocreate.
Calyx glabrous within and without, lobed almost to the base; lobes 4, coriaceous but
thin in a narrow border round the margin, especially on the inner segments, oblong-
orbicular, up to about 11 mm long and 9 mm broad, the 2 outer ultimately widely
spreading, presistent, rugose dorsally. Corolla white or cream, “ firmly fleshy ” ; tube
cylindric widening slightly towards the mouth, up to about 3 • 5 cm long; lobes contorted
in bud, varying from about 8-13, more or less linear-oblong, acute or obtuse, shorter
than to about as long as the tube, spreading. Stamens inserted in the throat, filaments
united at the base to form a ring about 2 mm deep; anthers sagittate, erect about 1 cm
long, connective thick, brown, narrowing towards the apex, cells parallel. Ovary
inserted on a fleshy disc, narrowly oblong, slightly narrowed at base and apex, about
1 cm long, 4-celled, ovules many embedded in the thick placentas; style long, eventually
exserted; stigma terminal, large, sub-capitate, 2-lobed. Fruit green drying brown,
pericarp leathery, rugose in dried specimens, ovoid-globose, more or less 3 cm long
and 2 cm diam., narrowing to the base and apex, shortly stipitate, umbonate at apex.
Fig. 16.
Occurs in forests, along densely wooded streams, in creeks or hillside bush groups (relict forest),
in tropical and sub-tropical, usually fever stricken, areas. Recorded from Uganda, Kenya and south-
wards to the Transvaal and Swaziland. Also found in the Comore Islands and Zanzibar.
Swaziland. — Horo Forest, Leyson in Herb. Galpin 1358.
Transvaal. — Letaba: near Ofcolaco, Codd & de Winter 3106. Sibasa: Punda Milia, Codd 5961.
Soutpansberg: Soutpan, Obermeyer, Schweickerdt <£ Verdoorn 115.
Common names: Fever Tree, Koorsboom, Cabbage Tree. The large leaves, 60 cm or more long, are
borne on young trees or coppice growth, those at the tops of the tall trees (usually overtopping the other
vegetation) are smaller. They are all at the ends of the ultimate branchlets forming a head something
like a cabbage.
6460 2. STRYCHNOS
Strychnos L., Sp. PI. ed. 1: 189 (1753); Gen. PI. ed. 5: 86 (1754); Prain & Cummins
in F.C. 4, 1: 1050 (1909); Phill., Gen. ed. 2; 575 (1951); Bruce & Lewis in F.T.E.A.
Loganiaceae: 12 (1960). Type species: S', nux-vomica L., India.
Brehmia Harv. in Hook., Lond. Journ. Bot. 1: 25 (1842), non Schrank (1824). Type species: B.
spinosa (Lam.) Harv. ex DC. quoad spec. Krauss 99 cit., Durban.
Trees or shrubs (in warmer regions often climbers), armed or unarmed, bark
sometimes thickly corky. Leaves decussate, 3-5-7-nerved from the base, sometimes
rudimentary near the base of the lateral ultimate branchlets; stipules reduced to an
interpetiolar ridge. Inflorescence terminal or axillary, cymose; cymes simple or com-
pound. Calyx 4-5-lobed; lobes about as long as the tube or longer, sometimes much
longer, then linear to linear-subulate and as long as or longer than the corolla; tube
glabrous within. Corolla 4-5-lobed, greenish, cream or whitish, lobes valvate, inner
face often bearded, at least at the base; tube glabrous or puberulous within, sometimes
bearded at the throat. Stamens 4-5, inserted on the corolla tube, usually near the throat,
filaments short, anthers exserted, included or sub-exserted, cells distinct. Ovary 1-2-
celled, rarely 3-cel led at base; style straight, stigma terminal; ovules several to many.
Fruit a berry, often globose, 1-9 cm in diam., rind leathery or thick and woody. Seeds
I -several embedded in pulp, variously shaped and with the hilum in various positions;
cotyledons thin, white; endosperm horny, seed-coats sometimes becoming cartilaginous.
Loganiaceae
137
Fig. 16. — Anthocleista grandiflora, 1, young bud tapering at apex; a, older bud very slightly tapering
to rounded apex and showing peeling pedicel; b, calyx and gynoecium after corolla has fallen
(all Code/ & de Winter 3106); c, flower with calyx removed ( Van Dam in TRV 22928); d, longi-
tudinal section of flower; e, showing umbonate apex of fruit and sub-spreading rugulose outer calyx-
lobes; f, leaf, X \ (Obermeyer in TRV 30063); g, cross-section of 4-celled ovary, x7.
138
Loganiaceae
Species of Strychnos are found in the tropics and subtropics of both hemispheres. Many of them
are known to contain alkaloids with paralyzing principles. The type species, S. nux-vomica, from India,
is the source of the well-known drug strychnine. In South Africa the natives are known to use
medicinally decoctions from parts of these plants and one species, S. henningsii, has been proved to be
poisonous (The Toxicology of Plants in S. Africa by Douw G. Steyn, 1934). The large, globose, woody-
rinded fruits of some species are a striking feature of the genus. These fruits are known to be edible and
a source of food for the natives (see notes under the species). General common names for the genus in
South Africa are Kaffir Orange and Klapper. In America, where many species are scandent, they are
referred to as Bush-ropes.
Inflorescence lateral, sometimes appearing terminal as well, cauline or in the axils of leaves; calyx-
lobes short and broad or shorter than half the corolla; lateral twigs never converted into spines:
Fruit small, usually under 2-5 cm diam., 1-2-seeded (not to be confused with aborted fruits on the
large-fruited species), ovules few to several; leaves never pungent pointed; branches not very
thick and rigid, never with short thick much-contracted lateral branchlets with congested
prominent scars:
Leaves subcoriaceous, mostly under 6 cm long:
Leaves broadest at or above the middle, broadly rounded at the apex or shortly acuminate;
fruit never stipitate at the base; flowers 5-merous:
Leaves usually broadly rounded at the apex and obscurely 3-5-nerved at the base, net veins
not very obvious; flowers often appearing on leafless branchlets; cymes oblong in
outline; flowers 5 mm or longer; seeds compressed and slightly concave, never
grooved 1. S. decussala
Leaves usually acute to subacute distinctly 3-nerved at the base, another pair of nerves
often present but not distinct; flowers appearing in the axils of fully developed
leaves; cymes broad and subumbellate; flowers under 4 mm long; seeds deeply
grooved 2. S. henningsii
Leaves broadest in the lower half, usually long acuminate in the upper half; fruit stipitate at
the base; flowers 4-merous 3. S. usambarensis
Leaves rather thin-textured mostly over 6 cm long:
Inflorescence pubescent; calyx petaloid, lobes broad; leaves sometimes with acarodomatia;
branchlets often pubescent and with a pair of persistent more or less pointed cataphylls
near the base 4. S. mitis
Inflorescence glabrous; calyx not petaloid, lobes longer than broad; leaves and branchlets
glabrous; modified leaves near the base of the branchlets deciduous leaving a ring mark
only 5. S. stuhlmannii
Fruit large, many seeded, rind thick and woody; ovules innumerable:
Leaves narrowing towards the apex and with a distinct straight apical spine 6. S. pungens
Leaves rounded at the apex, not pungent pointed 7. S. innocua
(aggregate species)
Leaves densely to sparsely pubescent, rarely glabrous (hybrid ?) ; usually not much longer than
broad; branchlets stout the ultimate with numerous congested leaf-scars; tree about 6 m
high with widely spreading canopy; found in dry bush veld la. subsp. dysophylla
Leaves entirely glabrous usually more than twice as long as broad; branchlets slender,
glabrous; tree up to 15 m high, branches usually not spreading to form a wide canopy;
found mostly in coastal forest lb. subsp. gerrardii
Inflorescence terminal on the main branches or on short lateral twigs; calyx segments long and
narrow, often about as long as the corolla; lateral and terminal twigs often converted into
spines:
Ovary 1 -celled; bark not very thickly corky, if somewhat so then flaking in oblong pieces; ultimate
twigs from thin and varnished to thick dull and light coloured, sometimes puberulous. . . .
8. S. spinosa
Ovary 2-celled; stems thickly and persistently corky with longitudinal fissures; ultimate twigs
rather thick, purplish or brownish, tomentulose 9. S. cocculoides
Vegetative characters have been used to some extent in this key with the hope that they will be
useful for identification in certain cases, but differences of degree in the size, shape and texture of the
leaves and branchlets and prominence of nerves are often difficult to determine. Identification must then
be checked, if possible, with the more specific differences such as the grooved seeds, 4-merous flowers and
number of cells in the ovary.
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139
1. Strychnos decussata ( Pappe ) Gi/g in Bot. Jahrb. 28: 121 (1899); Verdoorn in
Bothalia 3: 585 (1939) and 7: 11 (1959); Bruce in Kew Bull. 1956: 156 (1956); Bruce
& Lewis in F.T.E.A. Loganiaceae: 29 (1960). Type: Bathurst, Kowie, Atherstone
s.n. (TCD, neo.!; K).
Atherstonea decussata Pappe, Silva Cap. ed. 2: 29 (1862). Type: Specimens evidently not preserved.
Strychnos atherstonei Harv., Thes. Cap. 2: 41, t.164 (1863); Prain & Cummins in F.C. 4, 1: 1051
(1909). Syntypes: Bathurst, Atherstone s.n.; Durban, Gerrard & McKen 847.
Slender tree 2-12 m tall. Branchlets with many small lenticels, terete to sub-
quadrate with a thin white waxy skin splitting longitudinally and peeling off, knotted
with prominent upturned leaf bases, internodes 1-4 cm long. Leaves dark green,
shiny, glabrous, subcoriaceous, obovate, obovate-oblong, ovate-oblong or elliptic,
rounded at the apex or at most broadly and bluntly acuminate, broadly cuneate at the
base, 1-5-5 cm long, 1-3 cm broad, 3-5-nerved from the base, nerves more distinct
and prominent on the under surface, tertiary nerves not obvious; petiole 3-6 mm long.
Cymes racemose, several-flowered, axillary or from old wood, often appearing before
the season’s new leaves, oblong in outline; bracts opposite, persistent, ovate, about
1-1 -5 mm long, cucullate; pedicels and peduncles minutely to conspicuously papillose
pubescent. Calyx lobed almost to the base; lobes 5, more or less ovate, about
1 mm long, minutely to conspicuously papillose puberulous outside, obtuse to sub-acute.
Corolla creamy-white or whitish-green, 5-lobed; tube 2-4 mm long, campanulate,
sometimes sparsely pilose with multicellular hairs within, minutely papillose without;
lobes 3 mm long, oblong, apex incurved, cucullate, externally and especially on margins
minutely papillose puberulous, internally densely and minutely puberulous and bearded
in the lower half. Stamens arising in the sinuses between the corolla lobes, erect;
filaments flattened, narrowing from a rather broad base, more or less 1-5 mm long;
anthers erect, about 1-25 mm long, exserted. Ovary 2-celled, acuminate into a long
style, the whole 4 mm long, stigma terminal, exserted; ovules 5 in a cell attached to
the central placenta by the centre of the ventral face. Fruit 1-2-seeded, light green
turning orange and red, subglobose, somewhat oblique, not stipitate, about 1-6 cm
diam., rind crustaceous. Seeds subcompressed, point of attachment in the centre of
the slightly concave ventral face (peltate fide Harvey). Fig. 18: 4.
Found in lowveld bush on quartzite hill-slopes or sandy levels, where it often grows on anthills,
down to thickets in the coastal regions. Recorded from the northern regions of the Kruger National
Park, from Zululand, Natal, the Transkei and eastern Cape Province as far south-west as Knysna. It
has also been recorded from Southern Rhodesia and Portuguese East Africa.
Cape. — Bathurst: Kowie, Atherstone s.n.; Port Alfred, Galpin 3047. Alexandria: Alexandria
Forest, Archibald 6084. Knysna: Braeckenhill, forester in F.D.Herb. No. 8342.
Natal. — Umzinto: Dumisa, Rudatis 1226. Durban: Gerrard & McKen 847 (NH); Marriot 11;
Umbilo Road, Marriot s.n. Hlabisa: False Bay, Ward 2727 (NH).
Transvaal. — Sibasa: Punda Milia, Codd 4252, Wambia, van der Schijff 3346.
This is one of the Southern African species with small, one- or rarely two-seeded fruits, with the rind
not thick and woody. It often bears its racemes on leafless twigs giving the false impression of the
inflorescence being a much branched panicle.
The neotype in the Trinity College Herbarium has the flowers on such leafless branchlets with
immature leaves at the tips. These features do not show on the figure in Harvey’s Thesaurus Capensis
which either depicts another branch or is a built up figure, the leaves being from one branch and the
inflorescence from another.
According to the collectors Gerrard and McKen, the Zulus call this tree “ Kings Tree ” because
the “ Chiefs' sticks of ceremony are made of its twigs ” (see Harvey in Thesaurus Capensis 2: 41). Pappe
reports in his Silva Capensis ed. 2, page 29, the common names Cape Teak and Kajatenhout for
this species, but this local application of the names is not generally known in S. Africa and they are
applied to a totally different plant in the Transvaal.
Gerrard <& McKen 847 in Harvey’s herbarium was the type of Harvey's manuscript name Strychnos i
Baculum. Harvey recognised it as the same species as that described by Pappe (see Harvey, l.c.) and so
the name S. Baculum was never published.
It appears that the specimens from the northern regions have the inflorescences more conspicuously
papillose pubescent and the corolla tubes slightly longer than those found in the Cape.
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Loganiaceae
2. Strychnos henningsii Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 17: 569 (1893); Prain & Cummins
in F.C. 4, 1: 1052 (1909); Verdoorn in Bothalia 3: 583 (1939); Bruce in Kew Bull.
1955: 127 (1955); Bruce & Lewis in F.T.E. A. Loganiaceae: 32 (1960). Type: King
William’s Town, Scott Elliot 979 (K, neo.).
Tree, 3-16 m tall. Branchlets terete and in parts subquadrate, skin waxy, splitting
longitudinally, leaf bases fairly prominent, upturned. Leaves glossy green, glabrous,
thinly coriaceous, elliptic-oblong to broadly ovate, usually broadest in the middle
narrowing in the upper third to a subacute apex, wide-cuneate at the base into a short
petiole; blade from about 2 -5-6 -5 cm long and 0-8-4 -4 cm broad, usually distinctly
3-nerved from the base, sometimes 5-nerved but outer pair not as distinct as inner
pair, the inner pair (proximal) curving towards the margin and running parallel with
and next to it; tertiary nerves slender but obvious especially on the lower surface;
petiole 2-5 mm long. Inflorescence axillary even in the terminal pair of leaves, of short,
broad, more or less flat (subumbellate) cymes, branches glabrous or minutely papillose
pubescent in the upper parts, peduncle longer than the upper branches, pedicels very
short or absent; bracts cucullate, ovate to ovate-acuminate, 1-2 mm long. Calyx
rough and with a few minute papillae without, widely campanulate, more or less 1 • 5
mm, lobed to about midway; lobes broad, rounded at apex, and minutely ciliate.
Corolla “greenish-yellow”, “orange”, “yellow” or “cream”; tube short about
1 • 5 mm long ; lobes 5, rather thick, about 2 • 5 mm long, sparsely scaly dorsally, glabrous
or sparsely bearded at the base within. Stamens about 1 -75 mm long, anthers about
1 mm long, apiculate. Ovary short and broad, about 1 mm long and 1 -5 mm broad,
2-celled with a thin wall and several ovules in each cell; style 1 mm long; stigma
terminal, small. Fruit dark green, oblong-globose, about 1 - 2 cm diam.; seeds oblong,
deeply grooved down one side (like a coffee bean), hilum midway in the groove. Fig.
18: 3.
Occurs in high or low forest, in mist belt or dry areas, on wooded hill-sides, in gullies, on river banks
or in coastal forest. Recorded from Kentani in the eastern Cape and northwards through Natal and
Swaziland to the eastern Transvaal. Also found in the eastern regions of Africa from Portuguese East
Africa to the Sudan and Somaliland, and in the western coastal regions of northern Angola and the
Congo.
Cape. — Kentani: Pegler 1341. Willowvale: Acocks 12275. Komga: Flanagan 1102.
Natal. — Durban: Berea, Medley Wood 9944; Marriott 1. Nkandla ?: Tugela River, Gerrard
1917. Hlabisa: Ward 2528. Ingwavuma: Gerstner 3994.
Swaziland.— Hlatikulu, forester in F. D. Herb. No. 5318; Ubombo, Miller S/49.
Transvaal. — Nelspruit: Malelane Codd 5247; van der Schijff 4210.
Many tropical species have gone into the synonymy of this species, all characterised by the “ coffee
bean ” seed (see Kew Bull. 1955: 127).
The inflorescence sometimes appears terminal when there are cymes in the axils of the ultimate pair
of leaves. The bitter bark is used medicinally by natives, fide O. B. Miller, Swaziland. Sometimes
referred to as Hardepeer in the Cape.
3. Strychnos usambarensis Gilg in Engl., Pflanzenw. Ost-Afr. C: 311 (1895);
Bruce in Kew Bull. 1955: 627 (1956); Verdoorn in FI. PI. Afr. 32: t. 1242 (1957);
Bruce & Lewis in F.T.E. A. Loganiaceae: 34 (1960). Type: Tanganyika, Usambara,
Holst 3582 (K, iso.).
S. micans S. Moore in Journ. Linn. Soc. Bot. 40: 146 (1911); Verdoorn in Bothalia 3: 587 (1939).
Type: S. Rhodesia, Chirinda Forest, Swynnerton 125 (K, iso.).
Trees from about 2-15 m tall. Branchlets very slender, terete, young twigs with
a thin white skin, splitting longitudinally and pe ling, leaving dark coloured twigs
with small lenticels; leaf-bases persistent, prominent, upturned. Leaves shiny dark
green above, slightly lighter beneath, ovate-lanceolate, often folding longitudinally,
acuminate in the upper half, 3 -5-5 -5 cm long and 1-2-5 cm broad, shortly cuneate
Loganiaceae
141
to rounded at the base, acute at the apex, 3-nerved from near the base, sometimes
5-nerved but outer pair not distinct and often running into the margin, inner pair
arising 2-4 mm above the base and running parallel with the margin and about 2-4 mm
within it, tertiary veins not conspicuous; margin sometimes crisped; petiole about
6 mm long. Inflorescence a few-flowered compound cyme, more or less oblong in
outline, about 1-5 cm long, peduncle and pedicels glabrous or very minutely and
sparsely papillose pubescent; pedicels about 1 -5 mm long; bracts cucullate, ovate to
ovate-lanceolate, about 1 mm long. Calyx faintly rugose without, more or less 1 • 5
mm long, 4-lobed almost to the base, lobes subovate usually acuminate, minutely
ciliate on the margins, glabrous within. Corolla cream, tube about 1 • 5 mm long,
sparsely bearded in the throat; lobes 4, about 2 mm long, minutely ciliate on the
margins, glabrous within or a few pilose hairs at the base (part of beard), very minutely
scaly within and without, upper half ultimately reflexed. Stamens inserted on the tube
just below the sinuses; filaments about 0-5 mm long; anthers about 0-5 mm long.
Ovary green, more or less oblong, about 1 mm long, 2-cel led with several ovules in each
cell, attenuate into a style about 1 -5 mm long; stigma terminal, small. Fruit globose,
about 1 - 4 cm diam., distinctly stipitate, stipe like a collar, about 1 mm long at the base
of the fruit; seeds slightly compressed, attachment in the centre of the ventral surface.
Fig. 18: 5.
Occurs in high forest, relict forest, deep wooded gorges, rocky banks of streams, in deep valleys or
coastal bush. Recorded from Uganda and Kenya southwards to the Transvaal and Natal.
Natai . — Durban: Bluff, Marriot 4. Hlabisa: Mtubatuba, Gerstner 3104; Hluhluwe Game
Reserve, Guy 118. Ubombo: Acocks 13114.
Swaziland. — Hlatikulu, Boocock 22; Stegi, Mapungwane Forest, Miller S/82.
Transvaal. — Brits: Jacksonstuin, Marais 1107; Leistner 184. Pretoria: Rust der Winter, Codd
6297. Sibasa: Makonde, van Warmelo 5116/20. Soutpansberg: Smuts & Gillett 4106.
Characterised by its 4-merous flowers, stipitate, 1-2-seeded fruits and long-acuminate leaves.
4. Strychnos mitis S. Moore in Journ. Linn. Soc. Bot. 40: 146 (1911); Bruce &
Lewis in F.T.E.A. Loganiaceae: 21 (1960). Type: Chirinda Forest, Swynnerton 17a.
Trees 10-14 m tall. Branchlets fairly slender, young twigs sometimes pubescent,
skin thin waxy splitting longitudinally, persistent leaf bases prominent, upturned, a
pair of pointed scales (cataphylls) usually present at or near the base of the ultimate
twigs. Leaves dark green, shiny above, paler beneath, 6-5-10 cm long and 2-5 cm broad
(rarely smaller, then about 4-4 cm long and 2-5 cm broad) oblong-elliptic to ovate-
elliptic, gradually narrowed to an acute or obtuse apex or abruptly acuminate in the
upper fifth, broadly cuneate, or rounded and abruptly cuneate at the base, pubescent
to glabrous, sometimes with acarodomatia in the axils of the nerves below, 5-nerved
at the base, nerves slender, not very obvious on upper surface, the proximal pair arising
up to 1 • 5 cm above the base, at first erect ascending then arcuate, running along the
margin about 2-4 mm from the edge in the upper half of the leaf, distal pair often
indistinct, arcuate from the base and running near to or into the margin; petiole some-
times pubescent, 2-7 mm long. Inflorescence of one or more compound cymes in the
axils of the leaves, 2-3-5 cm long, more or less oblong in outline, with branches, bracts
and calyx pubescent, hairs short, varying in length, partly patent; bracts petaloid,
creamy white, cucullate, 1-2 mm long, ciliate. Calyx petaloid, pubescent without,
glabrous within, lobed almost to the base; lobes 5, suborbicular, strongly imbricate
enveloping the ovary, ciliate, about 1 • 5 mm long and 1 • 5 mm broad. Corolla creamy
yellow, glabrous without, lobed to just below the middle; tube 1-75 mm long, long
bearded in the throat otherwise glabrous; lobes about 2 mm long, glabrous except
at the bearded base. Stamens with the free portion of the filaments about 0 • 75 mm long;
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Loganiaceae
Fig. 17. — 1, Strychnos innocua subsp. dysophylla, illustrating lateral inflorescence, the flowers in sessile
cymes, crowded along abbreviated branchlets ( O.S.V . in TRV 31801); la, calyx and gynoecium,
X 6; lb, corolla showing anthers and hairs in the throat, X 6. 2. S. mitis, portion of branch
with lateral twigs showing paired cataphylls near the base ( Fegen 5602); 2a, portion of lateral
inflorescence showing the upper cyme, X 6. 3, S. stuhlmannii, portion of branch showing terminal
spine-like tips and a leafy lateral branchlet with axillary inflorescences the lower from a leaf-like
cataphyll ( Rowland Jones 37). 4, S. spinosa, illustrating a terminal inflorescence on a lateral
branchlet (Marais 913); 4a, portion of a cyme showing long bracts and calyx-lobes, the corolla
has fallen from the older flower, X 5.
Logianaceae
143
anthers about 1 mm long, sparsely bearded at the base. Ovary 2-celled with several
ovules in each cell, glabrous, oblong, attenuate into the style (except Boocock 25 which
has a short broad ovary, broader than long, like S. henningsii). Fruit turns yellow,
subglobose, 1-3 cm diam. Fig. 17: 2.
Found in forests and coastal bush, usually in wet habitats. Recorded from Kenya, Southern
Rhodesia, Portuguese East Africa and Southern Africa.
Cape. — Ngqeleni: Qokama, Acocks 12822. Port St. Johns: Mzwane, Fegen 5602. Lusikisiki:
Mlotana, Fegen in F.D. Herb. 2743; 2944.
Natal. — Ngome: Gerstner 5204. Hlabisa: Codd 9624; Ward 2674.
Swaziland. — Stegi, Keith s.n.; Hlatikulu, Boocock 25.
Characteristics of this species are the thin-textured leaves, acarodomatia sometimes present in the
axils of the veins on the dorsal surface, bearded anthers, and cataphylls near the base of the branchlets.
The fruit is said to be eaten by birds, squirrels and monkeys.
5. Strychnos stuhlmannii Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 17: 570 (1893); Bak. in F.T.A. 4,
1: 529 (1903); Bruce & Lewis in F.T.E.A. Loganiaceae: 33 (1960). Syntypes:
Tanganyika, Mwanza, Stuhlmann 4178; Portuguese East Africa, Shiramba, Kirk
s.n. (K).
Trees 5-14 m tall. Branchlets glabrous, not very slender, skin splitting longi-
tudinally and peeling, lenticels very numerous, leaf-bases large and prominent, twigs
usually with a ring near the base, the remains of the leaflike deciduous cataphyll, the
growing point modified into a spine-like, 1-3 mm long tip. Leaves thin textured,
rather dark green, glabrous, oblong to ovate-oblong, shortly acuminate to an acute apex,
rounded or broadly cuneate at the base, 6-17 cm long and 3-7-5 cm broad, 5-nerved
from the base, the proximal pair of nerves distinct, arising 1-2 cm from the base, at
first suberect then arching towards the margin and running close to it in the upper
third of the leaf, the distal pair not so distinct and running into the margin in the lower
third of the leaf; petiole 3-7 mm long. Inflorescence axillary, usually in axils of the
upper leaves or rising near the base of the branchlets from a leaf-like bract, peduncles
and pedicels slender, glabrous, pedicels of the lateral flowers about 4 mm long, of the
terminal about 2 mm long; bracts long acuminate, the opposite not connate at the base.
Calyx about 2 mm long, glabrous within and without, lobed almost to the base; lobes 5,
longer than broad, acute or subacute. Corolla “ green ”; tube about 2 mm long or
apparently longer (the lobes being erect and cohering in the lower half); lobes 5, linear,
about 4-5 mm long and 0-75 mm broad, bearded on the inner face about the middle
or near the base, otherwise glabrous. Stamens 5, with free portion of filaments about
2-5 mm long; anthers up to 2 mm long, glabrous. Ovary glabrous, about
2 mm long, 2-celled with a few ovules in each cell, attenuate into a long style about
3 mm long; stigma small, terminal. Fruit turning black or “ dark blue ” when mature,
subglobose, about 1-7 cm diam. Fig. 17: 3.
Found in riverine bush, in silt or on rocky hillsides near the rivers. Recorded from Tanganyika
southern Congo, Nyasaland, the Rhodesias, Bechuanaland, Portuguese East Africa, South West Africa
and the north-eastern Transvaal.
Transvaal. — Sibasa: Pafuri, Codd 5397; Levubu River, Codd 5381; Punda Milia Rest Camp,
Rowland Jones 37.
S.W.A. — Caprivi: Mpilila Island, Killick 3400.
“ Fruits small, black, eaten by birds and baboons, poisonous to humans (Robertson & Ellfers,
information probably supplied by O. B. Miller). “ Fruits plentiful, no sign of being eaten by birds or
animals ” (Codd).
Characterised by the very slender glabrous branches of the inflorescence, the long, slender styles,
and the modified leaves which are sometimes found near the base of the twigs. These modified leaves
appear to be single (instead of in opposite pairs), with an amplexicaul base and strongly reflexed limb.
They are early deciduous and leave a ring scar.
144
Loganiaceae
6. Strychnos pungens Solered. in Pflanzenfam. 4, 2: 40(1892); Bot. Jahrb. 17: 554
(1893); Prain & Cummins in F.C. 4, 1: 1051 (1909); Bruce & Lewis in Kew Bull.
1956: 268 (1956); Bruce & Lewis in F.T.E.A. Loganiaceae: 24 (1960). Syntypes:
Angola, Welwitsch 4778 (K); Tanganyika, Fischer 374 (BM).
S. occidentalis Soiered., l.c. (1892). Type not cited; sunk under above by Solereder in second
reference.
An evergreen tree 2-7 m tall with thick fissured bark. Branch/ets thick, rough
and corky, swollen at the nodes, but the ultimate twigs 2-4 mm diam. about midway,
with a rather thick waxy splitting skin and persistent slightly prominent suberect
leaf-bases. Leaves coriaceous rigid, usually glabrous, with a pungent point, ovate to
ovate-oblong or oblong-elliptic, 1 • 5-6 • 5 cm long and 0 • 7-3 cm broad, narrowing
somewhat to the apex where the midrib is excurrent as a pungent, 2-4 mm long spine,
rounded or broadly cuneate at the base into a thick 1-4 mm long petiole, nerves 3-5
from the base, the marginal pair sometimes obscure or absent, midrib prominent
beneath, the rest slender but prominent on both surfaces. Cymes axillary, clustered,
subsessile, simple or compound, about 1 • 5 cm long, each branch 3-flowered; peduncles
and pedicels short, pubescent; bracts ovate-oblong, concave, about 1-5 mm long.
Calyx 5-lobed (sometimes 4-lobed) to the base, lobes somewhat unequal, imbricate,
broadly ovate with a short acuminate apex, ciliate. Corolla greenish, 5-lobed to about
midway, glabrous outside with a dense fringe of hairs in a ring at the mouth of the
tube; tube about 3 mm long; lobes about 3 mm long, thick with thick margins and
an incurved apex. Stamens glabrous, erect; filaments short, triangular, inserted in
the mouth of the tube; anthers about 1 -75 mm long. Ovary 2-celled with a ring of
long hairs where it narrows into the style, ovary plus style about 4 mm long; stigma
terminal. Fruit green or bluish-green turning yellow brown, globose, up to 10 cm
diam., many seeded, rind thick (3-4 mm thick), woody; seeds up to 2-7 cm diam.,
embedded in yellowish pulp which has a strong smell, testa becoming hard and not
shrinking with the endosperm (as in S. innocua subsp. dysophylla).
Grows in dry sites on ledges, rocky slopes, or at the base of stony koppies in the central and western
Transvaal and in sandy regions of northern South West Africa. It has also been recorded from Bechuana-
land and from central tropical Africa.
Transvaal. — Middelburg: Thode A1627. Johannesburg: Gilfillan 6153. Krugersdorp: Mogg
20263. Pretoria: Koedoespoort, Mogg 15783. Rustenburg: Woodstock, Pegler 1034; Buffelspoort,
Turner 26. Marico: Zeerust, Thode A 1450 (NH). Potgietersrus: Burtt Davy 2290.
S.W.A. — Amboland: Rodin 2663; Story 5351.
This species is easily distinguished by its pungent-pointed leaves. The fruit usually has a strong
smell and is inferior, from the palatable stand-point, to some of the other species with large fruits.
Reports from South West Africa state that in those regions the fruit is palatable and has not got a
disagreeable smell. This feature may vary with the locality.
S. pungens is most nearly related to, but specifically quite distinct from S. innocua subsp. dysophylla.
At certain localities the areas of distribution meet and there is evidence that plants of these two taxa
hybridize. An example is a group of trees on the northern slopes of the Magaliesberg in the Wonder-
boom Reserve, Pretoria. Some of these trees, growing among typical S. pungens, show characteristics
of S. innocua subsp. dysophylla. For instance the bark is smoother, the branches not forming a low,
widely-spread canopy, the leaves broader with a much smaller pungent point and some leaves even
rounded at the apex. Among the trees some seem nearer to S. pungens, with large leaves of the same
texture as S. pungens but not so much narrowed towards the apex; others have the leaves smaller and less
coriaceous, very broadly acuminate, to rounded at the apex and the twigs bear numerous, almost crowded
leaf-scars, approaching the abbreviated twigs with congested leaf-scars of S. innocua subsp. dysophylla.
The common name for S. pungens is Klapper. Klapperkop, Pretoria, derives its name from the
trees of this species growing on the hill.
7. Strychnos innocua Del., Cent. PI. Afr. 53 (1826). Bullock & Bruce in Kew
Bull. 1938: 46 (1938), excl. syn. S. lokua A. Rich.; Verdoorn in Bothalia 7 : 11 (1958);
Bruce & Lewis in F.T.E.A. Loganiaceae: 25 (1960). Type: possibly no specimen
preserved, Blue Nile, Sudan-Ethiopian boundary, Cailliaud s.n. (see Bruce & Lewis
in Kew Bull. 1956: 270).
Loganiaceae
145
Shrubs or trees, 3-15 m tall, unarmed. Leaves obovate-oblong, sometimes sub-
orbicular to elliptic-oblong, apex broadly rounded to subacute, base cuneate or
subcuneate; petioles short, up to 1 cm long. Inflorescence axillary and on old wood,
cymose, shortly peduncled or sessile. Calyx about 3 cm long, lobed almost to the base;
lobes suborbicular, ciliate. Corolla about 6 mm long, lobed to about midway; tube
bearded at the throat within. Ovary 2-cel led, attenuate into a long style, hirsute in
upper portion; style glabrous, at least in upper half; ovules several in each cell. Fruit
dark green, “ bluish green ”, from about 4 cm to 10 cm diam., seeds several; seed-coats
which have a fatty oil content become sub-leathery and do not shrink with the endosperm
(see Fig. 18 : 1).
Recorded from the West Coast of Africa eastwards to the borders of Ethiopia and southwards
through Uganda to the Transvaal and Natal.
The latest views on S. innocua (conveyed in letters from Dr. Leeuwenberg of Wageningen, Holland,
who is reviewing the family Loganiaceae in Africa) differ in some respects from those given in the Flora
of Tropical East Africa, 1960, especially in so far as the status of S. dysophylla Benth. is concerned. In
this case Dr. Leeuwenberg’s views agree partly with the treatment published in Bothalia 7: 11 (1958) and
followed here, namely the reduction of S. dysophylla Benth. to subspecific rank in the complex species
S. innocua Del. Dr. Leeuwenberg goes further and is of the opinion that subsp. dysophylla (Benth.)
Verdoorn is inseparable from subsp. burtonii (Baker) Bruce & Lewis. He recognises to date only 3
subspecies in S. innocua , (1) the typical subspecies, (2) a subspecies based on S. engleri Gilg and (3)
subsp. burtonii. A study of the South African representatives of this complex species, both living plants
and herbarium specimens, indicates that, here, there are two recognisable taxa which are well defined and
apparently of equal status. Both these can be differentiated from the typical subspecies by, among
others, the following leaf characteristic, which is useful with herbarium specimens: the leaves are
shiny above (not dull or mat) with obvious but not prominent tertiary veins, and do not reach a length
of up to 15 cm. From the subspecies based on S. engleri Gilg they are readily distinguished in that the
rind of the fruit is woody in our plants and not leathery. According to our interpretation, neither of
these two tropical subspecies reaches South Africa. It is conceded that from the broad concept of the
third subspecies, subsp. burtonii (Baker) Bruce & Lewis, which may include elements of one or both the
South African taxa, the latter are not so readily distinguished but until the types of the basionym and
living plants of the tropical subspecies can be studied these southern plants are here classified as below.
For key to subspecies see key to species, page 138.
{a) subsp. dysophylla (Benth?) Verdoorn in Bothalia 7: 11(1958). Type: Delagoa
Bay, Forbes s.n. (K, holo.).
S. dysophylla Benth. in Journ. Linn. Soc. Bot. 1 : 103 ( 1857); Prain & Cummins in F.C. 4, 1 : 1054
(1909); Bruce & Lewis in F.T.E.A. Loganiaceae: 27 (1960); subsp. dysophylla, Bruce & Lewis in Kew
Bull. 1956: 273 (1956). S. unguacha var. dysophylla (Benth.) Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 17: 564 (1893). S.
innocua sensu Bullock and Bruce in Kew Bull. 1938: 45 (1938), partly.
This subspecies is characterised by the trees being up to 8 m tall with a widely
spreading canopy, the branchlets being, usually, rather thick, smooth, brown or dark
grey, distinctly lenticelled, and bearing short contracted lateral branchlets with congested
prominent leaf-scars; the leaves mostly obovate-oblong, suborbicular or oblong-
elliptic, 2-8 cm long and 1-4-2 cm broad, densely to sparsely pubescent on both surfaces
or at least on the veins beneath, rarely glabrous; the inflorescence not pedunculate;
and the flowers only about 5 mm long. Fig. 17: 1 (inflorescence) and 18: 1 (fruit).
Found in warm dry rocky country in Natal and the eastern, northern and western Transvaal. Also
recorded from Portuguese East Africa, the Rhodesias, Nyasaland and Tanganyika.
Natal. — Pinetown: Marianhill, Marloth 5669. Lower Tugela: Tugela, Gerrard 1660. Hlabisa:
Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Ward 1743; 2572. Nongoma: Black Umfolosi, Verdoorn 1705.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Thorncroft 1053. Nelspruit: near Numbi Gate, Marais 905; Pretorius
Kop, Marais 910. Lydenburg: Sekukuniland, Barnard 267 . Soutpansberg: Obermeyer, Schweickerdt &
Verdoorn 161. Potgietersrus: Magouta, Galpin 11624. Waterberg: near Nylstroom, Marais 902;
Kransberg, Dyer & Verdoorn 4213. Brits: Codd 6558. Pretoria: Wonderboom Reserve, RepNsn
1882. Groblersdal: Maloekse Kop, Codd 2724.
In certain localities where this subspecies grows in proximity with subsp. gerrardii (see notes under
that subspecies) specimens are found that exhibit some of the characteristics of the one combined with
characteristics of the other. For instance one may find a totally glabrous leaf which is at the same time
146
Loganiaceae
Fig. 18. — I, Strychnos innocua subsp. dysophylla, transverse section of many-seeded fruit showing
the cotyledons shrinking from the seed-coats ( I Yard 2572); la, showing contracted lateral branches
with congested leaf-scars. 2, S. spinosa, transverse section of fruit showing that the seed-coats
shrink with the cotyledons (Codd 9703); 2a, portion of a twig with axillary and terminal spines.
3, S. hcnningsii, the whole, 1 -seeded fruit and the oblong seed grooved down one side ( Marriott 1).
4, S. decussata, the somewhat oblique I -seeded fruit and the compressed seed with point of
attachment in the centre of ventral face ( Marriott 2). 5. S. usambarensis, the distinctly stipitate,
I -seeded fruit and the slightly compressed seed with central attachment ( Marriott 4).
Loganiaceae
147
not much longer than broad growing on a low spreading tree, or again a pubescent leaf which is more
than twice as long as broad growing on a tree with erect branches. These odd specimens do not give the
impression of a gradual intergradation of characteristics such as may be found among varieties, but
rather of hybridization. Another possible explanation is the phenomenon, which may occur among
subspecies, that in certain circumstances a characteristic which has for long not been expressed appears
again (a throw-back?).
The common name M’Kwakwa, derived from the native name for subsp. dysophylla, is very generally
used. The fruit is known to have a fatty oil content. It is valued by the natives as a source of
nutriment in the areas where it occurs. The favourable factor is that the edible part can be dried and
stored. As may be seen in the drawing (Fig. 18: 1), the seed coats become sub-leathery and, evidently
owing to this fatty oil content, do not shrink with the endosperm. It is this substance that is stored and
eaten when required. It is usually stamped into small pieces.
(b) subsp. gerrardii ( N.E . Br.) Verdoorn in Bothalia 7: 12 (1958). Type: Durban,
Medley Wood 5624 (K, lecto.; PRE, fragment lecto.!).
S. gerrardii N.E. Br. in Kew Bull. 1896: 162 (1896); Wood & Evans, Natal Plants 1: 16 (1899);
Prain & Cummins in F.C. 4, 1 : 1053 (1909). ( S . mackenii Harv. ms. and S. mackenii Gerrard ms.).
Syntypes: Berea, Medley Wood 5624; in Gardens, Medley Wood 1777; without locality, Gerrard 1421.
This subspecies is characterised as follows; Shrubs or trees up to 15 m high with
the secondary branches growing vertically upwards, not spreading, to form a wide
canopy; branchlets comparatively slender, glabrous, smooth, lenticelled; leaves
completely glabrous, fairly thin at flowering time, usually elliptic-oblong, and narrowing
towards the obtuse or occasionally subacute apex, cuneate, sometimes broadly so,
at the base; inflorescence axillary, shortly peduncled, peduncle glabrous, usually
shorter than the upper branches of the inflorescence; flowers only about 5 mm long.
Found in coastal forest and on sandy banks of streams and rivers near the coast in Natal. Recorded
from Umzinto in the south to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve in the north.
Natal. — Umzinto: Dumisa, Rudatis 588. Umkomaas: Gerrard & McKen 1422 (TCD !). Durban:
Berea, Medley Wood 5624; 6163. Lower Tugela: Nonoti, Gerrard 1421 (TCD and NH). Kranskop:
Mambula, Dyer 4347. Hlabisa: Gerstner 5063; Flluhluwe Game Reserve, Ward 1890; 2570.
In the coastal forests where this subspecies normally grows it cannot be confused with subsp.
dysophylla, being a tall tree, frequently branched near the base with erect branches, and having slender,
completely glabrous twigs and glabrous leaves which are usually more than twice as long as broad.
There are, however, certain localities (such as in the Tugela valley, near the river, which in the past may
have been moister than they are to-day) where one finds trees with the characteristics of subsp. gerrardii
growing among trees of subsp. dysophylla and others which have some of the features of the one sub-
species together with features of the other (see notes under subsp. dysophylla). These appear to be
hybrids.
The Zulu name for subsp. gerrardii is Mgulugulu. Its fruits are similar to those of the preceding
except that, on the whole, they are slightly smaller, up to 5 5 cm diameter as opposed to up to 8 cm
diameter.
8. Strychnos spinosa Lam., Illustr. 2: 38 (1793); Prain & Cummins in F.C. 4,
1: 1055(1909); E. A. Bruce in Kew Bull. 1955: 40 (1955); Bruce & Lewis in F.T.E.A.
Loganiaceae: 17 (1960). Type: Madagascar, in Herb. Lam. (P, holo.; K, photo.).
Brehmia spinosa (Lam.) Harv. ex DC., Prodr. 9: 18 (1845).
Strychnos spinosa subsp. lokua (A. Rich.) E. A. Bruce, l.c. 42 (1955), as to southern African
specimens.
Trees 3-9 m tall, bark often somewhat corky, flaking in rectangular pieces, leaving
smooth white patches. Branchlets usually armed, from slender and shiny “ varnished ”
to fairly thick, dull and pale coloured, glabrous or puberulous, persistent leaf-bases
somewhat prominent, upturned, sparsely setose in the axils, lateral and terminal twigs
sometimes reduced to spines (coppice shoots very spinous); spines slender and straight
to fairly thick and somewhat recurved, sometimes rudimentary. Leaves obovate-
oblong, ovate-oblong or suborbicular, 5-nerved (rarely 7-nerved) from near the base,
148
Loganiaceae
tertiary veins faint to fairly distinct, variable in shape, size and pubescence, often
(a) leaves small, on an average 2-4-5 cm long and 1-2-5 cm broad, broadly rounded at
the apex, somewhat cuneate at the base, glabrous or with hairs in the axils of the nerves
below, rarely (b) leaves medium to large, on an average 5-7 cm long and 3 • 5-6 cm broad,
abruptly narrowing in the upper third into a distinct blunt acumen, broadly cuneate
to rounded at the base, thin in texture, or (c) leaves large, 5-9-5 cm long and 3-6 cm
broad, suborbicular, puberulous on both surfaces (the form nearest subsp. lokua of
tropical Africa); petioles 5-7 mm long. Cymes terminal on the branchlets and on the
short lateral twigs, arranged in pseudo-umbels on more or less 1 cm long peduncles,
pedicels and peduncles puberulous; bracts from about 2-4 mm long, linear acuminate
from a rather broad and somewhat vaginating base. Calyx pubescent without at least
at the base, 5-lobed almost to the base; lobes linear subulate about 5-5 mm long,
about as long as the corolla of the mature flower, sometimes slightly longer or slightly
shorter. Corolla pale green to greenish white, buds oblong-globose overtopped by the
calyx-lobes, open corolla about 4 mm long, 5-lobed to about midway, glabrous within
except for a dense fringe of hair at the throat, glabrous or rarely puberulous without.
Stamens inserted at the base of the tube, filaments about as long as the anthers; anthers
with their tops reaching to the throat of the corolla, minutely apiculate, cells bearded
near the base. Ovary 1-celled sometimes 2-celled at base, subglobose, puberulous at
least in upper portion, abruptly narrowed into a short style; stigma terminal, conical,
about as long as the style; disc at base of ovary not protruding. Fruit green, becoming
yellow, large, globose, 6-9 cm diam., rind thick and woody, not completely smooth
and sometimes conspicuously warty outside; seeds many embedded in pulp; seed
coats thin, shrinking with the endosperm. Fig. 17: 4 (inflorescence) and Fig. 18: 2
(fruit).
In South Africa found on wooded sandy granite slopes, in open bush and mopane-veld of the sandy
flats, in bush along rivers and at the coast. It has been recorded from the eastern Cape and Natal
coasts, northwards through Swaziland, Mozambique, the eastern and northern Transvaal, the north-
eastern corner of South West Africa and into tropical Africa.
Cape. — Knysna: Rogers 28431 (K). Bathurst: Between Riet and Kleinmond, McicOwan s.n.
(GRA!). Komgha: Kei Mouth, Flanagan 2375.
Natal. — Port Shepstone: near Southbroom, Codd 9703. Umzinto: near Botha House, Smuts
2341. Durban: Oliver 2. Pietermaritzburg: Table Mountain, Killick 344. Eshowe: at bridge over
Umhlatuzi, Verdoorn 1709. Hlabisa: Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Ward 2622.
Swaziland. — Banks of the Mzimpofu River, Pole Evans 3420.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Crocodile Poort, Galpin 1075. Nelspruit: near Pretorius Kop, Codd
441 2 (cited in Kew Bull. 1955 as ssp. lokua)\ Marais & van der Schijff 1247 ; 1250; 1 255 ; Codd & Verdoorn
5460 (between ssp. spinosa and ssp. lokua fide E. A. Bruce in letter); Hippo Pool, Letty 94; Subtropical
Research Station, Marais 921 . Sibasa: Kruger National Park, Wambia, van der Schijff & Marais 3683;
near Punda Milia, Codd 5988. Soutpansberg: Louis Trichardt, Gerstner 5687 ; Soutpan, Ga!pin\ 15148
near Messina, Codd 4138. Potgietersrus : Pyramid Estate, Galpin 8830.
S.W.A. — Okavango: Andara, de Winter & Marais 4798.
According to Bruce in the Kew Bulletin 1955, specimens in tropical Africa belonging to this species
can be divided into three subspecies. An examination of a large number of herbarium specimens, as
well as growing trees in southern Africa, has shown that in our regions it is not possible to group the
specimens showing some variation, into any recognisable entities. The following variations have been
noted: (a) the most typical form with small leaves about 2-4-5 cm long and 1-2 5 cm broad, broadly
rounded at the apex, glabrous except for angle hairs; ( b ) a rarer form with medium to large leaves, about
5 7 cm long, and 3 -5-6 cm broad, abruptly narrowing in the upper third, rather thin in texture; and (c)
the form nearest “subsp. lokua ” of tropical Africa, leave' large, 5-9 5 cm long and 3-6 cm broad,
suborbicular, puberulous on both surfaces. But there are many intermediate specimens. In most cases
the trees cannot be distinguished in the wild and seem to grow intermingled. The features used in the
key by Bruce to distinguish the tropical subspecies, branchlets “ varnished ” dark or mottled as against
branchlets with pale and powdery surface, spines straight or curved, length of calyx lobes and so on do
not always combine with the leaf variations that characterise the groups mentioned above.
Loganiaceae
149
With regard to the fruit, which also varies, the surface usually appears to be smooth or with fine
inconspicuously raised dots but may occasionally be conspicuously wrinkled, mottled or “ warty
To date the distinctly warty fruits have not been found to be confined to any special variant. In tropical
Africa it has been definitely recorded only in the subspecies rolkensii, but investigations are incomplete.
The natives know the tree by the name Msala and they distinguish between its fruits and those of
M’kwakwa (S. innocua subsp. dysophylla). The fruits of S. spinosa are eaten only when fresh. The
seed coats are not of the same substance as those of M’kwakwa and shrink with the endosperm (see
Fig. 18 : 2). An analysis of the seeds at the Imperial Institute, London, in 1930 showed a low oil
content, considerably lower than that of S. innocua subsp. dysophylla.
9. Strychnos cocculoides Bak. in Kew Bull. 1895: 98 (1895); F.T.A. 4, 1: 533
(1903); Bruce in Kew Bull. 1955: 38 (1955); Bruce & Lewis in F.T.E.A. Loganiaceae:
16 (1960). Type: Angola, Huilla, Welwitsch 4779 (K, holo.).
S. schumanniana Gilg in Warb., Kunene Samb. Exped.: 330 (1903); Prain & Cummins in F.C. 4, 1 :
1054 (1909). Type: Angola, Baum 290.
Trees or rarely shrubs, 2-8 m tall, occasionally taller, with straight, erect stems
which are thickly and persistently corky, cork longitudinally fissured. Branchlets
often armed or ending in a spine, rather thick, dull grey or brown, pubescent, with
the persistent leaf-bases somewhat prominent, platform concave, upturned, the new
growth or ultimate twigs brownish, sooty or plum-coloured, tomentulose. Leaves
broadly ovate-oblong, oblong-obovate or suborbicular, from about 2-5 cm long and
1 ■ 5 cm broad to 5 cm long and 4 cm broad, pubescent on both surfaces, sometimes
glabrescent, apex broadly rounded or broadly acuminate, retuse or with a minute
soft mucro at the apex; base rounded or very broadly cuneate; 5-nerved from the base,
the distal pair sometimes very faint. Cymes terminal on the short ultimate branchlets,
forming a subglobose head on a short peduncle averaging 5-15 mm long, peduncle
and pedicels tomentulose. Calyx 5-lobed almost to the base, pubescent without;
lobes erect spreading, long acuminate from a broad base, almost as long as the mature
corolla. Corolla greenish, about 4-5 mm long, sparsely puberulous outside, 5-lobed
almost to midway; tube glabrous within except for a dense fringe of hairs in the throat.
Stamens inserted at the base of the corolla tube, the tops of the anthers reaching the
throat of the tube; filaments about as long as the anthers; anthers bearded. Ovary
subglobose, more or less pubescent at least in the upper portion, 2-celled (rarely
3-celled at base), ovules numerous in each cell. Fruit dark green, minutely speckled or
flecked with light green, globose, about 7 cm diam., rind thick woody, flesh champagne
coloured; seed bony, compressed, one surface rounded the other flattened with a
distinctly hollowed out area in the centre, seed coats thin shrinking with the bony
endosperm.
Found on rocky slopes with scattered trees or on sandy flats in mixed woodland. It has been
recorded from the western Transvaal, South West Africa (northern area), Bechuanaland, the Rhodesias
and Angola.
Transvaal. — Pretoria: Wonderboom Reserve, Repnon 1757; Meintjies Kop, Mogg 16423; Waterval
(Gen. Hertzog’s Farm) Pole Evans s.n. Middelburg: Olifants River Gorge, Mogg 6460. Waterberg:
near Nylstroom, Marais 901; Codd 6151. Potgietersrus : Thode A 1737.
S.W.A. — Okavango: Kuring Kuru, de Winter 3826. Grootfontein : Schoenf elder 222. Ovamboland:
Rodin 2664.
With herbarium specimens it is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between specimens belonging
to this species and some forms of S. spinosa. The distribution, in the main, is distinct, but it overlaps
in certain areas such as the western extremity of the Soutpansberg and in parts of Rhodesia. The dis-
tinguishing features are the very thick corky bark of S. cocculoides , the tomentulose, rather dark coloured
ultimate twigs (new growth), the cymes arranged in subglobose heads and the usually 2-celled ovary.
The fruit is very like that of S. spinosa in that the seed coats also shrink with the endosperm. The
rind is usually speckled or flecked. In the Okavango and Ovamboland districts of South West Africa,
this fruit, eaten fresh, is greatly prized by the inhabitants. The Herero common name for the fruit is
Omusu; the Diriko and Sambiu tribes call it Liguni or Maguni.
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Loganiaceae
6469
3. NUXIA
Nuxia Lam., Illustr. 1: 295, t.71 (1791); Prain & Cummins in F.C. 4, 1: 1038 (1909);
Verdoorn in Bothalia 7: 13 (1958); Bruce & Lewis in F.T.E.A. Loganiaceae: 41
(1960). Type species: N. verticillata Lam., Mauritius.
Lachnopylis Hochst. in Flora 26: 77 (1843); C. A. Sm. in Kew Bull. 1930: 15 (1930). Phill., Gen-
ed. 2: 575 (1951).
Shrubs or trees with fibrous, stringy bark. Leaves ternate, sometimes opposite,
rarely some leaves alternate, petiolate, glabrous, scaly or variously pubescent, sometimes
glutinose; hairs simple, branched or gland-tipped, short or long, dense or sparse;
margins entire or variously toothed or lobed, sometimes somewhat undulate. Cymes
in terminal panicles or corymbosely congested, sometimes contracted into pseudo-heads
or umbels. Calyx tubular-campanulate, 4-lobed, lobes erect, tube usually appressedly
hairy within. Corolla with the tube usually included in the calyx (exserted in N. verti-
cillata Lam., Mauritius and Reunion), circumscissile near the base and often bearded
in the throat, 4-lobed, lobes usually reflexed over the erect calyx lobes. Stamens 4,
inserted in or just below the throat of the corolla tube; anthers exserted, cells confluent.
Ovary 2-celled, narrowed into the style; stigma terminal, usually exserted (included
in N. verticillata)-, ovules on an axile placenta, many in each cell. Capsule small,
slightly longer to twice as long as the persistent calyx, septicidally 2-valved, valves
splitting at the apex; placenta free.
The decision recorded in Bothalia 7: 13 (1958) to revert to the genus Nuxia, with Lachnopylis as a
synonym, for all the African and Mascarene species, is in agreement with the views of contemporary
systematists such as Paul Jovet, Paris, working on the Mascarene species, and John Lewis, Kew, working
on the tropical East African species.
The author of the genus is often cited as “ Comm, ex Lamarck ”.
Cymes contracted to form several- to many-flowered heads or umbels with bracts forming a false
involucre, inflorescence oblong in outline, longer than broad, overtopping the leaves; flowers
small, calyx about 3 mm long; leaves small, up to 4-5 cm long and 1 -5 cm broad, texture rather
thin, rigid, margins entire or finely serrate:
Leaves oblong, cuneate, blade usually less than 3 times as long as broad, margins entire or some-
times minutely toothed in upper half 1. N. glomerulata
Leaves linear-oblanceolate usually more than 3 times as long as broad, conspicuously and finely
serrate on the margins 2. N. gracilis
Cymes 3-flowered, often congested but not forming many-flowered separate heads or umbels;
inflorescence usually broader than long and often overtopped by the leaves; flowers with calyx
about 5 mm long (except in N. floribunda)-, leaves small or large, moderately thick, margins
often lobate, repand dentate or crenate, sometimes entire or somewhat undulate:
Leaves opposite, linear-oblong to oblanceolate-oblong, usually shallowly repand dentate, up to
1-5 cm broad, over 3 times as long as broad 3. N. oppositifolia
Leaves 3-nate, elliptic-oblong, broadly oblong to suborbicular, usually not up to 3 times as long as
broad but if so then leaves up to 5 cm broad:
Cymes arranged in large loose panicles; leaves elliptic-oblong, long petioled (petiole 2 -3-4 -5
cm long); corolla lobes glabrous dorsally, not forming a peak in bud 4. N. floribunda
Cymes corymbosely arranged, usually broader than long, congested, with flowers more or less
fastigiate; leaves variously shaped; petiole short or up to 1 cm long; corolla lobes
appressedly setose dorsally, the apices forming a peak or umbo in bud; a very variable
species especially in leaf-shape and pubescence, the hairs being simple, branched or gland-
tipped, dense, sparse or absent 5. N. congesla
1. Nuxia glomerulata (C.A. Sm.) Verdoorn in Bothalia 7: 14 (1958). Type:
Rustenburg, Swartruggens, Louche 9 (PRE, holo.!; K).
Lachnopylis glomerulata C. A. Sm. >n Kew Bull. 1930:24(1930). L. suaveolens C.A. Sm., l.c. : 23.
Type: Marico, Zeerust, Rogers 20369 (PRE, holo.!).
Loganiaceae
151
A straggling shrub or small tree from about 1-2-5 m tall, new growth pilose
pubescent. Leaves ternate, oblong, narrowly oblong or oblong-elliptic, cuneate at the
base, usually broadly rounded at the apex, mucronate, margin entire or with a few
distinct small teeth in the upper half, 1 • 5-4-5 cm long and 0- 5-1 • 5 cm broad, glabrous
when mature or with a loose pubescence which sometimes persists along the midrib,
upper surface slightly darker than the lower, both surfaces reticulately veined, midrib
prominent beneath. Inflorescence of interrupted cymose panicles with dichotomous
branching, flowers sessile, 7 or more congested into a false head; outer bracts forming
a false involucre, about 1 mm long, roughly pubescent, inner slightly smaller. Calyx
pale, when glutinous appearing light straw-coloured, when not glutinous dull whitish
green with obvious white scales on the outside, the inner surface lined with appressed
erect hairs sometimes appearing as ciliae at the sinuses and on the lobes; tube more
or less 2-5 mm long; lobes just under 1 mm long, erect, some rounded at the apex,
others sub-acute. Corolla white, tube cylindric included in the calyx tube, about 2 mm
long, minutely scaly within; lobes in bud imbricate not umbonate, about 1 -5 mm long,
linear-oblong; concave on upper surface, convex and glabrous dorsally, at first erect
then reflexed over the top of the calyx lobes, bearded near the base within. Stamens
inserted at the mouth of the corolla tube, not kneed near the base. Ovary hirsute, style
exserted. Capsule small, appressedly pubescent, included in the persistent calyx or
very shortly exserted, broadly rounded at apex, but valves short or long acuminate.
Fig. 19: 1.
On open hillsides, rocky western slopes or in deep rocky ravines. To date recorded from only the
south-central and western Transvaal.
Transvaal. — Pretoria: Pelindaba South, Mogg s.n.; Strey 3044. Krugersdorp: Gladysval c, Rodin
3856. Rustenburg: Swartruggens, Fouche 9; Sutton 890; 898; Mazista, Sutton 1177. Marico: Z;erust,
Rogers 20369; Hutchinson & Phillips 2950; Thode 1448; Leistner 664.
This species is distinguished by the interrupted inflorescence which is borne well above the upper
leaves and has the cymes congested into false heads with more than 3 flowers in a head.
When Smith described the two species L. glomerulata and L. suaveolens, he distinguished between
them by “ lateral inflorescence branches dichasially divided ” in the former and “ at first 2-3 times
racemosely divided, at length dichasially ” in the latter. Further material has shown that this variation
is not of specific significance and that the specimens belong to one comparatively uniform and easily
distinguished species. The epithet “ glomerulata ” has been retained for the unit.
2. Nuxia gracilis Engl, in Bot. Jahrb. 10: 243 (1888); Prain & Cummins in
F.C. 4, 1: 1040 (1909). Type: Cape, Hay, Groot Boetsap, Marloth 980 (PRE, iso.!).
Lachnopylis gracilis (Engl.) C. A. Sm. in Kew Bull. 1930: 24 (1930).
Bushy shrub, 2-3-5 m tall; ultimate branchlets striate, obscurely pubescent.
Leaves usually ternate, linear-oblanceolate or oblanceolate-oblong, usually over 3
times as long as broad, mostly 2-8 mm broad and 1 -5-4-5 cm long, narrowing slightly
to a subobtuse apex, cuneate from about the middle into a short petiole, glabrescent
or somewhat pubescent along the midrib beneath; margins distinctly serrate at least
in the upper half. Inflorescence a compound cyme, flowers pedicel led, 8 or more in a
terminal umbel-like cluster, branches of the inflorescence pubescent, angled, the lower
primary branches long, usually over 1 cm long, and usually only once di- or trichoto-
mously branched, the secondary shorter, usually under 1 cm long. Pedicels pubescent
and scaly, 2-5 mm long. Bracts linear-spathulate or club-shaped, the outer 2-5 mm
long, inner among flowers, 1-5 mm long (shorter or longer than pedicels). Calyx
light brown or green, sometimes glutinous, broadly rounded at the base, pubescent
with short spreading hairs without (obscurely ribbed), lined within with long appressed
ascending hairs which are produced beyond the mouth of the calyx and show like a
fringe in the sinuses and along the margins of the lobes, lobes erect, obtuse or subacute.
Corolla white, circumscissilely deciduous near base; tube enclosed in calyx, scaly
within; lobes broadly oblong, 2-5 mm long, 1-75 mm broad in the suborbicular
2355522—6
152
Loganiaceae
Fig. 19. — 1, Nuxia glomerulata, showing the inflorescence of small flowers in false umbels or heads,
and clearly standing out above the leaves ( Slrey 3044). 2, N. congesta, inflorescence with larger
flowers, congested but not in heads nor standing out above the leaves ( Verdoorn 2424); 2a, a single
cyme showing the bud with an apical umbo, x 5; 2b, dorsal view of strigose upper portion of a
corolla-lobe, X 10; 2c, anther with confluent cells, x 20; 2d, a scale and 3 sorts of hairs, simple,
gland-tipped and branched.
Loganiaceae
153
concave apical portion which reflexes over the calyx, densely pilose at the base within.
Filaments with clusters of long pointed hairs at the base. Capsule densely hirsute with
appressed ascending hairs, slightly exserted from the persistent calyx, 2-valved, valves
splitting septicidally, 4 subacute erect valves showing above the calyx after dehiscence.
Found in dry river beds, on limestone, or at the base of limestone escarpments in the Griqualand
West region and along watercourses in low dry areas in the Lydenburg district, Transvaal. To date it
has not been found outside these areas.
Cape. — Douglas: Marais 1473. Herbert: Campbell Kloof, Acocks 1423. Hay: Klein Boetsap,
Marloth 980. Taungs: Brixton, Breuckner 1216; Rodin 3428.
Transvaal. — Lydenburg: Sekukuniland, Barnard 85; 29; Mooihoek Chrome Mine, Codd & Dyer
7678; Story 4052.
Although this species is comparatively uniform and easily recognised, it was found that the group of
specimens from the Transvaal which in general appearance resembles closely those from the Griqualand
West area differed from them in having the pedicels consistently shorter; consequently the bracts are
longer than the pedicels in the Transvaal specimens and shorter than the pedicels in the Cape specimens;
the pubescence is also longer in the northern group.
In the original description the leaves are described as opposite but on the isotype in Pretoria they are
temate. The majority of the leaves on all specimens seen of this species are ternate.
3. Nuxia oppositifolia ( Hochst .) Benth. in DC., Prodr. 10: 435 (1846); Bruce
& Lewis in F.T.E.A. Loganiaceae: 43 (1960). Type: Abyssinia, Schimper 1714.
Lachnopylis oppositifolia Hochst. in Flora 26: 77 (1843); A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 9: 23 (1845); C. A.
Sm. in Kew Bull. 1930: 24 (1930).
Nuxia dentata R. Br. in Salt, Abyss. Append. 63 (1814), nom. nud.; ex Benth., l.c. (1846), descr.;
Prain & Cummins in F.C. 4, 1 : 1040 (1909), partly, excl. var. transraalensis S. Moore. Type: Abyssinia,
Salt s.n. N. schlechteri Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 32: 140 (1902). Type: Transvaal, Komatipoort, Schlechter
11738 (GRA, iso.!). N. autunesii Gilg in Thonn., Blutenpfl. Afr. t. 128 (1908), name and fig. only.
Shrubs or trees, 2-7 m tall; ultimate branchlets angled, nodes not much thickened,
i.e. not prominent ledges where leaves are inserted, shortly and roughly pubescent.
Leaves opposite, minutely pubescent when young, glabrescent, linear-oblong or linear-
oblanceolate, from about 4-5-9 cm long 0-4-1 -5 cm broad (in Rhodesia up to 2-4 cm
broad), slightly narrowed to an obtuse apex, long-cuneate at the base into a petiole,
margins shallowly repand dentate or sometimes subentire; petiole 2-10 mm long.
Inflorescence of cymose panicles, di- or trichotomously branched, minutely and roughly
pubescent, cymules 3-flowered. Bracts more or less ovate, 1-1 • 5 mm long, those on
the pedicels of the lateral flowers often short and thick, appearing like nodules, about
0-5 mm long. Calyx 4-5-5 mm long, minutely roughly pubescent, lobes erect, about
1 mm long, more or less ovate, rounded at apex. Corolla white, tube included in the
calyx, circumscissilely deciduous about 1 mm above the base, minutely scaly within;
lobes oblong, about 2-5 mm long, at first erect and then about midway reflexed over
the calyx, densely pilose at the base, the long hairs hanging in the mouth of the tube.
Stamens with filaments densely bearded near the base in a line with the groups of hairs
on the corolla lobes, not obviously kneed. Ovary appressedly pubescent. Capsule
about as long as the calyx, appressedly hirsute in lower portions, hairs directed to the
apex, 2-valved, dehiscing septicidally; placenta about midway or higher up.
Found (in S. Africa) along rivers and streams, in valleys and deep gorges, among rocks or reeds or
in relict sub-tropical forests. To date recorded from Ethiopia southwards through Kenya, Tanganyika,
Nyasaland, the Rhodesias, South West Africa, northern and eastern Transvaal, Swaziland and Natal,
where it is found as far as Greytown, the southernmost limit of its distribution as known today. (A.
DC. records a specimen from Madagascar. This requires investigation.)
Natal. — Hlabisa: Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Ward 1970. Eshowe: Ngoya, Wylie sub Medley Wood
8470 and 7581. Umvoti: Greytown, Wiss 662.
Swaziland. — Banks of the Usutu River, Pole Evans 3414. Lebombo Mts., Hornby 2810.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Komatipoort, Rogers 22191. Nelspruit: near Crocodile Bridge, Acocks
16732; Liebenberg 2790; Malelane, Codd 5221. Letaba: Leydsdorp, Story 5385; Rest Camp, Lang
30951. Middelburg: Loskop, Mogg 17244; Slanghoek, Mogg 22405. Soutpansberg: Messina, Rogers
18565; Dongola, Pole Evans 4593; Sibasa: Shingwidzi, Codd & Dyer 4667.
S.W.A. — Kaokoveld, Story 5676.
154
Loganiaceae
Fie;. 20. — Nuxia congests, leaves of eastern race, under surface, showing variation in size and pubescence,
the average specimen having large leaves such as, a ( Rogers 20374), b ( Hoffman 76), and c ( Thorn-
croft s.n.); several specimens with medium sized leaves, d (Burchell 4026), and e ( Gerstner 4617);
and a few, the exceptions, with small leaves, f ( Pole Evans 19461), g ( Gilmore 613), h ( Acocks 12760),
i (Codd 7950).
Fig. 21. — Nuxia congesta, leaves of the central race (a-h) and of the western race (i-1); the average
specimen in the central race has small leaves such as a ( Strey 2869); b ( Leistner 662); c ( Verdooni
5708) and d ( Story 5626); several have slightly larger leaves, e ( Burke s.n.), f (Repion 1762),
g (Obermeyer 31617) and h ( Story 5472); bottom row, representatives of the western race show
only slight variation in shape and pubescence as in i ( Theron 2002), .i ( Dyer & Verdooni 4259),
k ( Galpin 13799) and 1 ( Repton 1088).
156
Loganiaceae
According to the account in Flora 26: 77, Flochstetter based his species Lachnopylis oppositifolia
on a single Schimper specimen but he does not give the number of the specimen. In the Schimper
Herbarium this specimen is listed as No. 1714 and therefore the type is here cited as Schimper 1714.
With regard to Nuxia dentata R. Br. var. transvaalensis S. Moore, described in Lond. Journ. Bot.
41 : 403 (1903), since the specimen, Rand 1132, is from Johannesburg, it is probably a poor specimen of
N. congesta sens. lat. Smith wrote concerning it (see Kew Bull. 1930: 24) that “ fuller material is re-
quired for a detailed specific diagnosis
4. Nuxia floribunda Benth. in Hook. Comp. Bot. Mag. 2: 59 (1836) and in DC.,
Prodr. 10: 435 (1846); Pappe, Silva Cap. ed. 2: 30 (1862); Wood & Evans, Natal
PI. 1 : 48, t. 59 (1899); Sim, For. FI. Cap. Col. 274, t. 157 (1907); Prain & Cummins
in F.C. 4, 1: 1039 (1909); Bruce & Lewis in F.T.E. A. Loganiaceae: 43(1960). Type:
Uitenhage, Zwartkops River, Ecklon s.n. (PRE, GRA, iso.!).
Lachnopylis floribunda (Benth.) C. A. Sm. in Kew Bull. 1930: 25 (1930).
Forest tree, usually about 7 m tall, sometimes more, occasionally 17 m tall;
branchlets glabrous, or minutely scaly, angled; leaf-scars prominent. Leaves usually
3- nate, long petioled (petiole 1-3-4 -5 cm long), oblong-elliptic, 4-5-15-5 cm long,
1- 5-5 cm broad, cuneate at the base, shortly or long acuminate at the apex, acute
or obtuse, margins entire or remotely and obscurely dentate. Inflorescence of very
numerous small white flowers in large repeatedly dichotomously branched cymose
panicles, often with upper leaves overtopping the inflorescence in the early stages.
Bracts almost 1 mm long. Calyx herbaceous or chartaceous, tubular-campanulate,
4- lobed; tube microscopically scaly without, appressedly hairy within, dull greyish
(farinaceous) or glutinous shiny brown, about 2-5 mm long; lobes about 1 mm long.
Buds included in the calyx, corolla not showing or very little. Corolla with tube about
I -5 mm long, included in the calyx, minutely scaly within; lobes 4, linear, about twice
as long as the tube, more or less 2 mm long, erect in lower part and about midway
reflexed over the calyx, glabrous except for a group of hairs near the base within, i.e.
about midway on the erect portion. Stamens inserted at the mouth of the corolla;
filaments kneed just above the base and with a group of hairs on the knee, exserted
and spreading; anthers versatile with confluent cells. Ovary glabrous, subglobose,
produced at the apex into an erect style which becomes exserted. Capsule glabrous,
about 3-5 cm long, shortly to almost half exserted from the persistent calyx, obovoid,
2- valved, valves separable; seeds many, oblong, under 1 mm long.
Found in or at the edges of forests. Frequently recorded from the forest areas of the northern and
eastern Transvaal, Natal and the eastern Cape, as far south as the Knysna forests. Also found in east
tropical Africa, the Congo and the Rhodesias.
Cape. — Knysna: Forest, Marloth s.n. Humansdorp: Storms River, Zitzikama, Galpin 4833.
Uitenhage: Zwartkops River, Ecklon s.n. (GRA); Zeyher 3524; Ecklon & Zeyher s.n.; Van Stadens
River Drift, Drege 5607. Port Elizabeth: Loerie, Rodin 1093. King William’s Town: Pirie Forest,
Galpin 5898. Kentani: Manubi, Pegler 1263.
Natal. — Umzinto: Dumisa, Rudatis 1015. Durban: Berea, Medley Wood 7183. Ngotshe:
Nongoma, Gerstner 2532.
Transvaal. — Barberton : Between Barberton and Badplaas, van der Schijff 1270. Belfast: Rietvlei,
Smuts 18. Petersburg: Woodbush, Grenfell in F.D. Herb. 1135; Blaauwberg, Lehmann 94. Soutpans-
berg: Fransch Hoek Peak, Galpin 14903; Kalavha Mission, Smuts 2064.
Common names: Vlieer, Wild Elder. An easily distinguished species with its large loose panicles
of innumerable flowers, the comparatively long petioles and large leaves. The corolla lobes are glabrous
dorsally and do not form a little peak or umbo in bud.
5. Nuxia congesta R. Br. ex Fres. in Flora 21, 2: 606 (1838); DC., Prodr. 10:
435 (1846); Prain & Cummins in F.C. 4, 1: 1041, 1042 (1909); Bruce & Lewis in
F.T.E. A. Loganiaceae: 44 (1960). Type: Abyssinia, Salt s.n. ? (K).
A5 * 7, congesta var. brevifolia Sond. in Linnaea 23: 83 (1850). Type: Pretoria, Magaliesberg, Zeyher
1327 (K, BM, iso.). — var. [3 tomentosa (Sond.) Cummins, stat. nov. in F.C. 4, 1: 1042 (1909). — var.
y emarginata (Sond.) Prain, stat. nov. in F.C. 4, 1 : 1042 (1909). N. emarginata Sond., l.c. 83 (1850).
Loganiaceae
157
Type: Bathurst, Kowie, E. & Z. s.n. (PRE, iso.! per Strassburg, a pubescent specimen). N. pubescens
Sond. l.c. 84 (1850); Prain & Cummins l.c. 1041 (1909). Type: Pretoria, Magaliesberg, Zeyher 1326 in
part, as to the portions of the gathering with simple gland-tipped hairs predominating (SAM, iso.!)*,
pubescence of mostly simple gland-tipped hairs and only a few branched. N. tomentosa Sond., l.c. 84
(1850). Type: Pretoria, Magaliesberg, Zeyher 1326 in part, as to the portions of the gathering with dense
pubescence in which branched hairs predominate. N. breviflora S. Moore in Journ. Bot. 41 : 403 (1903);
Prain & Cummins, l.c. 1041 (1909). Type: Johannesburg, Rand 712 (BM, holo.!). N. dentata var.
transvaalensis S. Moore, l.c. (1903). Type: Johannesburg, Rand 1132 (BM, holo.). N. viscosa Gibbs
in Journ. I.inn. Soc. Bot. 37: 454 (1906). Type: Matopo Hills, on the Silozi, Gibbs 246 (BM, holo.).
Lachnopylis ternifolia Hochst. in Flora 26: 77 (1843). Type: Abyssinia, Schimper 1159. L. congesta
(R. Br. ex Fres.) C. A. Sm. in Kew Bull. 1930: 17 (1930). L. saxatilis C. A. Sm., l.c. 27 (1930). Type:
Natal, Ellesmere, Rudatis 1399 (K, holo., PRE, iso.!). L. viscidulosa C. A. Sm., l.c. (1930). Type:
Krugersdorp, Witpoortjie, Rogers 19220 (Rogers Herb., holo.)t. L. heterotricha C. A. Sm., l.c. 28
(1930). Type: Bechuanaland, Lobatsi, Rogers 6213 (PRE, holo.). L. speciosa C. A. Sm., l.c. 29 (1930).
Type: Natal, Ismont, Wood 1862 (K, holo., PRE, fragment holo.!). L. schistotricha C. A. Sm., l.c.
30 (1930). Type: Lydenburg, Graskop, Rogers 23028 (Rogers Herb, holo., PRE, iso.!). L. montanci
C. A. Sm., l.c. 31 (1930). Type: Pretoria, Waterkloof, Mogg. 15186 (K, holo., PRE, iso.!). L. emargi-
nata (Sond.) C. A. Sm., l.c. 28 (1930). L. pubescens (Sond.) C. A. Sm., l.c. 29 (1930). L. breviflora
(S. Moore) C. A. Sm., l.c. 30 (1930). L. tomentosa (Sond.) C. A. Sm., l.c. 30 (1930).
Shrubs or trees 2-20 m tall. Stems with stringy, shredding bark; branchlets
variously pubescent to glabrescent; hairs branched, forked or simple, often gland-
tipped. Leaves ternate, very variable in shape and size, elliptic-oblong, oblong, obovate-
oblong to suborbicular, cuneate at the base, sometimes shortly and broadly so, rounded
or somewhat acuminate to an obtuse or acute, retuse or mucronate apex, 1-8 cm long,
0-6-3 -8 cm broad, rather coriaceous, margins entire or coarsely crenate-dentate, scaly
or pubescent in varying degrees, often glabrescent, sometimes glutinous; hairs branched
or simple and then often gland-tipped; petiole short, 2-10 mm long. Panicles cymose,
terminal, rather congested, and more or less fastigiate, usually broader than long and
rounded on top (more or less mushroom shaped), ultimate cymules 3-flowered, branches
of the inflorescence slender, glabrous or variously pubescent with simple or branched
hairs, sometimes gland-tipped. Calyx tubular-campanulate, cuneate at the base and
often with a slight swelling in the narrow part below the ovary, on the outside glabrous,
rugose or sparsely to densely pubescent with patent, simple or branched hairs also
glandular and scaly in varying degrees, glands sometimes at the tips of the simple hairs,
on the inside lined with appressed hairs, 4-lobed, the lobes erect, sometimes cohering
to form a 2-lipped calyx; tube 2-5-4-5 mm long; lobes 0-5-1 -5 mm long. Corolla ,
white or creamy white, some flowers with purplish tint especially in bud, fragrant,
“sickly scent”; tube cylindrical, about as long as the calyx-tube, glabrous without,
minutely scaly within, 4-lobed; lobes re flexed at more or less the middle over the erect
calyx-lobes, apical portion cucullate and somewhat thickened, in bud forming an
umbo at the apex of the bud, often with a callosity on the inner face where reflexed
and densely bearded at the base with reflexed pointed hairs which close the throat of
the corolla, dorsally with a few appressed hairs. Stamens exserted. Ovary subglobose,
the base enclosed by the persistent base of the corolla, the rest hirsute; style exserted
for up to about 5 mm. Capsule very shortly exserted from the persistent calyx, hirsute.
Fig. 19: 2; 20 and 21.
Found quite commonly on dry rocky crests and wooded, stony slopes, at margins of mountain
forest or, towards the south, in rocky gorges near the coast. Recorded from Ethiopia southward
to Bechuanaland and the Transvaal in the centre, and down the east coast as far as Albany and
Bathurst.
* According to Smith, Kew Bull. 1930: 29, an isotype of Zeyher 1326 is supposed to be in PRE. but
this is not so.
t According to Smith, Kew Bull. 1930: 28, an isotype of Rogers 19220 is in PRE, but this is not so.
158
Loganiaceae
Cape. — Bathurst : Kowie, E. & Z. s.n. ; Mouth of Great Fish River, MacOwan 297; Kariega Valley,
Acocks 1 1042; Port Alfred, Burchell 4026. East London: Flanagan 94. King William’s Town: Ranger
s.n. Butterworth: Kei Valley, Acocks 12760.
Natal. — Port Shepstone: Oribi Flats, McClean 399. Ixopo: Ismont, Medley Wood 1862; Elies"
mere, Rudatis 1399. Nkandla: Forest margin, Codd 1373. Nongoma: Wendelane Kloof, Gerstner
4617. Ngotshe: Ngome, Gerstner 4884.
Swaziland. — Flavelock Mine, Miller S/23; Mbabane, Compton 25934; Hlatikulu, Boocock in
F.D. Herb. 5327.
Transvaal. — Barberton; Thorncroft 2089; Havelock Mine road, Acocks 12863; Saddleback.
Galpin 946. Pilgrim's Rest : Graskop, Rogers 23028. Petersburg: Blaauwberg, Codd 7950. Soutpans-
berg: Pisang Hoek, Galpin 14951. Middelburg: Botsebelo, Marloth 11742 a & b. Krugersdorp: Gladys-
vale. Story 5620; 5622. Johannesburg: Rand 712 (BM, PRE photo.!); Moss 7967; Orange Grove, Moss
4130. Potchefstroom: Louw 1062. Pretoria: Waterkloof, Mogg 15186; Magaliesberg, Burke 259;
Wonderboompoort, Verdoorn 5708. Brits: Jackson’s Tuin, Strey 2864. Rustenburg: near Swart-
ruggens, Story 5628; 5629. Marico: Mancope Siding, Pole Evans 2222; Enselsberg, Louw 327. Water-
berg: Hangklip Mtn., Galpin 13799. Potgietersrus: Pyramid Estate, Galpin 8829.
Field observations and the study of a wide range of material, both living and dried, have shown that,
in spite of the extremes of variation appearing to be distinct, this taxon cannot be subdivided. Through-
out its wide distribution, from Ethiopia to Bechuanaland, the southern Transvaal and eastern Cape, the
specimens belonging to this taxon have certain features in common although they vary very considerably
in the shape, size, colour and pubescence of the leaves.
The most evident features held in common are the short (seldom over 1 cm long) petioles, combined
with the cymose panicles being congested, more or less fastigiate, broader than long (mushroom shaped)
while the corolla in bud has a peak or umbo at the apex, formed by the cucullate apices of the lobes, and
the lobes are usually more or less strigose dorsally.
In Southern Africa the representatives can be very broadly classified into three groups (races) but
at least two of these groups include very heterogeneous elements and also, here and there, a specimen
which fits better into one of the other groups. The three groups or races are: —
1 . The eastern race. Found in the northern and eastern Transvaal and Swaziland (at margins
of high mountain forests), in Natal and the eastern Cape as far as the Albany and Bathurst districts
(in deep wooded river gorges). On the whole this race has large leaves, about 7 cm long, often
drying a dark colour, and the flowers slightly larger than in the other races (calyx about 5 mm long)
with longer exserted styles (exserted about 5 mm). The variation in leaf shape and pubescence is
most striking for some leaves narrow to an acute point while others are broadly rounded and some-
times emarginate; the leaves may be densely covered with bushily branched hairs or sparsely so with
different degrees of branched (sometimes only forked), or simple hairs that may be glandtipped, or
the leaves may be quite glabrous and occasionally glutinous. One of these variations may be
constant in a certain locality but sometimes two or more forms occur in the same place, the trees
growing side by side, and ail efforts to separate them into sub-specific divisions have been futile.
Besides these variations odd specimens occur in this region that on size, shape or colour of leaf would
not fit into this race.
Included in this race are the types of the following species in C. A. Smith's revision of
Lachyopylis, Kew Bulletin 1930: L. saxatilis C. A. Sm., L. emarginata (Sond.) C. A. Sm., L. speciosa
C. A. Sm., and L. schistotricha C. A. Sm. Less than 50 per cent of the specimens now in the South
African herbaria from this area could be satisfactorily classified under these names according to
the key. In order to accommodate the other 50 per cent or more, several further species would
have to be described and even then there might be intermediates and a number of odd specimens
left out.
2. The central race. Found along the crests of ledges or low ranges in the dry, central Transvaal
areas, usually with a south-easterly aspect. The leaves in this race are on the whole shorter and
broader, about 3 cm long, and dry a light colour, and the flowers are smaller (cayxl 3 mm long) with
the styles exserted for about 3 mm. There are a number of exceptions to be found. The variation,
especially in pubescence, but to some extent in shape too, is very striking. Some leaves are
tomentose with much-branched hairs (as are some in race No. 1), others are densely pubescent with
short or long or short and long simple patent hairs, often gland-tipped, or there are leaves with both
simple and branched hairs, while others are only sparsely pubescent or completely glabrous. Any
of these varieties can be viscidulous and it has been proved that in several localities all or some of the
variations can be found on neighbouring trees. In at least two cases herbarium sheets that are
supposed to represent one gathering have one portion bearing one name and the other another:
(1) in part, Zeyher 1326, from the Magaliesberg is the type of N. pubescens Sond. and in part the
type of N. tomentosa Sond. and (2) Mogg 15186, is the type of L. montana C. A. Sm. but the isotype
in Pretoria has one portion completely glabrous and in the key would run to L. viscidulosa C. A. Sm.
Loganiaceae
159
Described species and varieties that are included in this central race are: N. congesta var
brevifolia Sond., N. pubescens Sond., N. tomentosa Sond., N. breviflora S. Moore, N. dentata var.
transvaalensis S. Moore and L. momenta C. A. Sm.
3. The western race. Found in rocky situations in the sandy bushveld of the extreme western
Transvaal, Bechuanaland and Southern Rhodesia. This appears to be the purest race but the
impression may be due to the fact that in the National Herbarium, Pretoria, there are only 8
gatherings of it. It is characterised by broadly oblong to suborbicular leaves with casually crenate
margins and pubescence of long and short, gland-tipped, patent hairs intermixed. In the specimens
so far collected the leaves vary in size but otherwise are fairly uniform. Included in this race are
L. heterotrieha C. A. Sm. and Nuxia viscosa Gibbs. In the central region there are a number of
specimens with leaves shaped more or less like those of the western specimens but with various
types of pubescence, the hairs usually distinctly branched. Often the pubescence is mixed, having
simple and branched hairs intermingled.
This broad concept of Nuxia congesta Fres. conforms with that held by the workers on the
Flora of Tropical East Africa. In that work, Bruce & Lewis treat 8 tropical species as synonyms
of N. congesta.
6473
4. BUDDLEIA
Buddleia L., Sp. PI. ed. 1 : 112 (1753); Gen. PI. ed. 5: 51 (1754); Prain & Cummins
in F.C. 4, 1: 1045 (1909); Phill. in Journ. S.A. Bot. 12: 114 (1946); Phill., Gen.
ed. 2: 576 (1951); Yerdoorn in Bothalia 7: 13 (1958); Bruce & Lewis in F.T.E.A.
Loganiaceae: 35 (1960). Type species: B. americana L.
Chilianthus Burch., Trav. 1 : 94 (1822); Prain & Cummins in F.C. 4, 1 : 1042 (1909).
Shrubs, erect, bushy, scrambling or climbing, sometimes trees, pubescence often
scaly or stellate. Leaves opposite or occasionally subopposite; stipules present or
represented by an interpetiolar ridge, sometimes obscure. Inflorescence of many
flowered paniculate terminal and axillary cymes, occasionally cymes congested into
subglobose heads. Calyx 4-lobed, pubescent without, glabrous within, persistent.
Corolla 4-lobed, tube short to long, campanulate to cylindric, sometimes bearded in
the throat, lobes imbricate, becoming strongly recurved from above the base. Stamens 4,
inserted on the corolla tube at or near the throat, included to long exserted, free portion
of the filament short to long; anther cells distinct more or less parallel. Ovary pubescent,
2-celled, stigma terminal, sometimes decurrent, ovules several to many; placentas
thickened. Capsules small, ovoid, obovoid or oblong, sometimes 2-lobed, shortly or
long exserted from the persistent calyx, septicidally dehiscent, the valves usually splitting
at the apex. Seeds oblong compressed.
Found in the warmer regions of Asia, Africa and North and South America.
In sinking Chilianthus Burch, under Buddleia Linn., E. P. Phillips is being followed, see Journ. S.A.
Bot. 12: 114(1946). For notes supporting this view see Bothalia 7: 13 (1958).
The original spelling of the generic name is Buddleja but the orthographic variant Buddleia is used
here, as it is also in Flora of Tropical East Africa, 1960.
Corolla tube long, cylindrical; stamens included; interpetiolar leafy stipules present except in the
scandent species B. pulchella:
Leaves subsessile, cordate to auricled at base, upper surface rugose 1. B. salviijolia
Leaves distinctly petioled, rounded or cuneate at base, upper surface not rugose:
Stipules conspicuous, auriculate; petiole bases not prominent; bracts lanceolate-oblong,
usually navicular 2. B. auriculata
Stipules absent or a faint interpetiolar ridge; persisting petiole bases prominent, concave;
bracts linear-terete; scandent shrub 3. B. pulchella
Corolla tube short, campanulate; stamens, at least the anthers, exserted; stipules represented by
interpetiolar ridges, sometimes obscure :
Leaves long and narrow, usually over 3 times as long as broad:
Leaves more or less smooth above, sometimes faintly reticulate; margins entire; anthers and
filaments clearly exserted 4. B. saligna
169
Loganiaceae
Leaves deeply rugose above; margins distinctly and closely crenulate; anthers only exserted. . . .
5. B. corrugata
Leaves oblong or ovate, not over 3 times as long as broad :
Leaves oblong to oblong-ovate, undulate, rugose, margins sinuate with the lobes again crenate;
ultimate cymes congested into small heads of several flowers 6. B. glomerata
Leaves deltoid to ovate, simply toothed or crenate, more or less flat; ultimate 3-flowered cymes
not congested into heads . 7. B. dysophyllci
1. Buddleia salviifolia ( L .) Lam., Encycl. 1 : 513 (1785); Bak. in F.T.A. 4, 1 ; 516
(1903); Prain & Cummins in F.C. 4, 1: 1046 (1909); Phillips in FI. PI. Afr. 8 : t. 287
(1928); Marquand in Kew Bull. 1930; 198 (1930); Bruce & Lewis in F.T.E.A.
Loganiaceae: 38 (1960). Type; Cape, Linnaean Herbarium No. 783.7 (PRE, photo.).
Lantam salvifolia L., Syst. ed. 10; 1116 (1759).
Buddleia aurantiaco-maculata Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 30: 377 (1901); Bak. in F.T.A. 4, 1; 517 (1903)-
Type: Tanganyika, Goetze 1 129.
Shrubs, rarely trees, 1-5 m tall, sometimes up to 8 m; stems many, long, slender,
wand-like in upper portion, subquadrate, tomentulose (white or rusty) lateral branches
more or less straight, suberect, slender, tomentulose. Leaves sessile or subsessile,
dark green above, rusty or white tomentulose beneath, ovate-lanceolate or linear-
lanceolate acuminate, 3-14-5 cm long, 0-7-4 -2 cm broad, long and narrowly acuminate
to an acute apex, base deeply cordate to auriculate, upper surface glabrescent, finely
and distinctly rugose, lower surface reticulate, midrib and nerves prominent, tomen-
tulose, tomentum short, with some sparsely scattered stellate hairs in it, margin rather
thick, finely and regularly crenate and often reflexed. Stipules interpetiolar, leaflike
but short and broadly rounded at the apex, auriculate. Cymes in large terminal
pyramidal bunches, peduncles and bracts stellate tomentose, ultimate 3-flowered cymes
more or less sessile forming a several flowered head. Calyx tomentose without, more
or less enclosed at the base by 1 or 2 pairs of opposite, oblong-ovate, tomentose bracts
which are joined at the base and are about as long as the calyx; calyx-tube about
1-5-2 mm long, glabrous within; lobes erect about 0-5-1 mm long, broadly ovate,
deltoid. Corolla varying in colour even in plants in the same locality, cream, lilac,
lavender blue, purple or white with a deep orange throat, stellate tomentose without;
tube about 5-8 mm long, hirsute within; lobes more or less oblong, 1-5-3 mm long,
suberect at first with at least 2 becoming strongly reflexed, all fairly thinly bearded
at the base. Stamens inserted on the corolla tube just above the middle; free portion
of filaments short, 1 • 5 mm long; anthers included, about 1 • 5 mm long. Ovary stellate
tomentose; style about 4 mm long, glabrescent, stigma clavate. Capsule obovoid,
about 4-5 mm long, exserted by about half from the persistent calyx, tomentose, the
tomentum becoming short as the capsule matures, valves split for about 1/3 of the length,
subacute. Fig. 22: 1.
Found commonly at forest margins, on rocky slopes, along watercourses, in dongas and isolated
bushes on hillsides. Recorded from the Cape, Orange Free State, Basutoland, Natal, Swaziland and
the Transvaal; also from Southern Rhodesia, Portuguese East Africa, Nyasaland and Tanganyika.
Cape. — Clanwilliam: Bullhoek, Schlechter 8373. Caledon: Prior s.n. Graaff-Reinet : Acocks
16159. Aliwal North: Thode A 1862. Port St. Johns: Wager s.n. Umzimkulu: Miller in F.D. Herb.
6082.
O.F.S. — Rouxville: Mare 16. Senekal: Goossens 866.
Basutoland. — Cooper 695.
Natal. — Balgowan, Mogg 3845. Bergville: Mount-aux-Sources, Hutchinson, Forbes & Verdoorn 5.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Galpin 481. Pretoria: between Johannesburg and Pretoria, Prosser 1007.
Marico: near Bokkraal Lead Mine, Louw 330. Letaba: Magoebas Kloof, Pole Evans H 15798. Peters-
burg: Blaauwberg, Smuts & Pole Evans 871.
The correct spelling of the specific epithet is as given here, “salviifolia”. The original spelling
was with one “ i ” but this is an orthographical error and can be corrected (I.C.B.N. 1956, Art. 73 Note 2).
By the same authority [l.c. Art. 73 Res. G (c)] the spelling “salviaefolia”, of several authors is not main-
tained.
Loganiaceae
161
Fig. 22.-1, Buddleia salviifolia, portion of a flowering branchlet (living plant, Pretoria); la, ultimate
eyme, 5 , l b, flower and 2 pairs ot bracts, x 8. 2, B. auriculata, portion of a flowering branchlet
showing terminal and axillary cymose panicles and the auriculate stipules (living plant); 2a, flower
, 5 , 3> pV.c!,e.Ja’ ?£rtlS^0°fnf°'Yer‘Dg branchlet showing the stipule represented by an inter-
remains ev Wood 4869); 3a, flower, x 5; 3b, capsule with split calyx at base and style
162
Loganiaceae
The known common names are Sage Wood, Saliehout, Wild Sage.
According to records, the aborigines used the stems or branches for fishing rods (fide Mogg) and for
assagai shafts (fide Pappe).
In leaf character this species resembles B. corrugata, see under the latter species for details.
2. Buddleia auriculata Benth. in Hook., Comp. Bot. Mag. 2: 60 (1836); Prain
& Cummins in F.C. 4, 1: 1047 (1909). Type: Winterberg and Chumiesberg, Ecklon
1836, composite sheet (K).
B. auriculata var. euryifolia Prain in Kew Bull. 1908: 162 (1908), name only; Prain & Cummins,
l.c. 1048 (1909), descr.
Shrubs up to 2-7 m tall with long wand-like branches; twigs terete to subquadrate,
shortly tomentose. Stipules interpetiolar, short, broad, auriculate, the auricles with the
texture and colour of the leaves. Leaves opposite and decussate, varying in size even
on the same branch; blade dark green, shiny and glabrous above, tomentose beneath
with tawny or whitish substellate tomentum sometimes very shortly so, ovate-lanceolate
to ovate-oblong or lanceolate to lanceolate-oblong, 2-8-12 cm long, 1-5 cm broad,
acuminate to an acute apex, broadly cuneate or rounded at the base, margin finely
serrate, sometimes entire and revolute, midrib and veins impressed above, prominent
beneath; petioles deeply channeled, tomentose, 3-10 mm long. Panicles cymose,
axillary and terminal; cymes several to many flowered, bracteate; bracts joined at
the base, lanceolate-oblong, more or less boat-shaped; peduncles slender 2-8 mm
long; pedicels very short or flowers subsessile. Calyx campanulate, shortly substellate
tomentose, glabrous within, about 1 -5 mm long; lobes subtriangular, a third to almost
half of the calyx. Corolla “ whitish ”, white with orange throat, orange-yellow, lilac
or “salmon-coloured”; tube cylindric about 6 mm long, shortly and substellately
tomentose without, sometimes partially glabrescent, glabrous within except for some
sparsely scattered hairs in the lower half; lobes subrotund, spreading to reflexed, up
to about 1-5 m long and 1-5 mm broad, glabrous or tomentose at the base dorsally.
Stamens inserted above the middle of the corolla tube; free portion of the filaments
about as long as the anthers or shorter, adnate lower portion sometimes not distinguish-
able; anthers included. Ovary tomentose with short substellate hairs; style about as
long as the ovary, glabrous at least in upper half, stigma terminal, clavate. Capsule
substellate tomentose, glabrescent, more or less obovoid, splitting at the apex, exserted
for a little more than half its length from the persistent calyx. Seeds several to many,
attached to the free central placenta. Fig. 22: 2.
Found in rocky ravines, on mountain slopes or at forest margins in mountainous country. Recorded
from the eastern Cape (from Somerset East to Mt. Fletcher), Natal, Swaziland and the eastern Transvaal.
Also recorded from S. Rhodesia.
Cape. — Somerset East: Bosch Berg, Burchell 3179. Victoria East: Chumiesberg (Tyumies), Ecklon
& Zeyher 49-9. Keiskamma Hoek: Story 3510. Albany: Bothasberg, MacOwan 928. Maclear:
Pot River, Galpin 6771. Mt. Fletcher: Sim 2536.
Natal. — Alfred: Ingeli Forest, Killick 2225. BergviUe: Cathedral Peak, Killick 1755. Dundee:
Biggarsberg, Acocks 10460. Nkandla: Qudeni, Edwards 1489.
Swaziland. — Mbabane, Darkton, Compton 27871.
Transvaal. — Wakkerstroom: Acocks 11529. Barberton: Rimers Creek, Galpin 970. Carolina:
Waterval Boven, van Nouhuys s.n. Pilgrim’s Rest: Sabie Hoek, Burtt Davy 2431.
The type specimen of this species, Ecklon 1836 ex herb. Bentham, now in the Kew Herbarium, has
two specimens mounted on it and the locality is given as “ Winterberg et Chumiesberg ”. There is no
indication as to whether the specimens are both from one or one from each of these localities. “ Winter-
berg ” murt be somewhere in the north of the Fort Beaufort district and Chumiesberg (Tyumiesberg) is
in the Victoria East area, that is about 32 miles away and with the valley of the Kat River running
between these ranges. This sheet must be the material Bentham had when describing the species and is
therefore the type specimen.
With the wider range of material now in herbaria the variety, -var. euryifolia, cannot be maintained.
Loganiaceae
163
3. Buddleia pulchella N.E. Br. in Kew Bull. 1894: 389 (1894); Prain & Cummins
in F.C. 4, 1; 1048 (1909); Marquand in Kew Bull. 1930: 190 (1930); Bruce & Lewis
in F.T.E.A. Loganiaceae: 38 (1960). Type: Natal, cult. Kew (K, holo.).
B. usambarensis Gilg in Pfl. Ost. Afr. C. 313 (1895); Bak. in F.T.A. 4, 1: 516 (1903). Syntypes:
Tanganyika, Holst 8967; 3721. B. woodii Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 23: 201 C 1 896). Type: near York,
Wood 4869.
Shrub, often scandent, 1-2-7 m sometimes up to 7 m tall; lateral branchlets
patent, subterete, new growth tomentulose with stellate hairs intermixed. Stipules
absent or very soon deciduous, represented by a faint interpetiolar ridge. Leaves
opposite or subopposite, persistent, petiole bases prominent, concave; blade ovate-
lanceolate, ovate-oblong or obovate-oblong, varying in size on the same branch, ranging
from about 2-5 cm long and 1 cm broad to about 9 cm long and 3-8 cm broad, apex
acuminate to an acute point, base cuneate and decurrent on the petiole, upper surface
green, usually drying dark, at first stellate-pubescent, glabrescent, midrib and veins
slightly impressed, under surface tawny and rufous, steliate-tomentose, midrib and veins
slightly raised, margin entire or with a few irregular deep lobes; petiole 0-5-1 -7 cm
long, tomentulose, glabrescent, channelled above, winged at least in upper part by the
decurrent blade. Particles cymose, axillary and ultimate cymes more or less congested
into false umbels; bracts linear-terete, 1-4 mm long, tomentulose; peduncles tomen-
tulose; pedicels short, about 1 mm long, tomentulose. Calyx tubular, about 4 mm
long, densely steliate-tomentose without; tube about 3 mm long, glabrous within;
lobes about 1 mm long, broadly ovate subobtuse, erect. Corolla cream, light orange
to whitish with orange centre, tubular, sparsely stellate-tomentulose outside at least
to the basal portion of the lobes; tube about 7 mm long, loosely pubescent within
below the stamens; slightly widened and opened at the throat which is glabrous;
lobes about 2 mm long, subquadrate-orbicular to oblong, broadly rounded at the
apex, sometimes retuse, slightly narrowed at the base, spreading to reflexed, at least
one strongly reflexed, glabrous within, stellate-tomentulose at least at base dorsally.
Stamens inserted just above the middle, free part of filament filiform, about as long as
the anther; anthers included. Ovary more or less oblong in outline, stellate-tomen-
tulose, about 1-5 mm long; style subglabrous, about 1-5 mm long; stigma narrow-
clavate, terminal, stigmatic surface decurrent for 1 -5 mm. Capsule about 5 mm long,
exserted from the persistent calyx for little over half its length, stellate-tomentulose or
minutely lepidote without. Fig. 22: 3.
Found in forests, mostly on the margins or in open parts. Recorded from Kentani in the Cape,
from the eastern half of Natal and from Swaziland. Occurs also in east tropical Africa.
Cape. — Kentani, Pegler 764.
Natal. — Durban: Berea, Medley Wood s.n. Pietermaritzburg: Table Mountain, Killick 196. New
Hanover: near York, Medley Wood 4869. Nkandla: Codd 1377; Qudeni, Edwards 1404.
Swaziland. — Hlatikulu, Compton 28956.
The type specimen is a sheet in the Kew Herbarium annotated and designated by N. E
Brown as the type. The specimen was prepared from a plant in the Royal Botanic Gardens which had
been sent from the Durban Botanic Gardens without the exact place of origin in Natal. To date,
comparatively few specimens of this species have been collected and they are from three rather distant and
isolated areas, the Transkei in the Cape, Natal and east tropical Africa.
4. Buddleia saligna Willd., Enum. Hort. Berol. 1: 159 (1809), nom. nov. for
B. salicifolia Jacq., non Vahl. Type: Cape, Jacq., Hort. Schoenbr. t. 29.
Scoparia arborea L.f., Suppl. 125 (1781), non Buddleia arborea Meyen. (1834-5). Type: Cape,
Tlumberg in Herb. Linn. No. 145.3 (LINN, holo.; PRE, photo.).
Callicarpa paniculata Lam., Diet. Meth. 1: 563 (1785), non Buddleia paniculate Wall, ex Roxb.
(1820). Type: Africa, Sonnerat (P, holo.).
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Loganiaceae
Buddleia salicifolia Jacq., Hort. Schoenbr. 1: 12, t. 29 (1797), nom. illeg., non Vahl (1794); Phillips
in Journ. S. Afr. Bot. 12: 114 (1946).
Chilianthus oleaceits Burch., Trav. 1: 94 (1822), nom. nov. for Scoparia arborea L.f. C. arboreus
(L.f.) A.DC. in DC., Prodr. 10: 435 (1846); Prain & Cummins in F.C. 4, 1: 1043 (1909). C. arboreus
var. rosmarinaceus Kuntze, Rev. Gen. 3, 2: 201 (1898). Type: Kuruman, Burchel! 2494.
Nuxia sali?na (Willd.) Benth. in Comp. Bot. Mag. 2: 59 (1836).
Shrubs or small trees, evergreen, 0-5-7 m tall, much branched, branches closely
leafy; ultimate twigs scaly, more or less 4-angled, angles sometimes knobbled, ridged
or winged. Leaves discolorous, drying dark green above, varying in size and shape,
linear, linear-lanceolate, lanceolate or oblong, shortly acuminate to base and apex or
long acuminate to an acute apex, rarely rounded at base or apex or both, 1-5-10 cm
long and 0-2-1 -5 cm broad, upper surface glabrescent, veins impressed but distinct
often reticulate but not deeply rugose, lower surface light coloured from dense stellate
scales, veins prominent, reticulate veins anastomose to form a line more or less
parallel to the margin; margins entire, inrolled; interpetiolar ridge faint or absent:
petiole 2-10 mm long, densely scaly, scales mostly stellate, readily deciduous.
Inflorescence terminal and in axils of upper leaves, forming large very many flowered
panicles, branches densely lepidote scaly, scales stellate. Flowers “ white ”, “ cream ”,
“ cream with reddish centre ”, scented “ like hay ”, small, more or less 2 mm long,
subsessile, in 3-flowered cymes. Calyx densely lepidote scaly, outside, scales often
stellate, glabrous within, almost 1 mm long, lobed to about mid-way. Corolla with a
short tube, under 1 mm long, included in the calyx, segments broadly oblong almost
twice as long as the tube, reflexed, dorsally with a small zone of lepidote scales, glabrous
within except at the base where they are sparsely bearded. Stamens inserted on the
tube and filaments decurrent on it, free portion exserted, about 1 -25 mm long. Ovary
and style about 1 -25 mm long, lepidote scaly, scales stellate; stigma terminal. Capsule
about 2 mm long, exserted portion a little longer than the persistent calyx, sparsely
lepidote scaly, scales stellate readily deciduous. Fig. 23; 1.
Found on dry hillsides, mixed scrub bushveld, mountain slopes, wooded valleys, forest margins,
along rivers and in coastal bush at river mouths. Recorded from Malmesbury and Caledon in the
south-western Cape northwards and eastwards to Natal and the Soutpansberg district of the Transvaal.
(There is one record in PRE from Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia.)
Cape. — Malmesbury: Berg River, Lilians 8701. Caledon: Hermanus, Marloth 2770. Bredasdorp:
Nachtwacht, Smith 4913. George: near Gouritz River, Ecklon & Zeyher s.n. Albany: near Grahams-
town, MacOwan 162. Umzimkulu: Clydesdale, Tyson in Herb. MacOwan & Bolus 1288. Hay:
Spioenkop, Acocks 583. Kuruman: Marloth 1079.
O.F.S. — Fauresmith Botanical Reserve, Smith 3983. Bloemfontein : Pole Evans 19642 H
Natal. — Durban: Berea, Medley Wood s.n., Oct. 1892. Pietermaritzburg: Table Mt., Killick 364.
Dundee: Vantsdrift, Codd 2378. Nkandla: Gerstner 612.
Transvaal. — Pretoria: Irene, Pole Evans 4498. Potchefstroom : Louw 1643. Nelspruit: near
Ngodwana, Hofmeyr & Davidson 37. Marico: Zeerust, Hutchinson & Phillips 2951. Petersburg:
Blaauwberg, Smuts & Pole Evans 874.
The first name for this species was Scoparia arborea Linn, f., based on a specimen collected by
Thunberg and sent to Linnaeus senior.
The exact locality of the type, the specimen in the Linnaean Herbarium, is not known because
Thunberg, who records having collected specimens of this species “ along the Buffeljagtsrivier near
Riet Valley ”, in the Swellendam district, “ along the Zeekoerivier ” near Humansdorp and “ elsewhere ”,
did not indicate on the individual specimens from which locality each came. There are three sheets in
Thunberg’s Herbarium (National Museum, University, Uppsala), and according to the Curator, there
is no exact locality indicated, nor is it stated from which the material came that was sent to Linnaeus, and
was named and described as Scoparia arborea by the younger Linnaeus.
In transferring this species to the genus Buddleia, the epithets “arborea” (1781) and “ paniculata ”
(1785) are invalidated by earlier homonyms, whereas “ salicifolia ” (1797), used by Jacquin, is illegitimate
as it was antedated by B. salicifolia Vahl (1794). The new name, B. salipna, given by Willdenow in 1809 for
Jacquin’s species, is therefore the legitimate one and the plate in the Hortus Schoenbrunensis, t. 29,
becomes the type of the species.
Loganiaceae
165
Fig. 23. — 1, Buddleia saligna, 2 leaves, left hand upper surface, right, lower surface (odd specimens,
PRE); la, uppermost portion of the large cyrnose panicle, x 6; lb, flower, X 8.. 2, B corrugata,
upper portion of flowering twig ( T/iode A 288); 2a, flower showing the subexserted anthers,
X 10. 3, B. glomerata, portion of a flowering branch ( Acocks 2557); 3a, flower, X 10. 4, B. dyso-
phylla, leaf, under surface ( Galpin 971): 4a, upper portion of the cyrnose panicle. X 2; 4b, flower
showing the top of the tomentose ovary, x 10.
166
Loganiaceae
In leaf character this species quite closely resembles Olea africana. Its leaves are very much the
same shape and size and vary more or less to the same extent in these features. The lower surface has
the same lepidote scales, only more plentifully, and the loops of the anastomosing veins run just within
the margin as in those of Olea africana , but they are more prominent and obvious in Buddleia saligna.
If the inflorescence is present these plants are easily distinguished for, besides the family differences in
the flowers, B. saligna has a large terminal panicle with innumerable small flowers whereas in the Olea
the panicles are axillary with fewer and larger flowers.
Common name: Basterolienhout.
5. Buddleia corrugata {Benth.) Phillips in Journ. S.A. Bot. 12: 114 (1946). Type:
Aliwal North or Herschel, Witbergen, Drege 3618 in Herb. Benth. (K, holo., PRE,
iso.).
Nuxia corrugata Benth., in Hook., Comp. Bot. Mag. 2: 60 (1836).
Chilianthus corrugatus (Benth.) A. DC. in DC.. Prodr. 10: 436 (1846); Prain & Cummins in
F.C. 4, 1: 1044 (1909).
Shrubs, bushy, 1-3-5 m tall; ultimate twigs cylindric or 4-angled, rusty tomentose,
tomentum of rather long often branched hairs. Leaves discolorous, drying dark above,
and deeply rugose, lower surface densely rusty-tomentose, linear, linear-lanceolate
narrowly oblong-elliptic or oblong-lanceolate, 1-5-9 cm long and 0-2-2 cm broad;
base rounded or cuneate; margins distinctly crenulate; interpetiolar ridge distinct;
petioles 2-10 mm long, broad at the base, rusty-tomentose. Inflorescence with flowers
congested in paniculate cymes, the peduncles, pedicels and calyces tomentose; bracts
narrowly acuminate from a broad base, tomentose, 2-5 mm long. Calyx about 2 mm
long, lobed to slightly below the middle, tomentose without, glabrous within. Corolla
cream or “ dirty white with an orange throat ”, about 4 mm long, lobed to about the
middle, tomentose without except where covered by the calyx and towards the margins,
sparsely pubescent within on the lobes, and sometimes with a few simple hairs bordering
the decurrent filaments; lobes broad subquadrate, the broad apex shallowly notched
at or near the centre. Stamens with free portion of filament very short, about 0-5 mm;
anthers exserted or subexserted the connective dorsally pubescent. Ovary tomentose
narrowing into a rather thick style which is up to 1 mm long; stigma terminal sub-
exserted. Capsule tomentose, exserted by just over half from the calyx tube, the lobes
of the persistent calyx reaching to about f of the way up the capsule. Fig. 23: 2.
Found on the slopes of high mountains, usually at altitudes above 5,500 ft, among boulders or
in damp sheltered gullies. Recorded from the north-eastern Cape, Basutoland and western Natal.
Cape. — Maclear: Naude's Nek Pass, Acocks 12186. Aliwal North: (Herschel or Barkly East)
Witbergen, Drege 3618.
Basutoland. — Leribe: Makokvane, Dieterlen 618; Little Bokong Valley, Guillarmod 332; Maluti
Mts., Tsedike Valley, Staples 84.
Natal. — Utrecht: Tweekloof, Thode A288; Pondowana, Stead & Ward 11. Kliprivier: Van
Reenen. Medley Wood 5491. Bergville: Cathedral Peak, Killick 2278; 2279; 2286. Estcourt: Bush-
mans River Valley, Wylie & Wood 10563.
With only its anthers exserted or subexserted, this species forms a link between “Chilianthus"
and " Buddleia ” as defined in the Flora Capensis. In the other species of the old genus, “ Chilianthus ",
the stamens are long exserted. the anthers and the free portion of the filaments standing out well above
the reflexed petals, very much as they do in Nuxia, while in Buddleia the stamens are included with
at most, only the apices of the anthers exserted.
In leaf character B. corrugata resembles B. salviifolia very closely, being rugose on the upper surface,
tomentose and reticulate below, with crenulate margins, but differs in the leaves being distinctly though
shortly petioled, cuneate or rounded at the base (not cordate to auricled) and with only an interpetiolar
ridge instead of stipules. It is also not so long acuminate to an acute apex as in B. salviifolia.
According to the records, it appears that B. salviifolia usually occurs at altitudes below 5,500 ft
while B. corrugata is found mostly at altitudes above 6,000 ft.
Loganiaceae
167
6. Buddleia glomerata WenclL f in Bartling and Wendland, Beitrage zur Botanik,
2: 4 (1825). Type: Cape, Hesse s.n.
Nuxia lobulata Benth. in Hook., Comp. Bot. Mag. 2: 60(1836). Syntypes: Beaufort West, Nieuwe-
veldbergen, Drege 664a; Queenstown, Klipplaat Fiver, Drege 664b. (K. composite sheet ex Herb.
Benth.)
Chilianthus lobulatus (Benth.) A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 10: 436 (1846); Prain & Cummins in F.C. 4,
1; 1044(1909).
Buddleia lobulata (Benth.) Phillips in Journ S. A. Bot. 12: 114 (1946).
Shrubs, bushy, sometimes straggling, from about 1-3-5 m tall, ultimate twigs
terete to subcompressed, angled or fluted, densely tomentose to glabrous in parts, the
scaly stellate tomentum rubbing off easily, internodes usually short, leaf- and stipule-
bases prominent. Leaves discolorous, sinuate-lobed with the lobes again crenate,
undulate, oblong to ovate-oblong, narrowing slightly to a broad apex and broadly
cuneate to rounded or cordate at base, 1 -2-6 cm long, 0-2-2 -6 cm broad, upper surface
tomentulose with short hairs, rugose, lower surface rusty scaly tomentose, reticulate;
petiole 0-2-1 -3 cm long, scaly tomentose; stipule a prominent interpetiolar ridge.
Inflorescence a terminal panicle of cymes; cymes congested, the ultimate forming
subglobose heads of 9 or more flowers. Calyx about 2/3 as long as the corolla more
or less 2 mm long, stellate tomentose without, glabrous within, lobed to just below the
middle. Corolla “yellowish” to “bright yellow”, about 3 mm long, lobed to just
below the middle, stellate-tomentose where exposed between calyx lobes, but glabrescent
towards the margins of the lobes without, glabrous within. Stamens with the free
portions of the filaments about 1-5 mm long, exserted; anthers yellow, connective
glabrous, cells diverging at base but not confluent at apex. Ovary stellate-tomentose,
more or less rounded at top; style glabrescent, from about 0-5-1 mm long, eventually
exserted; stigma terminal, conical, exserted. Capsule tomentose, tomentum rubbing
off in parts, exserted by about a third from the persistent calyx (and for some time
corolla persistent too). Fig. 23; 3.
Found mostly among rocks on the hills and mountains of the sandy, karroid areas. Recorded
from Uniondale to Queenstown and northwards to Prieska in the Cape Province and Fauresmith in
the Orange Free State.
Cape. — Uniondale: Paterson 3024. Beaufort West: Burke 524; Nieuwveld, Marloth 8282.
Willowmore: Perde Poort, Pole Evans 2555. Middelburg: Flanagan 1397. Tafelberg: Hutchinson
3108. Queenstown: Bowkers Pass, Galpin 2558. Prieska: Buis Vlei, Acocks 2557.
O.F.S. — Fauresmith: Reserve, Smith 532; Luckhoff, Pole Evans & Smith 1867.
Wendland’s name and description have been overlooked for many years. Bentham in his account
of Buddleia in DC., Prodr. 10: 447 (1846) writes under “ Species non satis notae ” : — “B. glomerata
Wendl. mihi non nisi nomine cognita est ”. The Kew Index gives only the following “ B. glomerata
Wendl. ex Benth. in DC., Prodr., X 447, Nomen. Afr. Austr.”
The rough, sinuate and undulate leaves, together with the minute flowers congested into subglobose
heads, which are about the size of a pea, characterise this species.
7. Buddleia dysophylla {Benth.) Radik, in Abh. Nat. Ver. Bremen 8: 410 (1883);
Phillips in Journ. S.A. Bot. 12: 114 (1946), superfluous combination; Bruce & Lewis
in F.T.E.A. Loganiaceae: 40 (1960). Types: “ Uitenhage and Albany districts and
Neutral Territory”, Ecklon 1836 (K, composite sheet ex herb. Bentham).
Nuxia dysophylla Benth. in Hook., Comp. Bot. Mag. 2: 60 (1836).
Chilianthus dysophyllus (Benth.) A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 10: 436 (1846); Prain & Cummins in F.C.
4,1: 1045(1909). C. dysophyllus var. rufescens Sond. in Linnaea 23 : 85 (1850). Type: “ Port Natal ",
Gueinzius 586.
Shrubs, straggling or scandent (erect if isolated), 1 • 5-7 m tall, divaricately branched,
ultimate branchlets terete to quadrate, striate, tawny or rusty pubescent to densely
tomentose, hairs rather long and often stellate, glabrescent. Leaves discolorous, upper
surface thinly to densely stellate-tomentose, glabrescent, lower surface persistently
thinly to densely stellate-pubescent, deltoid-ovate to ovate, broadest at or near the
168
Loganiaceae
base and narrowing to a deltoid subacute apex, base truncate, subcordate or wedge-
shaped, 1-10 cm long and 0-7-7- 5 cm broad; margins irregularly dentate to crenate;
veins impressed above, more or less obscure, prominent beneath, at least the lateral
obvious; petioles usually patent, 0-3-3 cm long, more or less tomentose, leaf usually
decurrent for some distance as a ridge or narrow wing; interpetiolar ridge distinct
to prominent. Inflorescence a large, sub-lax, cymose panicle, with innumerable small
flowers, peduncles, pedicels and calyces rusty or tawny substellate-tomentose to lanate;
bracts deltoid and subulate to linear, spathulate, dorsally tomentose to lanate, 1-4
mm long. Calyx densely tawny or rusty pubescent without, glabrous within, about
2 mm long, lobed almost to the base. Corolla “ white ”, “ dirty white ”, “ cream ”,
“white with maroon coloured throat”, sweetly scented, about 3-5 mm long, sub-
persistent and accrescent, glabrous or partially scaly pubescent without, glabrous within;
tube about 2 mm long, widely campanulate; lobes eventually reflexed, as long or
slightly shorter than the tube, broadly oblong with broad apex. Stamens with free
portion of filament (about 1-5 mm long) exserted, anthers long exserted, glabrous,
cells parallel (not confluent). Ovary about 1-5 mm long, tomentose with rather long
mixed branched hairs, more or less rounded at the top; style about 1 mm long
widening towards apex; stigma large, terminal, more or less peltate or lobes reflexed
and clavate. Capsule about 4 mm long, cylindric, longitudinally 2-lobed, thinly
tomentose with rather long branched hairs, exserted more or less 2/3 from the calyx
and corolla remains; valves splitting. Fig. 23; 4.
Found climbing or scrambling over trees and shrubs (sometimes erect if isolated) on the margiu
of forests, in patches of bush in kloofs or in stream- or river-bank bush. Recorded from the eastern
Cape north-eastwards through Natal to Swaziland and the south-eastern region of the Transvaal.
Also occurs in Tanganyika.
Cape. — Alexandria: Kaba Valley, Archibald 5501. King William’s Town: Tyson 1024. Peddie:
Kaffirdrift, Marais 417. Kentani: Pegler 1154. Stutterheim: Fort Cunyngham, Sim 1195.
Natal. — Durban: Avoca, Schlechter 3013. Pietermaritzburg: Table Mt. Killick 163; Albert
Falls, Verdoorn 1710. Estcourt: Bushmans River, Acocks 10500. Louwsberg: Ngome Forest,
Gerstner 4875.
Swaziland. — Hlatikulu, Compton 27945.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Rimers Creek, Galpin 971.
The colour of the tomentum, by which C. dysophylla var. rufescens Sond. was distinguished is not
combined with any other diagnostic feature nor does it seem to be characteristic of plants from certain
regions. This confirms the treatment in the Flora Capensis where it is not upheld as a variety but
included in the species. Although specimens with the white tomentum may look distinct from those
with the rufescent tomentum, yet the variety is not here upheld either.
6470
5. GOMPHOSTIGMA
Gomphostigma Turcz. in Bull. Soc. Nat. Mosc. 16; 53 (1843); Prain & Cummins
in F.C. 4, 1: 1037 (1909); Phill., Gen. ed. 2; 576 (1951).
Sufifrutices, scaly canescent, scales mostly stellate. Leaves opposite (rarely ternate.
Dr. Codd’s specimen in Barotseland) connate at the base or with a ridge between
them, sometimes appearing fascicled as well. Flowers in terminal racemes, pedicels
bibracteate. Calyx 4-lobed, cuneate at the base. Corolla 4-lobed, tube not longer
than the calyx, lobes broad, recurved in open flower. Stamens 4, inserted in the throat
of the corolla; free portion of filament shorter than the anthers, anthers exserted or
subexserted. Capsule oblong cylindric, 2-lobed, 2-valved, valves splitting. Seeds
many; placentas thick.
Loganiaceae
169
A genus of 2 species, endemic to tropical and Southern Africa. In classifications where the Loganiaceae
is split up, Gomphostigma is placed in the family Buddleiaceae [e.g. Hutch., Fam. FI. Plants ed. 2: 373
(1959)].
Virgate suffrutex with linear leaves usually over 1 cm long 1. G. virgatum
Divaricately branched suffrutex, leaves fascicled, under 1 cm long, usually less than 5 mm long
2. G. incomptum
1. Gomphostigma virgatum ( L.f .) Baill., Hist, des PI. 9: 348 (1888); Kuntze,
Rev. Gen. 3, 2: 201 (1898), superfluous combination; N.E. Br. in Kew Bull. 1929: 143
(1929). Type: Calvinia, Roggeveld, Thunberg s.n. (UPS, holo.).
Buddleia virgata L.f., Suppl. 123 (1781), sphalm. Budleia.
Gomphostigma scoparioides Turcz. in Bull. Soc. Nat. Mosc. 16: 53 (1843); Benth. in DC., Prodr.
10: 434 (1849); Prain & Cummins in F.C. 4, 1: 1038 (1909). Type: Beaufort West, Gamka River
Drege 8264.
Suffrutex, perennial, evergreen, 0-6-2 -6 m tall, erect, branches virgate, pliable,
canescent at least in part, the ultimate very slender, more or less quadrate. Leaves
opposite with a connecting ridge, sessile, linear to linear-oblong (occasionally oblan-
ceolate), narrowing at the apex to an acute or subobtuse point (occasionally broadly
rounded at apex and base cuneate), 1-6 cm long, 0-2-0- 5 cm broad, glabrous to densely
scaly canescent, especially on the lower surface, many of the scales stellate, 1 -nerved,
margin entire or sometimes remotely and obscurely toothed, usually revolute. Flowers
opposite, solitary in the axils of the upper leaves forming long, narrow, terminal
racemes; lower bracts leafy, becoming smaller towards the apex. Pedicels suberect,
bi-bracteolate, from about 2-12 mm long, glabrous or canescent. Calyx glabrous
without or sometimes partly to completely scaly canescent, glabrous within, united
into a short campanulate tube, about 1-2 mm long, 4-lobed; lobes about 1 ■ 5 mm long,
obtuse, sinuses narrowly rounded, margins subscarious. Corolla white, subpersistent,
accrescent, scented; tube glabrous within and without, short, subcampanulate, 2-4
mm long; lobes oblong-orbicular, 3-6 mm long, spreading, glabrous without, and with
a few scattered, short, pointed hairs in the basal half within. Stamens with the free
portion of the filament short, about 1 mm long, anthers exserted or subexserted, cells
parallel with a distinct dark purple margin. Ovary oblong, cylindric, rounded and
shortly 2-lobed at the apex; style from between the lobes, elongating, more or less
2-5 mm long, exserted; stigma terminal, fairly broad, rounded (like a bolt head, as the
generic name implies). Capsule oblong, cylindric more or less 7 mm long, faintly
2-lobed; splitting along the septa when mature; valves thick and rounded at the apex,
eventually also splitting. Fig. 24: 1.
Found along or near watercourses and rivers, growing in the running water among boulders, or
on the banks in sand or mud. Recorded from most parts of the provinces of South Africa and the
north central portion of South West Africa but noticably absent from the south-western Cape, the
Little Karoo, and the coastal regions of the western and eastern Cape and Natal. Also recorded from
Bechuanaland and Southern Rhodesia.
Cape. — Graaff-Reinet: Galpin 10003. King William’s Town: Comins 1688. Komga: Flanagan
1220. Umzimkulu: Tyson 27 13. Vanrhynsdorp: Esterhuysen 234. Prieska: Bryant .1 93. Gordonia:
Augrabies Falls, Wasserfall 1036. Kimberley: Flanagan 1414.
O.F.S. — Fauresmith: Smith 5176. Bloemfontein: Pont 538. Hoopstad: Goossens 1265.
Basutoland. — Mokhotlong: Guillarmod 1117. Leribe: Dieterlen 538.
Natal. — Underberg: MeClean 764. Bergville: Killiek 1807. Dundee: Codd 1513.
Transvaal. — Wolmaransstad : Strydpoort, Sutton 326. Pretoria: Wonderboom Reserve, Repton
2048. Lydenburg: Galpin 12181. Soutpansberg: Dongola Reserve, Pole Evans 4475. Marico:
Klein Marico River, Thode A 1447.
S.W.A. — Windhoek: Otjisauona, de Winter 2415. Otjiwarongo: Quickborn, Bradfield 194.
170
Loganiaceae
Fig. 24. — 1, Gomphostigma virgatum, upper portion of branch showing terminal racemes with sub-
erect pedicels; la, flower with upper portion of bracteolate pedicel, X 5; lb, capsule, before
dehiscing, with style-base at apex, X 5; lc, scale much enlarged. 2, G. incomptum, branch with
terminal raceme showing subspreading pedicels ( Acocks 17668); 2a, flower with short pedicel and
small bracteoles near the base, X 6; 2b, immature capsule with complete style and stigma, X 6;
2c, scale much enlarged.
Gentianaceae
171
2. Gomphostigma incomptum {L.f.) N.E. Br. in Kew Bull. 1929: 143 (1929). Type:
Calvinia?, Roggeveld, Thunberg s.n. (UPS, holo.).
Buddleia incompta L.f., Suppl. 123 (1781), sphalm. Budleia.
Gomphostigma incanum Oliv. in Hook., Ic. PI. 1472 (1883-5); Prain & Cummins in F.C. 4, 1: 1038
(1909). Type: Colesberg, Knobel s.n.
Suffrutex, 3-9 m tall, canescent, divaricately branched; branchlets rigid, densely
stellate-scaly, glabrescent in parts. Leaves small, 2 -4 mm long, 0-5-1 mm broad, opposite
and in axillary fascicles, the opposite leaves amplexicaul, deltoid from a broad base,
the fascicled leaves oblong and cuneate, all scaly-canescent (the scales stellate). Flowers
in terminal racemes, opposite, solitary in the axils of opposite leafy bracts which are
amplexicaul and united at the base. Pedicels suberect, bi-bracteolate midway or near
the base or apex, about 5 mm long, glabrous or scaly-canescent at least in the lower-
half. Calyx glabrous without, or partly scaly, glabrous within; tube more or less
campanulate, about 1 mm long; lobes 4 (sinuses narrowly rounded), about 1-5 mm
long, more or less deltoid, rounded at the apex. Corolla white, glabrous without,
or the lobes scaly dorsally; tube 3 mm long, with scattered patent short gland-tipped
hairs within; lobes about 4 mm long, broadly rounded at the apex. Stamens inserted
near the mouth of the tube, free portion of filaments about 3 mm long; anthers yellow,
exserted, cells parallel, distinct. Capsule oblong, cylindric, about 3 mm long, faintly
2-lobed, exserted from the calyx for about half its length, valves splitting. Fig. 24: 2.
Endemic to the Karoo. Found in sparsely scattered localities from the Roggeveld through the
arid Karoo, in a north-easterly direction, to the False Karoo where there is one record from near the
Orange River. Recorded from the Beaufort West, Fraserburg, Calvinia, Carnarvon and Colesberg
districts.
Cape. — Carnarvon: near Loxton, Acocks 16422.
After Thunberg collected this specimen in the Roggeveld, over a hundred years passed before
it was again recorded, the second record being from Colesberg. In recent years it has been collected
in the Carnarvon district and observed near Fraserburg at Welgedacht, Calvinia, and on the Nieuwveld
Plateau, north-west of Beaufort West. It grows quite plentifully in the few scattered localities where
it has been seen.
The leaves appear to be fascicled but are bunched on abbreviated shoots in the axils of opposite
amplexicaul leaves.
Imperfecty known Species
Logania capensis Ecklon in S.A. Quart. Journ. 4: 371 (1830). Schonland in Bot. Surv. Mem. 1: 84
(1919) writes under Strychnos : “ I do not know what plant Ecklon means by his Logania capensis
. . . The diagnosis is not detailed enough to recognise the genus ”. No further light has been
thrown on the subject and it remains an unknown species.
GENTIANACEAE
bY W. Marais and I. C. Verdoorn
Plants herbaceous or suffrutescent, erect to straggling, annual, biennial or perennial,
terrestrial or aquatic. Leaves mostly opposite and in basal rosettes, or, in the aquatic
plants, radical and alternate, simple (rarely trifoliolate but not in South African species),
exstipulate. Inflorescence of di- to trichotomous cymes, often paniculate, terminal
and axillary, sometimes reduced to single axillary flowers, or crowded into fascicles or
globose heads, rarely verticil late ( Enicostemma ). Flowers hermaphrodite, often heteros-
172
Gentianaceae
tylous. Calyx 4-5- or rarely 6-lobed. Corolla gamopetalous, 4-5-6-lobed; tube short
or long sometimes constricted below the mouth; lobes contorted, or, in the aquatic
plants, induplicate-valvate, rarely imbricate. Stamens as many as the corolla lobes
and alternating with them, inserted on the corolla, filaments dilated at the base; anthers
with distinct, parallel cells dehiscing lengthwise. Disc 0, annular or of 5 hypogynous
glands. Ovary superior, 1- or 2-celled, through the intrusion of the walls, with parietal,
or in the 2-celled ovaries, axile placentation. Fruit a capsule, dehiscing septicidally
or rarely berry-like and splitting irregularly, usually many seeded.
Found in the tropic and temperate regions of both hemispheres.
Hutchinson in his “ Families of Flowering Plants ” Vol. 1, ed. 2: 451 separates the aquatic genera,
with radical or alternate leaves and induplicate-valvate aestivation, from Gentianaceae and elevates
them to family rank as Menyanthaceae.
Leaves opposite and in basal rosettes, terrestrial plants; corolla-lobes contorted;
Ovary 2-celled through the intrusion of the cell-walls, the placentas eventually
appearing axile:
Flowers mainly yellow, sometimes cream or white; corolla-tube cylindrical
or funnel-shaped; anthers membranous 1. Sebaea
Flowers mainly blue, rarely pink or white, corolla-tube short and broadly
cylindrical; anthers coriaceous 2. Exacum
Ovary 1-celled with parietal placentation:
Flowers 1-5-3 -5 cm long, if smaller corolla with a definite tube, rose to
mallow pink with an occasional white flower:
Calyx keeled; plants glabrous 3. Chironia
Calyx without keels; plants pubescent 4. Orphium
Flowers small, 5-10 mm long, sometimes larger but then corolla divided nearly
to the base, white or yellow, if pale pink or purple then in umbels and
under 5 mm long:
Flowers verticillate 5. Enicostema
Flowers not verticillate:
Flowers about 10 mm long, in lax cymes 6. Swertia
Flowers under 5 mm long in dense terminal umbels 7. Faroa
Leaves radical or alternate, water plants, herbaceous; corolla-lobes induplicate-
valvate :
Leaves radical, blades longer than broad; inflorescence cymose; capsule opening
by 4 valves 8. Villarsia
Leaves alternate on stolon-like stems, orbicular, deeply cordate, flowers fascicled;
capsule rupturing irregularly 9. Nymphoides
6481
1. SEBAEA
Sebaea R. Br., Prodr. 451 (1810); Griseb., Gen. et Spec. Gent.: 164 (1839) and in
DC., Prodr. 9: 52 (1845); Benth. & Hook, f., Gen. PI. 2, 2: 804 (1876); Baker &
N. E. Br. in F.T.A. 4, 1: 546(1904); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1057 (1909). Levyns
in FI. Cape Penin. 671 (1950); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 578 (1951); Marais in Bothalia 7:
464 (1961). Type species: Australia, S. ovata (Labill.) R. Br.
Parrasia Rafin., FI. Tellur. 3: 78 (1836). Type species: Cape, P. cordata (L.f.) Rafin.
Lagenias E. Mey., Comm.: 186 (1837); Griseb. in DC., Prodr. 9: 54 (1845). Type species:
Cape, L. pusillus (Eckl. ex Cham.) E. Mey.
Gentianaceae
173
Belmontia E. Mey., Comm. : 183 (1837); Griseb. in DC., Prodr. 9: 54 (1845); Benth. & Hook, f.,
Gen. PI. 2, 2: 804 (1876); Baker & N.E. Br. in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 551 (1904); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 578 (1951);
nom. cons., see I.C.B.N. 1956: 264. Type species: Cape, B. cordata (L.f.) E. Mey.
Exochaenium Griseb. in DC., Prodr. 9: 55 (1845); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1093 (1908). Type
species: Cape, E. grande (E. Mey.) Griseb.
Annual, biennial, or perennial herbs, erect or procumbent; stems frequently
4-angled or -winged, glabrous or papillose puberulous or scabrid along the angles.
Leaves opposite, radical or cauline, well-developed or reduced, linear-lanceolate to
suborbicular, often sessile and cordate at the base. Flowers yellow, cream or white,
borne in 1 -many-flowered cymes; cymes solitary or arranged in corymbs. Calyx of
4-5 segments (rarely 6-merous), almost free or joined into a tube; segments lanceolate
to ovate or obovate, frequently with thin hyaline margins, entire or more or less erose,
keeled or winged, sometimes papillose, bristly or scabrid along the keels or wings.
Corolla 4-5-lobed, rarely 6-lobed; tube cylindric or funnel-shaped, long or short;
lobes spreading, contorted in aestivation, frequently clawed. Filaments inserted in
the corolla-sinuses or in the tube, short or long. Anthers exserted or included in the
corolla-tube, with 0, 1, or 3 glands, the glands minute or conspicuous, very rarely
with only 2 basal glands. Ovary ovoid, obovoid or almost globose, 2-celled; placentas
axile; ovules many. Style filiform, exserted or included, often with additional stigmatic
swellings which are free from or confluent with the stigma; stigma capitate, clavate
or long-linear, 2-lobed or entire. Capsule ovoid or obovoid, membranous or coriaceous,
septicidally 2-valved. Seeds ridged or frilled.
Two species of Sebaea are found in Australia and New Zealand. All the others are African, one
species extending to India and China, and several to Madagascar. Mainly temperate, but the section
corresponding to the genus Exochaenium, has a mainly tropical distribution.
Notes on the reduction of Belmontia and Exochaenium to Sebaea are given in Bothalia 7, 1961.
The “ glands ” found on the anthers in this genus are described by Schinz, in his monograph on
Sebaea in Mitteilungun der Geographischen Gesellschaft, Lubeck, 17, 1903, as containing saccharine;
and he introduces the term “ Brown’s bodies ” for these appendages, a term which has evidently not
been taken up by botanists. With regard to the stigmatic swelling found on the styles, Marloth, in
Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa, 1, 1909, records his observations that these swellings
function as a secondary stigma evidently to secure self pollination when cross-pollination has failed.
a Flowers tetramerous:
Corolla-tube shorter than the lobes:
Calyx-segments rounded on the back, usually 3-nerved, the outer segments neither keeled
nor winged 3. S', albens
Calyx-segments keeled or winged:
Calyx 6-9 • 5 mm long; corolla-tube 5 • 5-8 mm long, lobes 6-5-10 X 3-5-5 mm 1 . S. capita ta
Calyx 2 - 5—4 - 5 mm long; corolla-tube 2-5-4-75 mm long, lobes 3-6-5 x 1-5-3 mm:
Leaves in numerous pairs, scattered along the stems; filaments 2-2-5 mm long 2. S. laxa
Leaves in few pairs; filaments 0-5-2 mm long 6. S. aurea
Corolla-tube as long as or longer than the lobes:
Calyx-segments with small apical wings:
Anthers up to 0-5 mm long; style 1 -5-2 mm long, without a stigmatic swelling, some-
times thickened below the stigma 4. S. minuti flora
Anthers 1-2-5 mm long; style 4-6 mm long with a median stigmatic swelling 5. 5. ambigua
Calyx-segments strongly keeled or winged for the whole length 7. S. schlechteri
aa Flowers pentamerous;
b Perennial creeping, mat-forming, or rosulate herbs; apical anther-glands frequently dark
red-brown or black, large, conical or oblong; if smaller and light coloured, stems rooting
at the nodes or filaments inserted immediately below the corolla-sinuses:
Apical anther-glands yellow or orange:
Stems creeping, rooting at the nodes; filaments inserted in the corolla-sinuses 8. S', repens
Stems not rooting at the nodes, procumbent with the leaves more densely crowded in
the lower half, or erect and rosulate; filaments inserted in or just below the corolla-
sinuses 9. S. procumbens
174
Gentianaceae
bb
c
Apical anther-glands dark, red-brown or black:
Style without a stigmatic swelling; corolla-tube over 1-2 cm long 13. S. thomasii
Style with a stigmatic swelling; corolla-tube less than 1-2 cm long:
Style and stigma 2-3 -5 mm long; stigmatic swelling above the middle. ... 1 1. S', spathulata
Style and stigma 3 -5-6 -5 mm long; stigmatic swelling below the middle:
Flowers solitary or in few-flowered cymes, sessile or subsessile among the leaves;
apical anther-glands 0-75-1 mm long 12. S. marlothii
Flowers in cymes on erect or ascending stems; apical anther-glands 0-6-0-75 mm
long 1 0. S. thodeana
Annual, biennial, or perennial herbs; erect, ascending or somewhat procumbent, simple or
branched but never creeping or mat-forming; if rosulate then always erect, the apical
anther-glands never dark-coloured, stems never rooting at the nodes:
Annual or biennial herbs, very slender and with reduced leaves or leaves in relatively
few pairs, frequently rosulate (for cc see page 177):
Filaments inserted below the corolla-sinuses:
Style without a stigmatic swelling:
Stigma capitate; apical anther-gland small 15. 5. pusilla
Stigma clavate or linear- oblong; apical anther-gland large:
Stigma 1-25-1-75 mm long; calyx 3-5-6 mm long, keeled; corolla tube 5-5-7
mm long 18. 5. debilis
Stigma 2-25-5 mm long; calyx 19-25 mm long, winged; corolla-tube 1-2-3
cm long 19. S', grandis
Style with a stigmatic swelling, sometimes very small, sometimes confluent with the
stigma and rarely absent:
Stigmatic swelling just below and more or less confluent with the stigma:
Calyx-segments conspicuously winged:
Calyx-wings with papillose margins; corolla-lobes over 4 mm long; filaments
inserted 0 ■ 5-1 -25 mm below the sinuses 21.5'. micrantha var. intermedia
Calyx-wings with bristly margins; corolla-lobes 1 -75-3-75 mm long; filaments
inserted 0-4-0 -5 mm below the sinuses 21. S. micrantha var. micrantha
Calyx-segments keeled or very narrowly winged:
Anthers with 3 glands; style and stigma together up to 1-5 mm long
17. S. membranacea
Anthers with 1 gland; style and stigma together 2-75-3 mm long 16. 5. rara
Stigmatic swelling not immediately below the stigma:
Calyx-segments conspicuously winged:
Wings strongly veined the margins papillose 20. S. exacoides
Wings not reticulately veined; margins smooth:
Wings up to 0-75 mm broad, even or broadest above the middle; small
herbs with 1-3 pairs of cauline leaves and mostly with a rosette of
firm, subsucculent radical leaves 37. S. pentandra var. pentandra
Wings 0-75-1-5 mm broad, broadest at or below the middle, always with
4 — many pairs of cauline leaves; basal leaves often in a rosette, but thin
and membranous:
Inflorescence densely corymbose; calyx-wings drying the same colour as
the rest of the calyx, straw-like; anthers 1 -25-2 mm long; corolla-tube
5 -5-7 -5 mm long, lobes 4-7-5 mm long, spathulate to orbicular-
obovate 34. S. natalensis
Inflorescence lax with long branches; calyx-wings drying green or greyish,
the rest of calyx pale; anthers 1-75-7 mm long; corolla-tube 5-10
mm long, lobes 6-12 mm long, elliptic-lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate,
rarely somewhat obovate 33. S. rehmannii
Calyx-segments keeled or very narrowly winged:
Calyx-segments joined for 6 ■ 5-9 mm 14. S. compacta
Calyx-segments joined for up to 2 mm:
Anthers 2-5-3 mm long; style 9-9-5 mm long; calyx over 5 mm long
37. S. pentandra var. pentandra
Anthers up to 1-5 mm long; style up to 6 mm long; calyx under 5 mm long:
Style 1-3 mm long; filaments inserted 0-25-0-5 mm below the sinuses
16. S. rara
Style 2-5-6 mm long; filaments inserted 0-5-1 -0 mm below the sinuses
32. S. erosa
Filaments inserted in the corolla-sinuses:
Style without a stigmatic swelling:
Anthers without glands:
Stigma as long to twice as long as the style 27. S. zeyheri
Stigma much shorter than the style:
Slender wiry herbs with reduced leaves up to 10 X 3 mm 24. S. bojeri
Herbs up to 70 cm high; leaves up to 4 5-2-5 cm 35. S. elongata
Gentianaceae
175
Anthers with glands:
Anthers with 1 apical gland :
Style over 5 mm long; anthers 1 -5-2-5 mm long 24. S. bojeri
Style under 5 mm long; anthers up to 1 - 25 mm long:
Stigma as long to twice as long as the style, filaments 0-25-0-75 mm long;
anthers 0-25-0-75 mm long 27. S. zeyheri
Stigma much shorter than the style; filaments 0-75-2-25 mm long; anthers
0-75-1-25 mm long 25. S. junodii
Anthers with 3 glands, the basal ones sometimes very small:
Filaments up to 0-5 mm long; corolla-lobes 2-2-75 mm long; style and
stigma 1 -25-2-25 mm long 37. S. pentandra var. burchellii
Filaments over 0-5 mm long; corolla-lobes 2-75-12 mm long; style and
stigma 2-8 mm long:
Corolla-tube 3-25-5 mm long; lobes 2-75-7-75 mm long; apical anther-
gland minute, round 35. S. elongata
Corolla-tube 6-5-7 mm long; lobes 7-5-12 mm long; apical anther-gland
conspicuous, oblong or conical 9. S. procumbens
Style with a stigmatic swelling below or above the middle, sometimes shortly below
the stigma:
Swelling above the middle of the style:
Anthers with one gland or none:
Filaments up to 0-5 mm long 21. S. zeyheri
Filaments 0-75-2-75 mm long:
Herbs up to 70 cm high; leaves up to 4-5 X 2-5 cm 35. S. elongata
Slender wiry herbs; leaves reduced, up to 10 X 3 mm 24. S', bojeri
Anthers with 3 glands:
Calyx-segments with broad wings which are broadest at the base, their margins
papillose 21. S. micrantha var. intermedia
Calyx-segments keeled or, if narrowly winged, the wings broadest near the
middle, their margins smooth:
Filaments up to 0-5 mm long; anther-glands conspicuous
37. 5. pentandra var. burchellii
Filaments 0-75-2-25 mm long; anther-glands minute 35. S. elongata
Swelling at or below the middle of the style:
Anthers without glands:
Slender herbs up to 20 cm high ; basal leaves not much bigger than the upper,
sometimes crowded in a rosette, but usually scattered along the stem,
1 -few-flowered:
Filaments 0-4-1 mm long; corolla-tube 2 5-5-5 mm long, lobes 3-5-75
mm long; style 3 - 25—5 - 25 mm long; calyx-segments joined for 0-5
mm at the base 26. 5. grisebachiana
Filaments 1-5-2 mm long; corolla-tube 5 - 5—6 mm long, lobes 6-8 mm
long; style 6-6-5 mm long; calyx-segments joined for up to 3 mm at
the base 24. S. bojeri
Slender or stout herbs up to 70 cm high; basal leaves almost always much
bigger than the upper, usually crowded in a rosette; inflorescence many-
flowered :
Calyx-segments 3-75-6 mm long, keeled or narrowly winged; corolla-tube
3-25-5 mm long; anthers 0-75-3 mm long; style 2-7-25 mm long;
swelling usually small, at or below the middle, rarely absent; leaves
ovate to ovate-elliptic, up to 4- 5x2- 5 cm 35. S. elongata
Calyx 5-9 mm long, wings 0-75-1 -5 mm broad; corolla-tube 5-9 mm long;
anthers 1-75-7 mm long; style 5-10 mm long, swelling mostly large,
near the base; leaves ovate to ovate-orbicular, up to 1-8 x 1-8 cm
33. .S', rehmannii
Anthers with glands :
Anthers with 1 gland:
Slender herbs, 1 -few-flowered ; leaves linear-lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate,
up to 12 x 3 mm:
Calyx-wings up to 1-75 mm broad 24. 5". bojeri
Calyx keeled or very narrowly winged:
Filaments up to 0 75 mm long; calyx-segments joined for up to 1 mm
23. S. filiformis
Filaments over 1-5 mm long; calyx-segments joined for 2-4 mm
22. .S', exigua
176
Gentianaceae
Slender or stout herbs with many-flowered corymbose inflorescences, rarely
reduced to a few cymes; leaves ovate to suborbicular, up to 1-8 X 1-8
cm:
Corolla-tube 2 -5-5 -5 mm long; lobes 3-5 ■ 75 mm long; style and stigma
3-25-5-5 mm long, stigma clavate 0-75-2-5 mm long; leaves 3-12 X
2-10 mm (south-western to eastern Cape) 26. S. grisebachiana
Corolla-tube 5-10 mm long, lobes 4-12 mm long; style and stigma 5-10
mm long, stigma 0 - 25—1 mm long, capitate or clavate; leaves up
to 1-8 x 1-8 cm (Pondoland, Basutoland, Natal, eastern Free State,
Swaziland):
Inflorescence densely corymbose; calyx-wings drying the same colour
as the rest of the calyx, straw-like; anthers 1-25-2 mm long;
corolla-tube 5 5-7-5 mm long, lobes 4-7-5 mm long, spathulate
to orbicular-obovate 34. S. natalensis
Inflorescence lax with long branches ; calyx-wings drying green or greyish,
the rest of the calyx pale; anthers 1 - 75—7 mm long; corolla-tube
5-10 mm long; lobes 6-12 cm long, elliptic-lanceolate to ovate-
lanceolate, rarely somewhat obovate 33. S. rehmannii
Anthers with 3 glands:
Calyx-wings reticulately veined with papillose margins 28. 5. scabra
Calyx keeled or winged, but wings not as above:
Leaves scattered along the stems:
Calyx-wings 0-5 mm broad, broadest at or below the middle; corolla,
calyx and sometimes the upper leaves, drying yellow-green; stigma
ligulate, 1-5-5 -5 mm long 29. S. sulphwea
Calyx keeled or wings up to 0-5 mm broad, broadest near the base;
corolla yellow; calyx and upper leaves drying green or brownish;
stigma capitate or clavate, up to 1 mm long:
Anthers 2-3 mm long 30. 5. ramosissima
Anthers 0 - 75—1 - 25 mm long 31. S. fowcadei
Lower leaves crowded in a rosette:
Corolla-tube up to 5 mm long:
Inflorescence few-many-flowered, often with long branches, lax;
filaments 0-25-0-75 mm long; branches often widely spreading
30. S. ramosissima
Inflorescence usually many-flowered, dense; filaments 0-75-2-5 mm
long; simple or with erect-ascending branches:
Basal leaves usually much bigger than cauline leaves, thin; anther-
glands minute 35. S. elongata
Basal leaves often not much bigger than the cauline leaves, firm
or subsucculent; anther-glands conspicuous
37. S. pentandra var. pentandra
Corolla-tube over 5 mm long:
Calyx-segments keeled :
Plants with spreading-ascending branches; flowers long-pedicellate
30. S. ramosissima
Plants simple or with erect-ascending branches; flowers shortly
pedicellate in rather dense inflorescences:
Corolla-lobes 3-5-7 x 1-75-3-25 mm; calyx-segments joined
for 0-5-1 -5 mm; apical anther-gland round
37. S. pentandra var. pentandra
Corolla-lobes 7-5-12 x 3-5 mm; calyx-segments joined up to
5 mm; apical anther-gland oblong or conical. . . .9. S. procumbens
Calyx-segments winged:
Anther-glands stipitate 37. S. pentandra var. pentandra
Anther-glands sessile:
Inflorescence densely corymbose; calyx-wings drying the same
colour as the rest of the calyx, straw-like; anthers 1 -25-2 mm
long; corolla-tube 5 -5-7 -5 mm long, lobes 4-7-5 mm long,
spathulate to orbicular-obovate 34. S. natalensis
Inflorescence lax with long branches; calyx-wings drying green
or greyish, rest of the calyx pale; anthers 1-75-7 mm
long, corolla-tube 5-10 mm long; lobes 6-12 mm long;
elliptic-lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, rarely somewhat
obovate 33. 5. rehmannii
Gentianaceae
177
Perennial or biennial herbs, slender or stout, erect or spreading, usually branched; leaves
ovate-lanceolate to suborbicular, ample, in many pairs scattered along the stems,
sometimes more crowded towards the base, but never rosulate:
Anthers with 2 basal glands only; flowers sulphur yellow or greenish yellow. . . .36. S. stricta
Anthers with 0, 1, or 3 glands, but never with only 2 basal glands; flowers almost always
bright yellow;
Filaments inserted 0-25-1 -25 mm below the corolla-sinuses:
Calyx-segments keeled 41. S. sedoicles var. schoenlandii
Calyx-segments winged:
Inflorescence densely corymbose; calyx-wings drying the same colour as the
rest of the calyx, strawlike; anthers 1 -25-2 mm long; corolla-tube 5 -5-7 -5
mm long; lobes 4-7-5 mm long, spathulate to orbicular-obovate 34. S. natalensis
Inflorescence lax with long branches; calyx-wings drying green or greyish, the
rest of the calyx pale; anthers 1 ■ 75—7 mm long; corolla-tube 5-10 mm
long, lobes 6-12 mm long, elliptic-lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, rarely
somewhat obovate 33. S. rehmannii
Filaments inserted in the corolla-sinuses:
Plants simple or branched from the base, erect or ascending, branched again at the
inflorescence, but not often with many side-branches; inflorescence usually
dense, corymbose, sometimes much contracted and headlike, rarely a number
of corymbs paniculately together:
Calyx-segments hyaline or thinly membranous when dry :
Leaves lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate :
Marsh plants without a taproot; calyx-segments 7-11 X 2-5 mm; anthers
2-4-25 mm long 38. S. longicaulis
Grassveld species; taproot well developed; calyx-segments 3-8-25 X 0-75-
2-25 mm; anthers 1-2-5 mm long 41. S. sedoides
Leaves ovate, ovate-orbicular to suborbicular-reniform :
Style without or with a very small stigmatic swelling 38. S. longicaulis
Style with a conspicuous stigmatic swelling:
Marsh plants without a taproot; calyx-segments 7-11 x 2-5 mm....
38. 5. longicaulis
Grassveld species ; taproot well-developed ; calyx-segments 4-9 X 1-3 mm:
Inflorescence lax with long branches 33. S. rehmannii
Inflorescence and cymes dense:
Keel-wing up to 0-75 mm broad 40. S. leiostyla
Keel-wing 0 - 75—1 -5 mm broad 34. S. natalensis
Calyx-segments membranous, opaque, brittle when dry:
inflorescence often contracted and headlike; bracts numerous, erect, usually
broader in upper half, obtuse, acute or subacute; corolla-tube rather
longer than the lobes 41. S. sedoides
Inflorescence compact or lax, but never much contracted; bracts not numerous,
broadest below the middle, acuminate or acute; corolla-lobes as long as
or longer than the tube 38. S. longicaulis
Plants often much branched from the base and higher up, ascending, spreading, or
erect; inflorescence usually somewhat paniculate, often lax, or side-branches
ending in 1-flowered cymes:
Corolla-tube slightly longer than the lobes; lobes elliptic or ovate, rarely broader
in the upper half; inflorescence contracted and headlike when young
40. S. leiostyla
Corolla-tube usually shorter than the lobes; lobes oblanceolate to orbicular-
obovate or orbicular-ovate, mostly broader in the upper half; inflorescence
a lax panicle or of 1 -few-flowered cymes with few bracts:
Calyx very wide, markedly 5-angled, membranous opaque, brittle when dry;
keel-wings narrow or broad, but thick; bracts few, foliaceous, or if
numerous, the upper leaves ovate-triangular or not much reduced; seeds
over 0-4 mm long 39. S. macrophylla
Calyx not very wide, hyaline; keel-wings narrow or broad, but thin, often
drying green; bracts many, spreading or reflexed, upper leaves usually
much reduced; seeds 0-25-0-4 mm long 42. S. hymenosepala
1. Sebaea capitata Cham. & Schlechtcil. in Linnaea 1: 193 (1826). Type: Caps,
Table Mtn., Mundt <£ Maire.
Biennial or perennial herbs, erect or ascending, simple or branched from near the
base, up to 35 cm high. Leaves 0-7-1 -8 cm long, 0-3-1 -4 cm broad, elliptic, ovate,
or ovate-cordate, acute or subacute, sometimes mucronate, cuneate at the base, or
178
Gentianaceae
more or less cordate above the petiole-like base, crowded near the base or scattered
along the stem. Inflorescence more or less corymbose, of compact, few-flowered cymes;
bracts ovate, ovate-rhomboid, or ovate-lanceolate, obtuse or acute, firm, erect, more
or less spurred at the base when dry. Calyx of 4 segments, each 6-9-5 mm long,
boat-shaped, acute, mucronate, keeled or with a wing up to 1-25 mm broad. Corolla
yellow; tube 5 - 5—8 mm long; lobes 6-5-10 mm long, 3-5-5 mm broad, ovate or
ovate-elliptic, rounded. Filaments 1-25-2-5 mm long, inserted in the corolla-sinuses.
Anthers 0-75-1 -75 mm long, without glands or each with a minute apical gland. Style
and stigma 4-6 mm long, without, or rarely with a stigmatic swelling; stigma clavate,
2-lobed.
Very little additional material has become available since Hill & Prain’s account in Flora
Capensis. The differences between S. capitata and S. sclerosepala are so slight, that the latter cannot
be maintained as a distinct species and is reduced to varietal rank.
Anthers 0-75-1 mm long, without glands; style 4-4-5 mm long, without a stigmatic swelling;
leaves crowded near the base (a) var. capitata
Anthers 1 -5-1 -75 mm long, sometimes with minute apical glands; style 5-6 mm long, sometimes
with a slight swelling; leaves scattered along the stem ( b ) var. sclerosepala
(a) var. capitata.
S. capitata Cham, and Schlechtdl. in Linnaea 1 : 193 (1826); Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 87 (1898);
Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 15 (1903); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1062 (1909).
This variety is, on the whole, slightly smaller in all parts. The leaves are crowded
near the base of the stems, cuneate at the base. The calyx-segments are keeled or with
wings up to 0-75 mm broad. Filaments 2-2-5 mm long; anthers 0-75-1 mm long,
glands absent. Style and stigma 4-4-5 mm long, without a swelling.
Known from only three collections made on Table Mountain.
Cape. — Peninsula: Table Mtn., Burchett 561; Wottey Dod 2122.
(b) var. sclerosepala (Schinz) Marais in Bothalia 7 : 463 (1961). Syntypes: Cape,
Table Mtn., Schlechter 170; Montagu Pass, Rehmann 266 (BM!, K, fragment!).
S', sclerosepala Gilg ex Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 23 (1903); Hill & Prain in F. C.
4, 1 : 1062 (1909).
The leaves are generally more evenly scattered along the stems and usually somewhat
cordate above the cuneate base. The keel-wings of the calyx-segments are usually
up to 1-5 mm broad. Filaments 1-25-2-5 mm long; anthers 1-5-1-75 mm long,
sometimes with minute apical glands. Style and stigma 5-6 mm long, sometimes with
a slight stigmatic swelling.
This variety is confined to the winter rainfall area, but occurs much further to the east than the
typical variety.
Cape. — Riversdale: Langeberg above Witels, Muir 1461. George: Cradockberg, Burchett 5897;
Montagu Pass, Rehmann 266. Uniondale: Bloubosberg, Fourcade 2833. Uitenhage: Great Winter-
hoek Mtns., Cockscomb, Esterhuysen 28035.
2. Sebaea laxa N. E. Br. in Kew Bull. 1901; 128 (1901); Schinz in Mitt. Georg.
Ges. Liibeck 17: 21 (1903); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1063 (1909). Type; Swel-
lendam, Galpin 4337 (K, lecto.!).
Slender, much-branched, apparently annual herbs 12-25 cm high, with thin wiry
stems. Leaves 3-8 mm long, 2-6 mm broad, lanceolate to ovate, acute or acuminate,
cuneate at the base, very thin, the margins often recurved, scattered along the stems.
Gentianaceae
179
Inflorescence very lax, few-flowered with long pedicels; bracts ovate or ovate-lanceolate,
spreading or recurved. Calyx of 4 segments, each 3-4 mm long, 1 mm broad, narrowly
ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, the sides hyaline, with a keel-wing 0-25-0- 5 mm broad,
broadest below the middle. Corolla yellow, tube 3-5-4-75 mm long; lobes 5-5-75
mm long, 2-3 mm broad, ovate-lanceolate to ovate-oblong, long-acute or rounded,
clawed. Filaments 2-2-5 mm long, inserted in the corolla-sinuses. Anthers 1-1-25
mm long, their tips recurved, each with a yellow-brown apical gland. Style and stigma
3-5 mm long with a small stigmatic swelling above the middle; stigma small, clavate,
2-lobed.
Endemic in the south-western Cape Province.
Cape. — Swellendam: Suurbraak Mts., Gatpin 4337. Riversdale: Kampsberg, Burchett 7089:
Langeberge, Esterhuysen 17022; Garcia’s Pass, Phillips 361.
A very distinct species, in habit unlike any other of the tetramerous species.
3. Sebaea albens ( L.f '.) Roem. & Schult ., Syst. Yeg. 3: 361 (1818); Gilg in Bot
Jahrb. 26: 88 (1898); Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 22 (1903); Hill &
Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1063 (1909). Type: Cape, Sparrman (L!).
Exacum albens L.f., Suppl. 123 (1781), partly, excl. E. pedunculatwn L.
Gentiana albens Thunb., Prodr. 48 (1794).
Erect, annual herbs 4-25 cm high, usually not branched from the base, but
branching freely in the upper part. Leaves 0-4-1 -5 cm long, 0-3-1 -2 cm broad, ovate,
acute or rounded, cuneate or subcordate at the base, leathery or thin when dry.
Inflorescence a much-branched corymb, usually many-flowered but sometimes reduced
to a few cymes; bracts foliaceous, ovate to lanceolate, erect, spreading or recurved.
Calyx of 4 segments, each 3-7 mm long, 1-3 mm broad, ovate to elliptic-obovate.
rounded on the back and often 3-nerved; the outer ones neither keeled nor winged,
the inner often weakly keeled, especially in the upper half ; rounded or acute, sometimes
with a more or less recurved apiculus, joined for 0-5-1 -5 mm. Corolla yellow or
white; tube 3-5-6 mm long; lobes 4-7 mm long, 2-3-5 mm broad, elliptic to ovate
or obovate, rounded or minutely apiculate. Filaments 0-75-2 mm long, inserted in
the corolla-sinuses. Anthers 0-75-2-5 mm long, their tips recurved, each with a sessile
or shortly stalked large conical or smaller roundish apical gland. Style and stigma
4-25-7 mm long, with a conspicuous stigmatic swelling; stigma often large, clavate.
2-lobed. Fig. 25: 2.
Endemic in the south-western Cape Province.
Cape. — Piketberg: Bolus 13611; “ ETet Kruis ”, Stephens & Glover 8763. Malmesbury: Mamre.
Bolus 4308. Peninsula: Sout Rivier, Burchell 682; Fish Hoek Valley, W. Doit 3439; 3439a; Cape
Flats, MacOwan 1925; Seekoeivlei, Salter 3972. Stellenbosch: Eersterivier, Worsdel! s.n. Bredasdorp:
Brandfontein, Esterhuysen 19005; 6 miles S. of Bredasdorp, Salter 4092; 4093. Riversdale: Albertinia,
Muir 1095. Without exact locality: Sparrman s.n.
Previously the combination S. albens had been attributed to R. Brown (1810), who did not however
rnake a valid combination.
Probable hybrids: Schinz, in Mitt. Geogr. Liibeck 17: 15 (1903), based S', rhomboidea on a specimen
in the Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna, received from Poeppig and stated to have been collected
at " Port Natal He related it to S. minutiflora, and distinguished it by the ovary being cuneate at
the base and thin-walled in the lower part. Hill in Ann. S. Afr. Mus. 9: 57 (1912), because of the
absence of a distinct keel or wing to the calyx-segments, related S. ecarinata to S', albens. The type-
gathering, Pearson 5229 from Piketberg, is represented in both Kew and the British Museum of
Natural History, and consists of some unbranched specimens with small inflorescences. These two
gatherings and Parker 4136 in Kew Herbarium are not identical, but hang together quite well. They
are intermediate between S. albens and S. minutiflora, and may be hybrids.
180
Gentianaceae
4. Sebaea minutiflora Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. 3: 413 (1895); Gilg in Bot.
Jahrb. 26: 88 (1898); Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 16 (1903); Hill &
Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1063 (1909). Type: Riversdale, Schlechter 1701 (Z, holo.!; K.
fragment!).
Erect annual herbs 5-20 cm high, simple or branched. Leaves 0-3-1 -5 cm long
and equally broad, ovate to ovate-orbicular, cuneate or cordate at the base, obtuse.
Inflorescence usually many-flowered, of dense, head-like bracteate cymes with subsessile
flowers; bracts foliaceous, broadly ovate to ovate-deltoid. Calyx of 4 segments, each
3-5-5 mm long, 1-3-5 mm broad, obovate-oblong to obovate-suborbicular, somewhat
erose or erose-dentate in the upper part, faintly keeled below and with a small apical
wing 0-75-1-5 mm long and 0-5-1 mm broad, the sides membranous, joined for
0-5-0-75 mm. Corolla white; tube 3 • 5-4 mm long; lobes 1-2-5 mm long, 0-75-1 -75
mm broad, ovate-oblong to suborbicular, rounded. Filaments 0-25-0-5 mm long,
inserted in the corolla-sinuses; anthers 0-4-0- 5 mm long, each with a conspicuous
apical gland. Style and stigma 1-5-2 mm long, without a stigmatic swelling, but
sometimes thickened below the stigma; stigma clavate or capitate-clavate, 2-lobed.
Confined to the coastal belt from Cape Town to Bathurst.
Cape. — Peninsula: Noordhoek, Levyns 5246; Slangkop, W. Dod 3253. Caledon: Hermanus,
Marloth 2774. Riversdale: Albertinia, Muir 2391 ; near Riversdale, Schlech ter 1701 ; 1254. Humans-
dorp: Slangrivier, Fourcade 1828. Port Elizabeth : Baakens River, Burchett 4340; Walmer , Paterson
770. Bathurst: Martindale, Long 353.
S. albidiflorci (Labill.) F.v.M. from Australia is very closely related to S. minutiflora.
5. Sebaea ambigua Cham, in Linnaea 6: 346 (1831); 8: 52 (1833); Gilg in Bot.
Jahrb. 26: 88 (1898); Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 17 (1903), partly, excl.
S. gibbosa in synonymy under var. gracilis Cham. ; Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1064
(1909). Syntypes: Cape, Seekoeivlei, Ecklon 77 (K!); between Seekoeivlei and Steen-
berg, Ecklon.
S. ambigua Cham. var. gracilis Cham. l.c. (1931). Type: Cape, Seekoeivlei, Ecklon 11. —var.
crassa Cham. l.c. (1831). Type: between Seekoeivlei and Steenberg, Ecklon. S. aurea var. congesta
Eckl. & Zeyh. ex Drege in Linnaea 20: 195 (1847), nom. nud.
Erect annual herbs, usually stout and unbranched from the base, 3 • 5-20 cm high.
Leaves 0-6-1 -5 cm long, 0-5-1 -5 cm broad, ovate, ovate-cordate or ovate-orbicular,
obtuse or rounded. Inflorescence many-flowered, of compact, head-like, bracteate
cymes; bracts ovate, ovate-rhomboid or ovate-lanceolate, foliaceous. Calyx of 4
segments, each 3-5 mm long, 1 -25-3 mm broad, obovate or obovate-cuneate, the margin
erose or erose-laciniate in the upper part, the sides hyaline, joined for 0-5-1 mm, faintly
keeled below and with a small, thick apical wing 1-2 mm long and 0-5-1 mm broad.
Corolla yellow; tube 3-5-6 mm long; lobes 3-5-5 mm long, 2-3-5 mm broad, ovate,
ovate-oblong or more or less elliptic rounded, truncate, or emarginate. Filaments
1 - 5—2 - 5 mm long, inserted in the corolla-sinuses; anthers 1-5-2 -5 mm long, their
tips recurved, each with an apical gland. Style and stigma 4-6 mm long, with a median
stigmatic swelling; stigma capitate or clavate, 2-lobed. Fig. 25: 3.
Endemic in the south-western Cape.
Cape. — Peninsula: Little Lion, W. Dod 3273; Kommetjie, Phillips s.n.; Cape Maclear, Salter
7112; Cape Point, Schlechter 7308; Lower North Battery, W. Dod 2013; between Maitland Cemetery
and the sea, W. Dod 3062; Seekoeivlei, Ecklon 11 ; Salter 2951; Muizenberg, Marloth 6023 ; Fishhoek,
; Marloth 3442; Noordhoek, Levyns 5247; 5248. Caledon: between Stanford and Kelders, Gillett
4276; 4277b. Bredasdorp: Struisbay, Esterhuysen 5477.
Schinz (1903) upheld both Chamisso's varieties, but there are so many intermediates between the
two extremes with elongated branches or very compact, contracted inflorescences, that these cannot
be upheld and the treatment in Flora Capensis is followed here.
Gentianaceae
181
Fig. 25. — 1, Sebaea aurea, habit, x 2/3 ( Salter 1747); la, 2 sepals, x 4; lb, corolla opened, X 4;
lc, anther, X 8; Id, gynoecium, x 4. 2, S. albens, corolla opened, x 4 (Sailer 3972); 2a, sepals,
x 4; 2b, anther, X 8; 2c, gynoecium, X 4. 3, S. ambigua, corolla opened, X 4 ( Salter 2951);
3a, 2 sepals, X 4; 3b, anther, x 8; 3c, gynoecium, x 4. 4, S. thodeana, corolla opened, x 4
(Killick 1845); 4a, 2 sepals, X 4; 4b, anther, X 8; 4c, gynoecium, X 4.
182
Gentianaceae
6. Sebaea aurea {L.f.) Roem. & Schult., Syst. Veg. 3: 161 (1818); Gilg in Bot.
Jahrb. 28: 88 (1898); Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 18 (1903); Hill &
Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1065 (1909). Type: Cape, Sparrman (LINN!).
Exacum aureum L.f., Suppl. 123 (1781).
Gentiana aurea (L.f.) Thunb., FI. Cap. ed 2, 2: 171 (1818).
Sebaea cymosa Jarosz, PI. Nov. Cap. 10 ( 1821): Type: Cape Peninsula, Berg s.n. S', minima Jarosz, l.c.
11 (1821). Type Cape Peninsula, Berg s.n. S. pallida E. Mey., Comm. 185 (1837); Hill & Prain, l.c.
1067 (1909). Syntypes: Cape, between Cape Town and Tyger Valley, Drege s.n. (K!); Lion’s Head.
Drege s.n. (K!). S. gibbosa W. Dod in Journ. Bot. Lond. 39: 401 (1901); Hill & Prain, l.c. 1064 (1909).
Type: Cape, Muizenberg, W. Dod 2332 (K, holo.!). S. ambigua var. gracilis sensu Schinz, l.c. 18
(1903), partly, as to S. gibbosa in synonymy. S. glauca Hill in Kew Bull. 1908: 321 (1908); Hill
& Prain, l.c. 1065 (1909). Type: Cape, near Little Lion, W. Dod 3273a (K, holo.!). S. paludosa
Levyns in Journ. S. Afr. Bot. 7: 85 (1941). Type: Cape Peninsula, Olifantsbos, Levyns 7334.
Erect annual herbs, slender and usually unbranched below, 6-30 cm high. Leaves
0-7-1 -8 cm long, 0-4-1 -2 cm broad, ovate-cordate to ovate-lanceolate, obtuse or
acute, thin. Inflorescence corymbose, many-flowered or reduced to 1 flower, bracteate;
individual cymes compact or lax; bracts ovate-lanceolate to linear, spreading or
reflexed, numerous. Calyx of 4 segments, each 2- 5-4- 5 mm long, 0-75-1 • 5 mm broad,
oblanceolate, linear-oblong, or more rarely obovate-oblong, acuminate-mucronate,
the margin entire or more or less erose, the sides hyaline, shiny when dry, joined for
0-5-0-75 mm with a sharp keel or with a wing up to 1-25 mm broad, broadest above
or below the middle. Corolla yellow to white; tube 2- 5-4- 25 mm long; lobes 3-6-5
mm long, 1-5-2-75 mm broad, elongate-ovate, ovate-elliptic, or oblong, subacute or
rounded, sometimes apiculate. Filaments 0 • 5-2 mm long, inserted in the corolla-sinuses.
Anthers 0-75-2 mm long, their tips recurved, each with a conspicuous apical gland.
Style and stigma 2-75-4-5 mm long with a stigmatic swelling at or below the middle;
stigma large, 2-lobed. Fig. 25: 1.
Endemic in the winter-rainfall area of the south-western Cape and eastwards in the coastal belt.
Cape. — Piketberg: near Berg River Bridge, Salter 3869. Clanwilliam: Pakhuis, N. Cedarberg,
Esterhuysen 21162; Cedarberg, Thode A 2168; between Theerivier and Keerom, Pillans 8673. Malmes-
bury: Moorreesburg, Bolus 9992. Paarl: near Paarl, Hutchinson 1068. Tulbagh: Leighton 1315:
Marloth 7112. Swellendam : Marloth 8466 ; lower part of Sonderend River, Zeyher 1187. Stellenbosch :
Elsenburg, Marloth 3441; Helderberg, Esterhuysen 14622. Caledon: Bot River, Salter 6969; between
Stanford and Elim, Gillett 4507. Peninsula: Wynberg Hill, Salter 1747; Kanonberg, Salter 1827;
Cape Town, Bolus 2876; 365; Fish Hoek Valley, W. Dod 3437; Muizenberg Vlei, W. Dod 2332;
Redhill, Levyns 5309; between Fish Hoek and Kommetjie, Levyns 5238. Riversdale: Muir 2725 ;
Heidelberg, Galpin 4355. George: Burchell 6008. Knysna: Hutchinson 1342. Humansdorp: Rogers
4721, partly; Witelsbos, Fourcade 913.
The combination S. aurea has incorrectly been attributed to R. Brown (1810).
Schinz treated S. pallida as a variety of S. aurea; Hill & Prain maintained it as a distinct species.
A full range of intermediates occur between typical S. aurea with keeled calyx-segments and S. pallida
with semi-cordate keel-wings. This range includes S. glauca, S. gibbosa, S. paludosa and all the varieties
of S. aurea which Schinz (1903) upheld.
Muir 2445 from Riversdale has all the characteristics of S. aurea except the calyx, which has small
apical keel-wings like those of S. minutiflora and S. ambigua.
1. Sebaea schlechteri Schinz in Bot. Jahrb. 24: 454 (1897); Gilg in Bot. Jahrb.
26: 88 (1898); Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 21 (1903); Hill & Prain
in F.C. 4, 1 : 1066 (1909). Type: Cape, Franschhoek, Schlechter 9307 (K, PRE, iso.!)
S. ocliroleuca W. Dod in Journ. Bot. Lond. 39: 400 (1901); Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck
17: 20 (1903); Hill & Prain, I. c. 1066 (1909). Syntypes: Cape Peninsula, W. Dod 3058 (K!, PRE);
'146 (K!); 3252 (K!); 3270 (K!); 3436 (K!). S. gilgii Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 27
(1903); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1067 (1909). Type: Cape, Muizenberg, Schlechter 150 (K, iso.!).
Gentianaceae
183
Erect, slender, annual herbs 4-12 cm high. Leaves 0-3-1 cm long, 2-8 mm broad,
ovate or ovate-cordate, acute or obtuse, thin. Inflorescence a corymb, many-flowered
or reduced to a few-flowered cyme, bracts foliaceous or reduced and small, spreading.
Calyx of 4 segments, each 3-5 mm long, 1-2 mm broad, narrowly oblong to obovate-
oblong, mucronate with the tip bent backwards, the sides hyaline, joined for 0-5-0-75
mm, margins sometimes slightly erose, with keel-wings broadest below or about the
middle, up to 1-25 mm broad. Corolla yellow to white; tube 3-4 mm long; lobes
2-5-4 mm long, 1-2 mm broad, ovate-lanceolate to ovate-cordate or rarely obovate-
oblong, obtuse or acute, often apiculate. Filaments 0-5-1 -5 mm long, inserted in the
corolla-sinuses; anthers 0-5-1 mm long, each with a small apical, sessile or stipitate
gland. Style and stigma 2-25-3-25 mm long, with a stigmatic swelling, rarely the
swelling inconspicuous; stigma capitate or clavate, 2-lobed.
Cape. — Peninsula: Redhill, Acocks & Hafstrom 1100; Muizenberg, Schleehter 150; Smitswinkel
Bay, IV. Dod 3038; Slangkop, W. Dod 3146; 3252; Hout Bay, W. Dod 3270; Fish Hoek Valley,
W. Dod 3436. Little Lion’s Head, Salter 3965; Duiker Point, Salter 1731. Paarl: Franschhoek,
Schleehter 9307.
I can find no grounds for maintaining S. ochroleuca and S. gilgii.
8. Sebaea repens Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. 2: 219 (1894); Gilg in Bot. Jahrb.
26: 98 (1898); Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 34 (1903); Hill & Prain
in F.C. 4, 1: 1090 (1909). Type: Cap; Province, Schleehter 900a (Z, holo!).
S. evansii N. E. Br. in Kew Bull. 1895: 27 (1895). Type: Natal, Drakensberg, Evans 56 (K,
holo.!).
Perennial herbs with slender, creeping stems, mat-forming. Leaves suborbicular,
reniform, or ovate-cordate above the abruptly narrowed petiole-like base, rarely ovate-
rhomboid and gradually narrowed towards the base, obtuse to acute, the blade often
broader than long. Inflorescence a terminal few-flowered cyme or flowers solitary;
bracts similar to the leaves, or the upper ones much narrower. Calyx of 5 segments,
each 4-6 mm long, 1-2 mm broad, lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate to ovate, acute,
usually mucronate, the sides thin with hyaline margins, joined for 0-5-1 -5 mm, keeled
or with a thick wing up to 0-75 mm broad. Corolla yellow; tube 5-8 mm long; lobes
4-9 mm long, 1 -5-4-5 mm broad, oblanceolate-spathulate to ovate or obovate, clawed,
rounded. Filaments 0-75-2 mm long, inserted in the corolla-sinuses; anthers 1-5-3- 5
mm long, each with a small, round, yellow, or a fairly big, orange, apical gland. Style
and stigma 4-5-7 • 5 mm long with stigmatic swelling below the middle; stigma capitate,
2-lobed.
Apparently confined to moist, high-altitude situations on the Drakensberg escarpment.
Cape. — Barkly East: Sim 4073. Mount Currie: Ingeli Mt., Tyson 1378. Without exact locality:
Schleehter 900a.
Natal. — Bergville: Cathedral Peak Forest Station, Killick 1724; Esterhuysen 10245; 12880.
Utrecht: Kafferdrift, Thode A360. Estcourt: Bushman’s River, Evans 56.
Basutoland. — Leribe: Gogolosi, Dieterlen 725.
Transvaal. — Ermelo: Roodepoort, Henrici 1686; Burn Davy 1892. Wakkerstroom: Acocks
11527.
9. Sebaea procumbens Hill in Kew Bull. 1908: 333 (1908); Hill & Prain in F.C.
4, 1 : 1091 (1909). Type: Natal, Mount-aux-Sources, Flanagan in Bol. 2079 (K, holo.!).
S', conspicua Hill, l.c., 325 (1908); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1077 (1909). Type: Free State,
Harrismith, Sankey 173 (K, holo.!). S. rotundifolia Hill, l.c. 326 (1908); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1:
1078 (1909). Type: Natal, Buchanan 31 (K, holo.!).
2355522—7
184
Gentianaceae
Perennial rosulate herbs; flowering stems elongate, procumbent or erect with
smaller more distant leaves. Leaves up to 3 • 5 cm long and 2 - 8 cm broad, suborbicular,
obovate, obovate-elliptic to almost spathulate, rounded or obtuse, cuneate at the base,
the upper leaves smaller, narrower and often acute. Inflorescence of few to several-
flowered cymes in a rather lax corymb, or the younger ones subdense and head-like;
bracts ovate or elliptic, the upper ones much reduced, thin. Calyx of 5 segments, each
4-75-8 mm long, 1-25-3 mm broad, lanceolate to narrowly ovate or obovate, acute,
mucronate, the side hyaline, joined for 0-5-0-75 mm, keeled or with a thick keel-wing
up to 0-5 mm broad. Corolla yellow; tube 4-5-8 mm long; lobes 4 - 5—12 mm long,
2 • 25-5 mm broad, spathulate-oblanceolate to ovate-oblong or obovate, clawed, rounded,
sometimes apiculate. Filaments 0-3-1-75 mm long, inserted in or just below the
corolla-sinuses; anthers 1-5-3 mm long, each with an 0-5-1 mm long pale yellow
(when dry) oblong or somewhat conical apical gland and 2 small stipitate basal glands
or with 2 red basal gland-dots. Style and stigma 4-5-8 mm long, without a stigmatic
swelling or with a swelling below the middle; stigma capitate or clavate, 2-lobed.
Endemic in the southern part of the Drakensberg escarpment.
Cape. — Barkly East: Saalboom Nek, Acocks 20213. Maclear: Naude’s Nek, Story 486.
Natal. — Bergville: Mount-aux-Sources, Galpin 9146; Schweickerdt in TRV 30479; Moore s.n.;
Flanagan in BOL 2079; Hutchinson 4574; Cathedral Peak, Killick 1121; Goodier 366; Edwards 1160.
Drakensberg, Buchanan 31.
Basutoland. — Meniameng Pass, Coetzee 490.
O.F.S. — Harrismith: Sankey 173; Keiber Pass; van Wyk 7.
Sankey 173, the type of S. conspicua, has the filaments inserted in the corolla-tube, and each anther
has 3 glands. The elongate procumbent stems with smaller leaves sometimes look very different from
the shorter stems with a dense rosette of large leaves, and is probably the reason why Hill failed to
associate the two species.
S. rotundifolia , in spite of having the filaments inserted in the corolla-sinuses, cannot be separated
from 5. procumbens.
S. thodeana is very closely related to S. procumbens. As they have never been studied in the field
and, in the dried condition, can readily be recognised by the colour of the apical anther-glands and by
the size of the basal glands, I am keeping them as distinct species.
10. Sebaea thodeana Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 96 (1898); Schinz in Mitt. Geogr.
Ges. Lubeck 17: 47 (1903); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1091 (1909). Type: Natal,
Emengweni Thode 67.
Perennial herbs with branched rhizomes; stems short with leaves crowded into
rosettes; flowering branches almost naked, erect or ascending, up to 18 cm high, or
stems more or less elongate and sprawling with leaves scattered in the lower half but
smaller and more distant in the upper half, and then the stems terminating in an
inflorescence. Leaves up to 4 cm long and 1 • 5 cm broad, elongate-obovate or more or
less spathulate, rounded, cauline leaves smaller, obovate, rounded. Inflorescence of
1-several, few-flowered cymes; peduncle up to 15 cm tall, with a few pairs of small,
obovate leaves, bracts obovate to linear, more or less spurred at the base (when dry),
the lower ones somewhat fleshy. Calyx of 5 segments, each 4-5-7 mm long, 1-25-3
mm broad, linear-oblong to oblanceolate-oblong or obovate-oblong, acute or rounded,
mucronate, the sides softly membranous, joined for 0-75-1 mm, with a thick keel or
narrow, thick wing. Corolla yellow or white (fide Galpin); tube 6-7 mm long; lobes
5-5-7 mm long, 2-25-4 mm broad, obovate-elliptic to obovate, usually rounded at
the apex, clawed. Filaments 0-25-1 mm long, inserted just below the corolla-sinuses
rarely in the sinuses; anthers 1 • 5-2 mm long, each with a dark reddish-brown to almost
black (when dry) oblong or orbicular-oblong apical gland 0-6-0-75 mm long, and two
small red basal gland-dots. Style and stigma 3-5-5 mm long, with a small stigmatic
swelling below the middle or near the base; stigma small, capitate, 2-lobed. Fig. 25: 4.
Endemic in high mountains of the eastern Cape, Natal and Basutoland.
Gentianaceae
185
Cape. — Barkly East: Ben McDhui, Galpin 6777.
Natal. — Bergville: Mount-aux-Sources, Galpin 9417, partly. Estcourt: Giant’s Castle, Guthrie
in BOL 4882; Symons 102B.
Basutoland. — Mokhotlong, Liebenberg 5703; Indumeni Dome, Killick 1845; Maluti Mts.,
Dieterlen 1163.
The Pretoria Herbarium sheet of Galpin 9417 is a mixture of S. thodeana and S. spathulata.
Liebenberg 5703 is the only specimen with the filaments inserted in the corolla-sinuses.
11. Sebaea spathulata (E. Mey.) Steud., Nom. ed. 2, 2: 550 (1841); Schinz in
Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 732 (1906); Hill in Kew Bull. 1908: 334 (1908); Hill
& Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1092 (1909). Type: Cape, Witteberge, Drege.
Belmontia spathulata E. Mey., Comm.: 183 (1837); Griseb. in DC., Prodr. 9: 55 (1845); B,
flanaganii Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. 3: 413 (1895). Type: Basutoland, Mount-aux-Sources,
Flanagan 2080 (K, iso.!).
Sebaea flanaganii (Schinz) Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser 2, 6: 737 (1906).
Perennial or biennial ? rosulate herbs. Leaves up to 14 cm long and 2 cm broad
mainly radical, elongate-spathulate or oblong-oblanceolate, obtuse, sometimes apiculate,
somewhat fleshy; cauline leaves smaller, obovate or almost elliptic, obtuse or subacute;
peduncle erect or ascending, 5-60 cm tall. Inflorescences compact and head-like or
elongate with the individual cymes distinct; cymes few-flowered; bracts obovate-
oblong to linear, fleshy, more or less spurred when dry. Calyx of 5 segments, each
5-9 mm long, 1-25-2-75 mm broad; lanceolate to elliptic, acute or acuminate, often
mucronate, softly membranous, joined for 0-5-1-25 mm, keeled or rarely with a very
narrow wing. Corolla white, tube 7-5-10-5 mm long; lobes 4-5-7 mm long, 1-5-3 -5
mm broad, oblanceolate to obovate-elliptic or ovate-elliptic, clawed, obtuse or subacute,
often apiculate. Filaments very short to 0-5 mm long, inserted 0-75-1-5 mm below
the corolla-sinuses; anthers 1-75-2-5 mm long, each with a shortly stipitate, conical-
oblong, dark red-brown, apical gland 0-75-2 mm long, and 2 minute basal glandular
dots. Style and stigma 2-3-5 mm long, swelling confluent with the stigma, together
1-2-25 mm long, or swelling above the middle of the style; stigma clavate, 2-lobed.
Known from the mountains of Natal and Basutoland, but possibly occurs in the eastern Cape
and in the Free State.
Natal. — Bergville: Mount-aux-Sources, Galpin 10153; 9417, partly; Edwards 351; Schweickerdt
in TRV 30477.
Basutoland. — Sengunyane, Guillarmod 135; Buffelsrivier, Galpin 6778; Thaba Bosiu, Machache,
facottet sub Dieterlen 1066; Maluti Mts., Lesobeng Valley, Staples 213; Mount-aux-Sources, Flanagan
2080; Buthe Buthe, Coetzee 794; Berea, Mamalapi, Guillarmod 620; Mokhotlong, Coetzee 595.
12. Sebaea marlothii Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 38: 83 (1905); Schinz in Bull. Herb.
Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 737 (1906); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1090 (1909). Type: Basuto-
land, Mount-aux-Sources, Mann in Herb. Marloth 2886 (Z, fragment!).
Small mat-forming herb, with rhizomes rooting at the nodes. Leaves up to 2 cm
long and 1 cm broad, crowded, orbicular-spathulate, obtuse or rounded, narrowed
abruptly into the petiole-like base which is about 1 cm long, fleshy. Inflorescence
a 1-3-5-flowered, almost sessile, terminal cyme; bracts foliaceous but much smaller
and narrower than the leaves. Calyx of 5 segments each 5-6-5 mm long, 1-7-2 -5
mm broad, lanceolate to rhomboid-obovate, acute, the sides hyaline, joined for 0-75-
1 mm, keeled or rarely very narrowly winged. Corolla yellow; tube 5-9 mm long;
lobes 5-9-5 mm long, 3-5 mm broad, obovate to suborbicular-oblong, rounded, clawed.
Filaments 0-25-1 mm long, inserted 0-25-1 mm below the corolla-sinuses; anthers
1-25-1-75 mm long, each with a shortly stipitate, very dark, oblong, apical gland
186
Gentianaceae
0-75-1 mm long, and 2 very small stipitate basal glands. Style and stigma 4 -5-6 -5
mm long with a small stigmatic swelling below the middle or near the base; stigma
very small, capitate, 2-lobed.
Endemic at the higher altitudes of the mountains of Natal and Basutoland.
Natal. — Bergville: Mount-aux-Sources, Sidey 2014; Bolus 10664.
Basutoland. — Mount-aux-Sources, Mam in Herb. Marloth 2886; Pela Tseau River, Guillannod
2057; without exact locality: Baring 4.
13. Sebaea thomasii (S. Moore) Scliinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 743 (1906);
Hill in Kew Bull. 1908; 335 (1908); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1 : 1092 (1909). Type:
Free State, Pateshall Thomas s.n. (BM, holo. !).
Parrasia thomasii S. Moore in Journ. Bot. Lond. 39: 260 (1901) and 45: 154 (1907), as Parasia.
Exochaenium thomasii (S. Moore) Schinz in Vjscher. Naturf. Ges. Zurich 60: 399 (1915).
Sebaea jasminiflora Schinz, l.c. 398 (1915). Type: Cape, Uplands (Griqualand East), Jacottet s.n.
Procumbent, mat-forming perennial herbs with ascending flowering branches.
Leaves up to 2-1 cm long and 1-4 cm broad, elliptic-ovate to ovate-orbicular, acute
or rounded, narrowed towards the petiole-like base, more or less crowded towards
the base or scattered along the stems. Inflorescence a 1 -few-flowered terminal cyme;
bracts foliaceous, the lower ones ovate, but becoming progressively smaller and
narrower. Calyx of 5 segments, each 9 • 5-1 1 • 5 mm long, 2-2- 5 mm broad, lanceolate,
acuminate, softly membranous, joined for 0-75-2 mm, keeled or with a thick, very
narrow wing. Corolla bright yellow; tube 1 -3-2- 1 cm long; lobes 0-8-1 • 1 cm long;
4-6 mm broad, ovate or ovate-oblong, rounded or subacute, clawed. Filaments
0-25-0-75 mm long, inserted 3-5-6 mm below the corolla-sinuses; anthers 2-25-2-75
mm long, each with an oblong-conical, red-brown (when dry) apical gland 0-6-0-75
mm long and mostly with 2 small round basal glands. Style and stigma 2-5-6 mm
long; stigma linear-oblong, rarely somewhat clavate, 1 -25-2-4 mm long, 2-lobed.
Found in moist situations on the higher ranges of the mountains of the eastern Cape, Natal, Basuto-
land, the Free State and Transvaal.
Cape. — Stockenstrom: Katberg, Sim 2635.
Natal. — Bergville: Mount-aux-Sources, Hutchinson 4562; Giants Castle Pass, Wylie in Herb.
Wood 10639.
Basutoland. — Thaba Bosiu, Machache Mt., Jacottet sub Dieterlen 1046, partly; between
Libaneng and Simonkong, Patsna Mts., Esterhuysen 13196; Mount-aux-Sources, Flanagan 2078.
O.F.S. — Harrismith: Platberg, van Wyk 128. Without exact locality, Pateshall Thomas s.n.
Transvaal. — Wakkerstroom, Oshoek, Devenish 39.
In 1915 Schinz transferred this species to Exochaenium on the strength of the statement in Flora
Capensis that “ glandular hairs ” occur between the calyx and corolla. This character does not seem
to be constant, as some specimens do not show any sign of glands.
S. jasminiflora Schinz is doubfully distinct from S. thomasii, a variable species, and the differences
listed by Schinz are of no great importance. Schinz did not cite a specimen but, according to a note
by Mr. Skan, the type was collected by Miss Jacottet at Uplands, Griqualand East. I have not been
able to locate this specimen.
Rattray 25 in the National Herbarium and Rattray sub Bolus 15761 in Kew Herbarium both
from Gaikaskop, Hogsback, have the style and stigma together 1 0— 10-5 mm long, with a stigmatic,
swelling near the base and a small, capitate-oblong, 2-lobed stigma. In all other respects they agree
with S. thomasii. Better material is required before it can be decided whether they represent a new
species or merely a long-styled form of S. thomasii.
14. Sebaea compacta Hill in Kew Bull. 1908: 323 (1908); Hill & Prain in F.C.
4, 1: 1068 (1909). Type: Cape, Dutoitspan, Barber 21 (K, lecto.!).
Erect, much-branched herbs 4-15 cm high. Leaves 0-6-1 -4 cm long, 3-4 mm
broad, ovate-lanceolate or narrowly elliptic, acute, the lower ones reduced and often
scale-like. Inflorescence many-flowered, dense or sub-dense; bracts well-developed
Gentianaceae
187
lanceolate to linear lanceolate. Calyx with a tube 6-5-9 mm long; lobes 5, each
2 -5-3 -5 mm long, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate to ovate, acute or acuminate, often
mucronate, keeled. Corolla yellow; tube 7-11 mm long; lobes 4-5-8 mm long, 3-5
mm broad, obovate, obovate-orbicular, or ovate, rounded, sometimes apiculate.
Filaments very short, inserted immediately to 0-75 mm below the corolla-sinuses;
anthers 1-75-2 mm long, each with a small stipitate apical gland. Style and stigma
5 -5-7 -5 mm long with a fairly large stigmatic swelling below the middle; stigma
2-lobed, the lobes broad.
A late summer and winter flowering species of the Upper Karoo and Free State.
Cape. — Tarka: Waverley, Cochin in Herb. Galpin 7745. Steynsburg: Acocks 12815. Middelburg:
Grootfontein, Verdoorn 1401; Conway Farm, Gilfillan in Herb. Galpin 2997. Colesberg: Barber 10;
Dutoitspan, Barber 21. Vryburg: Mashowe River, Burchett 2252-4. Graaff-Reinet: Highlands,
Acocks 19285. Aliwal North: Ruigtefontein, Thode A 1863. Without exact locality : between Middel-
burg and Colesberg, Shaw s.n.
O.F.S. — Fauresmith: Oorlogspoort, Verdoorn 1352. Bloemfontein: Glen, Fisk s.n.; Race Course,
Jakobs in Grey Univ. Coll. Herb. 3549; Potts in Grey Univ. Coll. Herb. 1 140. Without exact locality:
between Bloemfontein and Petrusburg, Kensit in BOL 12992.
15. Sebaea pusilla Eekl. ex Cham, in Linnaea 6: 346 (1831); Schinz in Bull
Herb. Boiss. ser 2, 6: 731 (1906); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1068 (1909). Type:
Cape, Table Mt., Ecklon s.n. (K, iso.!).
Lagenias pusillus ( Eckl. ex Cham.) E. Mey., Comm.: 186 (1837); Schinz in Vjschr. Naturf. Ges-
Zurich 37: 307 (1891).
Sebaea pusilla var. major Hill in F.C. 4, 1: 1133 (1909). Type: Cape, Clanwilliam, Leipoldt 654
(K, holo.!).
Slender, erect, annual herbs 1-5-10 cm high, simple or branched. Leaves 2-8
mm long, 1-3 mm broad, linear, lanceolate, or more or less elliptic, the lower ones
often reduced and scale-like. Inflorescence a 1 -few-flowered cyme, the branches very
short or up to 2 cm long; bracts foliaceous, ovate-lanceolate to linear-oblong to linear-
lanceolate. Calyx of 5 segments, each 2 -5-6 -5 cm long, lanceolate to triangular-
lanceolate, acute or acuminate, free or joined for 0-5-0-75 mm, keeled. Corolla
yellow; tube 5-5-10 mm long; lobes 1-25-3-75 mm long, 0-75-2-5 mm broad, sub-
orbicular; obovate-oblong or ovate, rounded to subacute. Filaments 2-3 mm long,
inserted 2-5-5-75 mm below the corolla-sinuses; anthers 0-75-1-5 mm long, each
with a small sessile or shortly stipitate apical gland and 2 very long-stipitate basal glands.
Style and stigma 2-5-4-25 mm long, without a stigmatic swelling; stigma capitate,
2-lobed. Ovary shortly conical or somewhat obovoid.
Found in moist or seepage areas in the south-western Cape.
Cape. — Peninsula: Table Mt., Ecklon 731; Kenilworth Race Course, Bolus 9346; 4827; Flats
W. of Klaasjagersberg, Salter 2872; Simon’s Bay, Wright 95. Vanrhynsdorp: Gifberg, Drege s.n.
Paarl: Paarlberg, Drege s.n. Clanwilliam: Olifants River, Leipoldt 654; Cederberge, Tafelberg,
Esterhuysen 18146. Caledon: Houwhoek, Schlechter 9376, partly. Calvinia: Lokenburg, Acocks
17034; Story 4392. Without exact locality: Harvey 614.
The differences between S. pusilla and its variety major are slight, and they cannot always be
distinguished. In Esterhuysen 18146 the flowers vary from 4- to 6-merous.
16. Sebaea rara W. Dod in Journ. Bot. Lond. 39: 401 (1901); Schinz in Bull.
Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 733 (1906); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1068 (1909). Type:
Cape Flats, Wolley Dod 3413 (K, iso.!).
Erect, usually unbranched annual herbs up to 6 cm tall. Leaves 5-8 mm long,
1-1 ■ 5 mm broad, linear-lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, acute, the lower ones sometimes
reduced, ovate-lanceolate, subobtuse. Inflorescence of 1-3 few-flowered cymes; bracts
linear or subulate, small. Calyx of 5 segments, each 4-5-5 mm long, 0-75-1 mm broad,
188
Gentianaceae
lanceolate, acuminate, keeled or very narrowly winged, the sides membranous, joined
for 0-75-1 -25 mm. Corolla yellow; tube 5-5-6 mm long; lobes 1 -5 mm long, 0-6-0-75
mm broad, elliptic, oblong-elliptic or narrowly ovate, obtuse or subacute. Filaments
extremely short, inserted 0-25-0-5 mm below the corolla-sinuses; anthers 0-5-0 -6
mm long, each with a minute apical gland. Style and stigma 2-75-3 mm long with a
small stigmatic swelling well above the middle or below the stigma; stigma capitate
or clavate-capitate, 2-lobed or somewhat penicellate.
Cape. — Peninsula: Cape Flats, W. Dod 3413; Wallich 21 A. Caledon: Houwhoek, Schlechter
9376, partly. Riversdale: Albertinia, Esterhuysen 19518.
17. Sebaea membranacea Hill in Ann. S. Afr. Mus. 9: 58 (1912). Syntypes:
Cape, Namaqualand, Pearson & Pillans 5776 (K!); 5881 (K!).
Slender, erect, simple or branched annual herbs up to 15 cm high. Leaves up
to 1 • 6 cm long and 9 mm broad, ovate-elliptic to ovate, subacute. Inflorescence
corymbose; cymes few-flowered; bracts more or less foliaceous, or the upper ones
linear-subulate. Calyx of 5 segments, each 4-5-5 mm long, about 1 mm broad,
lanceolate, acuminate, the sides hyaline, joined for 0-5-1-25 mm, strongly keeled or
very narrowly winged. Corolla yellow; tube 3-4-75 mm long; lobes 1-5-2-25 mm
long, 0-5-0-75 mm broad, triangular-elongate to oblong, rounded. Filaments very
short, inserted 0-25-0-5 mm below the corolla-sinuses; anthers 0-6-0-75 mm long,
each with a small, round, stipitate apical and 2 bigger stipitate basal glands. Style
and stigma 1-1-5 mm long with a very small swelling below the stigma and almost
confluent with it; stigma small, capitate or linear-oblong, 2-lobed.
Cape. — Namaqualand: Sneeukop, Pearson & Pillans 5776; between Bowesdorp and Grootgans,
Pearson & Pillans 5881. Worcester: Hex River Pass, Acocks 15283.
A little known species very closely related to S. rara. Acocks 17290 from Lokenburg, Calvinia,
is closest to S. membranacea in external appearance, but the anthers are without glands, the style is
3-5-3 -75 mm long with a small stigmatic swelling below the middle. The calyx-segments have broad
wings which are somewhat papillose along the margins.
18. Sebaea debilis ( Welw .) Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 734 (1906).
Type: Angola, Pungo Andongo, Welwitsch 1511 (K, iso!).
Exochaenium debile Welw. in Trans. Linn. Soc. 27: 48 (1869). Type as above.
Belmontia debilis { Welw.) Schinz in Vjschr. Naturf. Ges. Zurich 37: 332 (1891); Bak. & Brown
in F.T.A. 4: 552 (1903).
Parrasia debilis (Welw.) Hiern, Cat. Welw. Afr. PI. 1,3: 708 (1898), as Parasia.
Slender erect herbs up to 5 cm high (according to Killick and Leistner up to 10 cm),
simple or more or less branched above, sometimes very compact and only about 2 cm
high. Leaves 3 -5-5 -5 mm long, 2-3 mm broad, in few pairs, ovate to ovate-elliptic,
acute, the upper leaves narrower, acuminate. Inflorescence a few-flowered cyme or
flowers solitary. Calyx of 5 segments, each 3-5-6 mm long, 0-75-1 mm broad,
lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, acuminate, keeled or very narrowly winged, joined
only at the very base or variously joined to more or less the middle, but then apparently
always split on one side to near the base. Corolla white; tube 5-5-7 mm long, narrowed
above the ovary, widening again in upper part around the stamens; lobes 3-25-4-5
mm long, 1 -25-2-5 mm broad, obovate-oblong to spathulate-oblong, rounded. Long-
styled flowers: Filaments 0-25 mm long, inserted 2-75-3- 1 mm below the corolla-
sinuses (± the middle of the tube). Anthers 0-6-1 mm long, papillose, adhering,
each with a linear-clavate apical gland 0-75-1 mm long, and two minute round stipitate
basal glands. Style and stigma 4-4-25 mm long; stigma papillose 1-25 mm long,
overtopping the anthers and their apical glands. Short-styled flowers: Filaments 1-5
Gentianaceae
189
mm long, thick, somewhat flattened, broader above, inserted 3-5-4 mm below the
corolla-sinuses (± middle of the tube). Anthers 0-75-0-9 mm long, papillose, each
with a linear-clavate apical gland 0-6-0-75 mm long, and two minute round stipitate
basal glands. Style and stigma 2-2-5 mm long; stigma papillose, 1 -5-1-75 mm long,
below the anthers. Ovary obovate-orbicular to ovate-orbicular.
Recorded from Angola and South West Africa.
S.W.A. — Caprivi Zipfel: Kakumba Island, Killick & Leistner 3421.
This appears to be the first record since the type was collected.
19. Sebaea grandis (E. Mey.) Steud., Nom. ed. 2: 550 (1841). Syntypes: Cape,
between the great cataract and the Umzikaba River, Drege s.n. (K!); between the
Umtentu and Umzimkulu Rivers, Drege s.n. (K!); Natal, Port Natal, Drege (Kl).
Belmontia grandis E. Mey., Comm. 183 (1837); Schinz in Vjsch. Naturf. Ges. Zurich 37: 330
(1891); Baker & N. E. Br. in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 553 (1904). B. natalensis Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. 2: 220
(1894). Type: Natal, Clairmont, Schlechter 3060.
Exochaenium grande (E. Mey.) Griseb. in DC., Prodr. 9: 55 (1845); Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss.
ser. 2, 6: 745 (1906); Hill in Kew Bull. 1908: 337 (1908); Hill & Prain, l.c. 1094 (1909). — var. major
(S. Moore) Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 802 (1906). — var. homostylum Hill in Kew Bull. 1908:
338 (1908); Hill & Prain, l.c. 1094 (1909). Syntypes: Natal, Ngoya, Wood 9322 (K!); Endumbeni,
Wood 133 (K!); Inanda, Wood 541 (K!).
Parrasia grandis (E. Mey.) Hiern, Cat. Welw. Afr. PI. 1, 3: 707 (1898), as Parasia. P. grandis
var. major S. Moore in Journ. Bot. 40: 384 (1902). Type: Transvaal, Pienaarspoort, Patesliall Thomas
s.n. (BM, holo.!), as Parasia.
Sebaea natalensis (Schinz) Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 732 (1906), non Schinz (1895).
Erect, simple or branched herbs up to 35 cm high. Leaves up to 4 cm long and
1 • 5 cm broad, lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, acute or acuminate, the lower ones often
reduced and scale-like. Flowers terminal, solitary or in few-flowered cymes with long
branches, heterostylous. Calyx of 5 segments, each 1-2-5 cm long, 1-4 mm broad,
lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate, long-acuminate, keel-wing up to 2 mm broad near the
base, much narrower above, glandular at the base inside. Corolla white, cream, yellow
or “ salmonpink ” (fide Nation); tube 1-2-3 cm long, narrowed above the ovary,
widening again from the point of insertion of the filaments; lobes 5-15 mm long,
3- 14 mm broad, obovate-oblong to suborbicular, acute, apiculate, sometimes shortly
clawed. Long-styled flowers: Filaments 0-5-0-75 mm long, inserted 10-5-12-5 mm
below the corolla-sinuses; anthers 1 -5-2 mm long, often adhering, each with a shortly
stipitate, lanceolate apical gland 0-75-1 -5 mm long, and 2 small round shortly stipitate,
basal glands. Style and stigma 9-10 mm long; stigma 5 mm long, papillate, 2-lobed,
above the anthers. Medium styled flowers: Filaments 1 -75 mm long, inserted 6-5 mm
below the corolla-sinuses; anthers 1-25 mm long, each with a shortly conical, stipitate
apical gland 0-5 mm long, and 2 small round, stipitate basal glands. Style and stigma
4- 25 mm long; stigma 2-5 mm long, 2-lobed, papillate, level with the anthers. Short-
styled flower: Filaments 4-4-5 mm long, inserted 13-14 mm below the corolla-sinuses;
anthers 2-5 mm long, each with a shortly stipitate apical gland 0-6-1 mm long and 2
small round stipitate basal glands. Style and stigma about 3-5 mm long; stigma
2-25-2-75 mm long, papillate, 2-lobed, below the anthers.
Widespread in open grassveld or moist situations from the Transkei through Natal, the Orange
Free State, Transvaal into the northern part of South West Africa and tropical Africa.
Cape. — Umtata: Baziya, Baur 155. Without exact locality: Zeyher 1192; between the Umtentu
and Umzimkulu Rivers, Drege s.n.; between the great cataract and the Umzikaba River, Drege s.n.
Natal. — Eshowe: Ngoya, Medley Wood 9322. Inanda: Medley Wood 541; Noodsberg: Medley
Wood 109. Umzinto: Durnisa, Rudatis 275; Ellermere, Rudatis 1398; 510; Umgazi Flats, Rndatis
871; Endumbeni: Medley Wood 133.
O.F.S. — Harrismith: Sankey 176. Thaba Nchu, Burke 205; Trollope s.n. Without exact locality:
Cooper 2758.
190
Gentianaceae
Transvaal. — Pretoria: Brooklyn, Mogg 16058; Donkerhoek, Schlechter 4137. Rustenburg:
Nation 126. Belfast: Burtt Davy 1290; Machadodorp, Young s.n. Ermelo: Experimental Farm,
Burtt Davy 7724. Lydenburg: Paardeplaats, Wilms 969 ; Galpin 13597. Barberton: Umlomati Valley,
Galpin 1291. Waterberg: between Thabazimbi and Rankins Pass, Codd 3939. Pietersburg: Magoebas-
kloof. Story 5377.
S.W.A. — Grootfontein: Dinter 7336. Okavango Native Territory: Sambusu Camp, de Winter
& Marais 4950.
20. Sebaea exacoides ( L .) Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 728 (1906); Hill
& Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1074 (1909). Type: Cape, Hermann.
Gentiana exacoides L., Sp. PI. ed. 2: 332 (1762).
Exacum cordatum L.f. Suppl. 124 (1781).
Sebaea cordata (L.f.) Roem. et Schult., Syst. Veg. 3: 161 (1818). — var. macrantha Cham. &
Schlechtdl. in Linnaea 1: 191 (1826). Syntypes: Cape, Lion Mt., Berg\ Roodeblom, Berg.
Parrasia cordata (L.f.) Rafin., FI. Tellur. 3: 78 (1836).
Bebnontia cordata (L.f.) E. Mey., Comm. 183 (1837); Schinz in Vjschr., Naturf. Ges. Zurich 37:
329 (1891).
Slender, erect, annual herbs 5-30 cm high; stems simple or rarely branched.
Leaves 4-25 mm long, 3-18 mm broad, ovate-cordate to ovate-elliptic, cordate at the
base, usually acute or acuminate, sometimes obtuse. Inflorescence corymbose, lax,
1 -many-flowered ; cymes 1-several-flowered; bracts ovate to lanceolate, acuminate.
Calyx of 5 segments, each 6-14 mm long, 1 -5-4-5 mm broad, lanceolate to ovate-
lanceolate, acuminate-mucronate, the sides hyaline, joined for 0-5-1 -5 mm, with a
semi-cordate keel-wing 1-4 mm broad at the base, reticulately veined, its margins
papillose. Corolla yellow or cream-coloured; tube 6-20 mm long, narrowly cylindric
up to the insertion of the filaments, then campanulate; lobes 6-18-5 mm long, 3-7
mm broad, obovate to elliptic, clawed, acute or subacute, apiculate, entire or subentire.
Filaments extremely short, inserted 0-75-4 mm below the corolla-sinuses; anthers
1 -25-2-75 mm long; each with a sessile apical and 2 small, sometimes stipitate, basal
glands. Style and stigma 16 mm long with a large stigmatic swelling below the middle;
stigma clavate, 2-lobed or ligulate.
Endemic in the south-western Cape.
Cape. — Calvinia: Lokenburg, Leistner 348; Acocks 17272. Vanrhynsdorp : Gif berg, Phillips
7574. Clanwilliam: Nieuwoudts Pass, Esterhuysen s.n. Piketberg: Het Kruis, Stephens & Glover
8759; 8762. Tulbagh: Grant 2463. Peninsula: Lion’s Head, Schlechter 1377; Hout Bay, W. Dop
3269; Camps Bay, Letty 248. Stellenbosch: Botmanskop, Strey 629. Montagu: Montagu Baths,
Page 67. Riversdale: Garcia’s Pass, Galpin 4339. Caledon: Houwhoek, Gillett 4303. Swellendam:
Breede River, Zeyher 11896.
Marloth, in Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Afr. 1 : 311-314 (1909), discusses the diplostigmatic nature of this
species.
21. Sebaea micrantha {Cham. & Schlechtdl.) Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2,
6: 739 (1906). Type: Cape, Lion’s Head, Berg.
Erect, annual herbs, usually slender and unbranched, stems 3-20 cm tall, angled
or narrowly winged. Leaves 2-12 mm long, 1 -5-10 mm broad, ovate to suborbicular-
cordate, obtuse or acute, often apiculate, margins sometimes with minute bristles.
Inflorescence dense or lax, 1-many-flowered, corymbose; bracts ovate to lanceolate,
entire or smooth or minutely bristled along the margins, acute or acuminate. Calyx
of 5 segments; each 5-10 mm long, 1-25-2-5 mm broad, elliptic-lanceolate to ovate-
lanceolate, acuminate, the sides membranous, opaque and brittle when dry, joined for
0-5-1 mm, with a reticulately veined, semi-cordate keel-wing up to 2-5 mm broad at
Genti an aceae
191
the base, its margin smooth, papillose or bristly. Corolla yellow; tube 4-10 mm long,
narrowly cylindric up to the point of insertion of the filaments, then campanulate;
lobes 1-75-6 mm long, 0-5-2 mm broad, oblanceolate to ovate, acuminate to obtuse,
often apiculate, entire or slightly erose near the apex. Filaments very short, inserted
in or 0-3-1 -25 mm below the corolla-sinuses; anthers 0-5-1 -25 mm long, each with
a small stipitate or sessile, sometimes threadlike apical gland, rarely also with 2 minute
basal glands. Style and stigma 2-75-6-25 mm long, the stigmatic swelling long and
confluent with the stigma.
For key to the varieties, see key to species, page 174.
(a) var. micrantha.
Sebaea cordata var. micrantha Cham. & Schlechtdl. in Linnaea 1: 192 (1826). 5. micrantha (Cham.
& Schlechtdl.) Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 739 (1906); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1 : 1075(1909).
Belmontia cordata var. micrantha (Cham. & Schlechtdl.) Griseb. in DC., Prodr. 9: 54 (1845).
B. micrantha (Cham. & Schlechtdl.) Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 102 (1898).
This variety is, on the whole, smaller than var. intermedia. It is characterised
by the bristles on the margin of the keel-wing and the calyx-segments being 5-7 • 5 mm
long. The corolla-tube is 4-6 mm long, the lobes 1-75-3-75 x 0-5-1-25 mm. The
filaments are inserted 0-3-0 -5 mm below the sinuses, and the anthers are 0-5-0 -6 mm
long, each with a small stipitate or thread-like apical gland. The style and stigma
together measure 2-75-3-5 mm; the stigma and confluent swelling together usually
being longer than the rest of the style.
Endemic in the south-western Cape.
Cape. — Peninsula: Lion's Head, Schlechter 1376; Devil’s Peak, Wilms 3473; Smitswinkel Bay,
W. Dod 293 1 ; Camp's Bay, W. Dod 3171. Stellenbosch: Worsdel! s.n.; Pappegaaiberg, Gar side 293.
Caledon: Swartberg, Galpin 4338. Without exact locality: Harvey 615.
Dyke in Herb. Marloth 5523, locality given as Mount-aux-Sources, also belongs here.
(b) var. intermedia {Cham, and Schlechtdl.) Marais in Bothalia 7; 464 (1961).
Syntypes: Cape, Berg; Hanglip, Munch & Maire.
Sebaea cordata var. intermedia Cham. & Schlechtdl. in Linnaea 1: 191 (1826). S. intermedia
(Cham. & Schlechtdl.) Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 733 (1906); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1:
1076 (1909). S. pseudobelmontia Schinz in Vjschr. Naturf. Ges. Zurich 60: 397 (1915). Type: Cape,
Port Elizabeth, Humewood, Daly 1050 (GRA).
Belmontia cordata var. intermedia (Cham. & Schlechtdl.) Griseb. in DC., Prodr. 9: 54 (1845).
B. intermedia (Cham. & Schlechtdl.) Knobl. in Bot. Centralbl. 61: 325 (1894); Gilg in Bot. Jahrb.
26: 101 (1898).
The calyx-segments are 6-10 mm long, papillose or smooth along the margin of
the wing. The corolla-tube measures 6-10 mm, and the lobes 3-75-6 x 1-2 mm. The
filaments are inserted in or up to 1-25 mm below the sinuses; the anthers are 0-75-
1-25 mm long, each with a shortly stipitate or sessile apical gland, rarely also with
2 minute basal glands. The style and stigma together reach a length of 3-25-6-25 mm.
Found in the south-western Cape, and along the coast to the Port Elizabeth region.
Cape. — Clanwilliam: Braakfontein, Schlechter 5289. Malmesbury: Moorreesburg: Bolus 9991.
Peninsula: Lion’s Head, Schlechter 1378; Paarden Eiland, W. Dod 3255; Heidelberg: Acocks 21275.
Knysna: Plettenburg Bay, Fourcade 4807. Port Elizabeth: Humewood, Daly 1050.
S. pseudobelmontia differs in having the filaments inserted in the corolla-sinuses. The character
breaks down in other species, and as Schinz’s type, Daly 1050, is otherwise identical with var. intermedia
I am treating them as synonyms.
192
Gentianaceae
22. Sebaea exigua ( Oliv .) Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 26 (1903);
Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 726 (1906); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1070 (1909).
Type: Cape, Dutoitspan, Barber 22 (K, holo. !).
Chironia exigua Oliv. in Hook., Ic. PI. t. 1229 (1877).
Sebaea linearifolia Schinz in Vjschr. Naturf. Ges. Zurich 37: 321 (1891). Syntypes: Transvaal,
between Elands River and Klippan, Rehmann 5062 (K!); Free State, Bloemfontein, Rehmann 3799,
<K!).
Slender, erect or ascending herbs up to 20 cm high; sterns simple or branched
from the base, sometimes glandular. Leaves up to 1-2 cm long, 1-1-5 mm broad,
scattered along the stems, linear-lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, acute or acuminate,
the lower ones sometimes reduced and scale-like. Inflorescence 1-few-flowered; bracts
lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, acute or acuminate. Calyx of 5 segments, each 5-5-10
mm long, 1-2-25 mm broad, narrowly elliptic-lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate,
acuminate, joined for 2-4 mm at the base, keeled or very narrowly winged in the lower
part, the midrib often distinctly branched. Corolla yellow or pale yellow; tube 5-7*5
mm long; lobes 6-9-25 mm long, 3-5-25 mm broad, ovate-elliptic to ovate-cordate
or ovate-orbicular, acute or rounded, sometimes apiculate, shortly clawed. Filaments
1-75-3 mm long, inserted in the sinuses; anthers 1-75-3-5 mm long, each with a minute
apical gland. Style and stigma 5-7 mm long with a small stigmatic swelling near the
base; stigma large, capitate, 2-lobed. Fig. 26: 2.
Without exact locality: Barber s.n.; Burke s.n.
Cape. — Kimberley: Dutoitspan, Barber 11; 22. Barkly East: Rhodes, Gatpin 2333.
Basutoland. — Leribe: Dieterlen 600; Berea: Mamathes, Guillarmod 533.
O.F.S. — Seven Fountains Mission Station, Burke 442. Bloemfontein: Rehmann 3799. Fauresmith:
Oorlogspoort, Verdoorn 1352, partly.
Transvaal. — Moletse, Schlecliter 4678. Johannesburg: Houghton, Bryant D36; Gatpin 1395;
Milner Park, Moss in Herb. Rogers 5195. Pretoria: Babsfontein, Repton 870. Rustenburg: Swart-
ruggens, Sutton 988. Potchefstroom : Vermooi, Phillips 313. Wolmaransstad : Boskuil, Sutton 229.
Belfast: Waterval Boven, Mason 66. Petersburg: Schlechter 6361. Soutpansberg: Pole Evans 2667.
S.W.A. — Fichtenstein, Dinter 4730.
Flowers in late summer and autumn.
23. Sebaea filiformis Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. 3: 411 (1895); Mitt. Geogr.
Ges. Liibeck 17: 26 (1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 726 (1906); Gilg in Bot.
Jahrb. 26: 93 (1898); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1070 (1909). Syntypes: Natal,
Polela, Medley Wood 956 (BM!); Medley Wood 1884.
Annual herbs, mostly very slender and unbranched, 4-15 cm high. Leaves 1-5
mm long, linear-lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, the lower ones usually reduced and
scale-like. Flowers usually solitary, terminal; rarely plants branched and 3-5-flowered;
bracts lanceolate, small. Calyx of 5 segments, each 4-8 mm long, 0-75-2 mm broad,
narrowly lanceolate to narrowly ovate-lanceolate, acuminate or long-acuminate, the
sides hyaline, joined for 0 -25-1 mm, keeled or with a very narrow wing, which is slightly
broader towards the base. Corolla yellow (fide Killick) or pale yellow (fide Bruce);
tube 5-8 mm long; lobes 4-10 mm long, 1-75-5 mm broad, ovate-elliptic to ovate-
orbicular, clawed, rounded or subacute. Filaments very short to 0- 75 mm long, inserted
in the corolla-sinuses; anthers 1 -25-2-25 mm long, each with a stipitate apical gland.
Style and stigma 4 5-8-5 mm long with a large stigmatic swelling below the middle;
stigma large, 2-lobed with more or less tongue-shaped lobes. Fig. 26: 3.
Fairly widespread in the eastern parts of South Africa, but apparently never very common. One
record known from Tanganyika.
Gentianaceae
193
Cape. — Kentaei: Cat’s Pass, Pegler 1188. Maclear: Drakensberg, Tsitsa Footpath, Gal pin 6111.
Basutoland. — Berea: Mateka, GuiUarmod 1328; Bruce 382.
Natal. — Polela: Medley Wood s.n. Estcourt: Mooi River, Mogg 4025; Weenen, between
Dalton Bridgeand Hlatikulu, Acocks 10188. Dlamaku Mt., Gerstner 4531, partly. Bergville: Cathedral
Peak, Kiltick 1503.
Transvaal — Turffontein, Bryant D36. Lydenburg: Wilms 972. Letaba: Tzaneen Estater
Pole Evans 1014. Pilgrims Rest: Peach Hill, Galpin 14398.
Wood 1884, cited by Schinz, must be a mixed collection. The Kew specimen belongs to S. bojeri.
According to Hill & Prain (in Flora Capensis) the Natal Herbarium specimen of Wood 1884 belongs
to S. filiformis.
24. Sebaea bojeri Griseb., Gen. et Spec. Gentian. 169 (1839); Schinz in Mitt.
Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 30 (1903). Type: Madagascar, Bojer 134 (K, iso.!).
S. mirabilis Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 92 (1898); Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 35 (1903);
Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 726 (1906); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1069 (1909). Type: Transvaal,
Lydenburg, Wilms 971, partly (BM, iso.!). S. pratensis Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 30: 377 (1901); Schinz
in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 38 (1903); Baker & N. E. Br. in F.T.A. 4, 1: 550 (1904). Type:
Tanganyika, Goetze 916 (K, iso.!). S. saccata Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 25 (1903);
Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 726 (1906); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1072 (1909). Type: Transvaal,
Houtbosberg, Schlechter 4702 (K, PRE).
Slender, erect, annual herbs 5-20 cm high, simple or branched from the base;
stems sometimes glandular or glandular-denticulate in the lower part. Leaves up to
1 cm long and 3 mm broad, linear-lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, acute or acuminate,
the lower ones reduced and often scale-like. Inflorescence a lax, 1 -few-flowered cyme;
bracts foliaceous, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, acuminate. Calyx of 5 segments,
each 5-5-9 mm long, 1-2-25 mm broad, lanceolate to oblong-elliptic, acuminate, the
sides hyaline, joined for up to 3 mm, with a keelwing 0-5-1 -75 mm broad, broadest
near the base. Corolla yellow; tube 5-6 mm long; lobes 5-5-8 mm long, 2-25-4 mm
broad, ovate or broadly ovate, subacute or rounded, clawed. Filaments 1-3-2-75 mm
long, inserted in the corolla-sinuses; anthers 1 -5-2-5 mm long, each with a very small
sessile apical gland or sometimes apparently eglandular. Style and stigma 5-7 mm
long, without a stigmatic swelling or with a large swelling below the middle; stigma
large, 2-lobed with very broad lobes. Fig. 26: 1.
Widespread in the eastern parts of the Republic, extending into tropical eastern Africa.
Cape. — Kentani: Pegler 1187. Queenstown: Tsomo, Barber 845. Maclear: Farm Woodlands,.
Galpin 6772. Umtata: Baziya Mt., Baur 621.
Natal. — Port Shepstone: Oribi Flats, McClean 566. Richmond: Byrne, Galpin 12034. Umzinto:
Dumisa, Rudatis 891; Mid-Illovo, Wood 1884.
O.F.S. — Without exact locality, Cooper 2756.
Transvaal. — Petersburg : Houtbosberg, Schlechter 4702. Lydenburg: Paarde Plaats, Wilms
971, partly. Pilgrims Rest: Black Hill, Galpin 14296.
Closely related to S. filiformis, and with a similar distribution, but the floral differences appear
to be constant. The sheet of Wilms 971 in the British Museum of Natural History is a mixture of
S. bojeri and S. grandis.
25. Sebaea junodii Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. 4: 442 (1896); Mitt. Geogr. Ges.
Liibeck 17: 25 (1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 725 (1906); Gilg in Bot. Jahrb.
26: 93 (1898); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1069 (1909). Type: Natal, Howick,
Schlechter 6783 (K, iso.!, PRE, iso.!).
194
Gentianaceae
Fig. 26. — 1, Sebaea bojeri, habit, X 2/3 ( Schlechler 4702); la, 2 sepals, X 3 ( McClean 566);
lb, corolla opened, X 3; lc, anther, x 8; Id, gynoecium, x 3. 2, S. exigua, corolla opened,
x3 (Schlechler 4678); 2a, 2 sepals, X 3; 2b, anther, X 8; 2c, gynoecium, X 3. 3, S. filiformis,
corolla opened, X 3 (Killick 1503); 3a, 2 sepals, X 3; 3b, anther, x 8; 3c, gynoecium, X 3.
4, S. junodii, corolla opened, x 3 ( Schlechler 4767); 4a, 2 sepals, X 3; 4b, anther, X 8; 4c,
gynoecium, x 3. 5. S. zeyheri subsp. zeyheri, corolla opened, X 3 (Esterhuvsen 19080); 5a,
2 sepals, x 3; 5b, anther, x 8; 5c, gynoecium, X 3. 6, S. grisebachiana, corolla opened, X 3
(Fourcade 4455a); 6a, 2 sepals, X 3; 6b, anther, X 8; 6c, gynoecium, X 3. 7, S.pentandra var.
pentandra, corolla opened, x 3 (Ferrar 5702); 7a, 2 sepals, X 3; 7b, anther, X 8; 7c,
gynoecium, x 3. 8, S. pentandra var. burchellii, corolla opened, X 3 (Acocks 2465); 8a, 2 sepals,
X 3; 8b, anther, x 8; 8c, gynoecium X 3.
Gentianaceae
195
Slender, erect, annual herbs 3-5-20 cm high, mostly unbranched. Leaves 1-5
mm long, lanceolate to narrowly ovate, the lower ones reduced and scale-like. Inflore-
scence a few-flowered cyme; bracts small, ovate-lanceolate to subulate, acuminate.
Calyx of 5 segments, each 3-5-5 mm long, 1-1-75 mm broad, lanceolate to oblong,
acuminate to acuminate-mucronate, the sides hyaline, joined for 0-5-0-75 mm, strongly
keeled or with a wing up to 0-5 mm broad, broadest below the middle; margins and
back of keel frequently minutely papillose denticulate. Corolla yellow or “ lemon ”
(fide Verdoorn); tube 3-75-5 mm long; lobes 2-75-4-5 mm long, 1-25-2 mm broad,
ovate-lanceolate to broadly ovate or ovate-oblong, acute or rounded. Filaments
0-75-2-25 mm long, inserted in the corolla-sinuses; anthers 0-75-1-25 mm long,
each with a small stipitate apical gland. Style and stigma 3-4-25 mm long, without
a stigmatic swelling; stigma large, 2-lobed with broad lobes. Fig. 26: 4.
Frequently under trees or shrubs in rich leaf mould, or in humus-pockets among rocks. Distri-
bution mainly easterly, extending into tropical Africa.
Cape. — Komga: Flanagan 1271.
Natal. — Lions River: Howick, Schlechter 6783.
Transvaal. — Pretoria: Fountains Valley, Verdoorn 785; Repton 243; Kameeldrif, Repton 4315;
Irene, Collins in TRV 12739. Nelspruit: Kruger National Park, Numbi, van der Schijff 1700; Acocks
16673. Pietersburg: Houtbosberg, Schlechter 4161.
26. Sebaea grisebachiana Schinz in Vjschr. Naturf. Ges. Zurich 37: 322 (1891);
Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 36 (1903); Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 95 (1898); Hill
& Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1071 (1909). Type: Cape, Montagu Pass, Rehmann 264 (BM,
iso.!).
51. macrostigma Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 93 (1898); Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 36
(1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 726 (1906); Hill & Prain, l.c. 1079 (1909). Type: Cape, Albany,
Glass 1635, partly (K, fragment!). S. schizostigma Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 93 (1898); Schinz in Mitt.
Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 36 (1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 726 (1906); Hill & Prain, l.c. 1072
(1909). Syntypes: Cape, Swellendam, Zeyher 1188, partly; without exact locality, Krebs 233. S.
humilis N. E. Br. in Kew Bull. 1901: 127 (1901). Type: Cape, Queenstown, Galpin 1549 (K, holo.!).
Slender erect annual herbs 5-15 cm high, simple or branched from the base.
Leaves 3-12 mm long, 2-10 mm broad, ovate-elliptic to broadly ovate or cordate,
acute or subacute, thin, scattered along the stems or the lower ones crowded into a small
rosette. Inflorescence a lax, few-flowered cyme or a small corymb; bracts very small,
ovate-lanceolate to subulate. Calyx of 5 segments, each 3 - 5—6 • 5 mm long, 0-75-1 -75
mm broad, lanceolate to elliptic, acuminate, sometimes mucronate, the sides hyaline,
free or joined for up to 0-5 mm, with a keel-wing up to 1 mm broad, broadest at or near
the base, wing sometimes strongly veined, its margin sometimes papillose-scabrid.
Corolla yellow; tube 2 -5-5 -5 mm long; lobes 3-5-75 mm long, 1 -25-3 -25 mm broad,
narrowly elliptic to obovate or obovate-orbicular, obtuse. Filaments 0-3-1 mm long,
inserted in the corolla-sinuses; anthers 1-2-75 mm long, without glands or with minute
apical glands. Style and stigma 3-25-5-5 mm long, with a medium to large stigmatic
swelling near the base or below the middle; stigma clavate, 2-lobed with tongue-shaped
lobes, 0-75-2-5 mm long. Fig. 26: 6.
Endemic in the coastal belt eastwards of Cape Agulhas.
Cape. — Swellendam: near Suurbraak, Acocks 16155; Marloth 8037; Montagu Pass, Rehmann
264. Riversdale: Garcias Pass, Bolus 1 1 347 ; De Hoek, Muir 2931. George: Between Touw’s River
and Kaaymans River, Burchell 5778. Humansdorp: Krom River, Fourcade 4455a. Albany: Grahams-
town, Daly & Sole 504; Rogers in GRA 1699; Howisons Poort, Schonland 753; Fish River Rand,
Hutton 544. Queenstown: Galpin 1549. Without exact locality: Kaffraria, Cooper 2760.
The presence of a basal rosette of leaves gives the plant a quite different appearance. Such plants
were put into S. macrostigma. There are, however, no floral differences and, as in other species, the
width of the calyx-wings varies considerably with age. Closely related to S. zeyheri.
196
Gentianaceae
27. Sebaea zeyheri Schinz in Vjschr. Naturf. Ges. Zurich 37: 325 (1891). Type:
Cape, Swellendam, Zeyher 1188, partly (K, lecto.!; BM, iso.!).
Erect annual herbs, slender or rather stout, simple or branched from the base,.
5-25 cm high. Leaves 2-12 mm long, 2-10 mm broad, ovate to suborbicular, acute to-
obtuse, the lower leaves more or less crowded, but not in a rosette. Inflorescence
corymbose or reduced to a few cymes, lax or subdense; bracts ovate-lanceolate to
lanceolate, acute or acuminate. Calyx of 5 segments, each 2-4-5 mm long, 0 - 5—1 - 75
mm broad, lanceolate to elliptic or oblong, acute to acuminate, the sides hyaline, or
somewhat opaque, joined for 0-25-0-75 mm, winged; the wing up to 1-75 mm broad,
broadest at the middle or near the base, often distinctly veined. Corolla yellow; tube
2-5-4-75 mm long; lobes 1-5-4 mm long, 0-5-2 mm broad, ovate to ovate-oblong
or elliptic, obtuse or acute, sometimes apiculate. Filaments 0-25-0-75 mm long,
inserted in the corolla-sinuses; anthers 0-5-0-75 mm long, each with a small, stipitate
apical gland or sometimes apparently eglandular. Style and stigma 1-3-75 mm long;
stigma ligulate, 2-lobed, together with the confluent swelling as long as or longer than
the rest of the style.
Calyx-wings broadest at or near the base, strongly veined; style and stigma 2-3 -75 mm long:
(a) subsp. zeyheri
Calyx-wings broadest about the middle, not distinctly veined; style and stigma 1-2 mm long:
Flowers not cleistogamous ( b ) subsp. acutiloba
Flowers cleistogamous (c) subsp. cleist ant ha
(a) subsp. zeyheri.
Sebaea zeyheri Schinz in Vjschr. Naturf. Ges. Zurich 37: 325 (1891); Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeclc
17: 38 (1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 725 (1906); Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 99 (1898); Hill &
Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1072 (1909).
The typical subspecies is distinguished by the very broad, strongly veined wings
of the calyx, broadest at or near the base, or almost semi-cordate. Inflorescence usually
corymbose, lax, many-flowered. Flowers bigger than those of the other subspecies;
style and stigma 2-3-75 mm long. Fig. 26: 5.
Endemic in the south-western Cape.
Cape. — Peninsula: Simonstown, Rocklands, W. Dod 2844; Smitswinkel Bay, W. Dod 2930;
Wynberg, hills around Cape Town, Ecklon 732, partly; Kenilworth, Bolus 7924; Slangkop, W. Dod
3022; Wynberg Butts, W. Dod 3323. Somerset West: Gordon’s Bay, Bolus 9993. Bredasdorp:
Brandfontein, Esterhuysen 19080. Swellendam: Doom River, Zeyher 1188.
(b) subsp. acutiloba ( Schinz ) Marais in Bothalia 7: 464 (1961). Type: Natal,,
Clairwood, Schlechter 3045 (K, lecto.!; BM!).
Sebaea acutiloba Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. 3: 412 (1895); Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 39
(1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 725 (1906); Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 100 (1898); Hill & Prain
in F.C. 4, 1: 1071 (1909). S. tysonii Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. s6r. 2, 8: 703 (1908). Type: Cape,
Knysna, Tyson s.n. (K, fragment!).
The calyx-wings are not distinctly veined, up to 0-75 mm broad, broadest about
the middle. Flowers often in compact, few-flowered cymes. Style and stigma 1-2
mm long.
Occasional in the coastal belt of Natal and the eastern Cape.
Cape. — Riversdale: Grootfontein near Albertinia, Muir 1765. Knysna: Suurvlakte, Tyson s.n.;;
Paardekop, Acocks 21304; Groenvlei, Martin 4568; Plettenberg Bay, Smart s.n. Humansdorp:
Clarkson, Thode A964. Without exact locality: Britten 813.
Natal. — Durban: Clairmont, Schlechter 3045; Medley Wood 4950.
Gentianaceae
197
(c) subsp. cleistantha ( R . A. Dyer ) Marais in Bothalia 7: 464 (1961). Type:
Cape, Bathurst, Dyer 629 (K., holo. !; PRE, iso.!).
Sebaea cleistantha R. A. Dyer in Kew Bull. 1933: 461 (1933).
Inflorescence corymbose, frequently lax, otherwise almost identical with subsp.
acutiloba, but the flowers are said to be cleistogamous.
Cape. — Bathurst: Kowie, Dyer 629; Port Alfred, Paterson 7. Port Elizabeth: Walmer, Paterson
770a.
I could find no satisfactory character on which to separate S. zeyheri and S. acutiloba. From the
available material, there does, however, appear to be a break in distribution and, mainly for that reason,
I have decided to uphold them as distinct subspecies.
28. Sebaea scabra Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 37 (1903); Bull. Herb.
Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 724 (1906); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1073 (1909). Type: Cape,
Riversdale, Schlechter 1711 (K, BM, PRE, iso.!).
S. pentandra var. belmontioides Schinz in Vjschr. Naturf. Ges. Zurich 37: 320 (1891). Type:
Cape, Cape Flats, Zeyher 1189a (K, iso.!).
Erect annual herbs 6-20 cm high, simple or branched from the base. Leaves
up to 1-5 cm long and 1 cm broad, ovate-cordate or nearly suborbicular-ovate, acute
or subacute. Inflorescence few — many-flowered; bracts ovate-lanceolate, acuminate.
Calyx of 5 segments, each 5-8 mm long, 1 • 5-2 mm broad, oblong-lanceolate to oblong-
elliptic, acuminate, the sides membranous opaque, brittle when dry, joined for 0 -5-0-75
mm, with a semi-cordate, strongly veined keel-wing which is up to 2-5 mm broad near
the base, the older ones often with scabrid-papillose margins. Corolla yellow; tube
6-5-7 mm long; lobes 6-5-11 mm long, 2-5-6 mm broad, oblanceolate-oblong to
obovate, rounded, often apiculate. Filaments 0-5-1 mm long, inserted in the corolla-
sinuses; anthers 2-2-5 mm long, their tips recurved, each with a large oblong apical
and 2 small, stipitate, basal glands. Style and stigma 5-6-5 mm long with a stigmatic
swelling near the base; stigma large, clavate, 2-lobed.
Endemic in the south-western Cape.
Cape. — Peninsula: Cape Flats, Zeyher 1189a. Riversdale: Elbertskraal, Muir 862; near Rivers-
dale, Schlechter 1711. Swellendam: Bonnievale, Mar loth 11827.
29. Sebaea sulphurea Cham. & Schlechtdl. in Linnaea 1: 192 (1826); Cham, in
Linnaea 6: 346 (1831); Griseb. in DC., Prodr. 9 : 53 (1845); Schinz in Vjschr. Naturf.
Ges. Zurich 37 : 319 (1891); Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 39 (1903); Hill & Prain
in F.C. 4, 1: 1073 (1909). Syntypes: Cape, Mundt & Maire\ Berg.
Slender erect annual herbs 2-15 cm high, simple or branched from the base. Leaves
2-9 mm long, 1-5-6 -5 mm broad, ovate to suborbicular-ovate acute. Inflorescence
1 - few-flowered, lax or compact; bracts ovate-lanceolate, acuminate. Calyx of 5
segments, each 4-8-5 mm long, 1 -25-2 mm broad, elliptic to oblong-elliptic or oblong-
lanceolate, acuminate, the sides hyaline, or somewhat opaque, free or almost so, with
a soft keel-wing 0-5-1 mm broad, broadest at or below the middle. Corolla bright
yellow; tube 4-25-8 mm long; lobes 5-75-11-25 mm long, 2-25-5 mm broad, ovate-
elliptic to ovate, rounded or acute, sometimes apiculate, clawed. Filaments 0-5-1 mm
long, inserted in the corolla-sinuses; anthers 1-25-2 mm long, each with a medium
to large, stipitate apical and 2 small, stipitate, basal glands. Style and stigma 5-9
mm long, with a swelling below the middle; stigma large, 1-5-5 -5 mm long, ligulate,
2- lobed. Capsule suborbicular to obovoid.
Cape. — Peninsula: Table Mt., Esterhuysen 19191; Ecklon 730; Constantia Mt., W. Dod 3580;
Twelve Apostles, W. Dod 3387. Caledon: Steenbras River, Schlechter 5404. Bredasdorp: Brank-
fontein, Esterhuysen 19015. Riversdale: Garcia’s Pass, Muir 2930; Langeberge, Muir 2929; Galpin
4334, partly. Without exact locality: Kitching s.n.
On drying, the whole plant or at least the calyx takes on a yellow-green colour.
198
Gentianaceae
30. Sebaea ramosissima Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 91 (1898); Schinz in Mitt. Geogr.
Ges. Liibeck 17: 35 (1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 724 (1906); Hill & Prain
in F.C. 4, 1: 1079 (1909). Syntypes: Cape, Bathurst, Burchell 3784 (K!); King
William’s Town, Tyson 3129.
Annurl herbs, simple or much-branched below, erect or spreading-ascending, up
to 25 cm high. Leaves up to 1-2 cm long and 1 cm broad, ovate-cordate or ovate,
obtuse or subacute, thin, somewhat crowded near the base; the upper ones smaller
and further apart. Inflorescence lax with long pedicels, few-many-flowered; bracts
ovate or ovate-lanceolate, or very small and subulate, spreading or recurved. Calyx
of 5 segments, each 4-5-6 mm long, 1-1-75 mm broad, linear-lanceolate to narrowly
ovate-lanceolate, acuminate-mucronate, their sides membranous, opaque or hyaline,
keeled or with a narrow wing up to 0-5 mm broad. Corolla yellow; tube 3-5-6 mm
long; lobes 5-5-8 mm long, 2-4-5 mm broad, elliptic to oblong-elliptic, acute, obtuse,
or sometimes toothed at the apex. Filaments 0-25-0-75 mm long, inserted in the
corolla-sinuses; anthers 2-3 mm long, each with 3 medium-sized or small stipitate
glands. Style and stigma 5-6-5 mm long with a swelling near the base; stigma clavate,
2-lobed.
Endemic in the eastern Cape.
Cape. — Alexandria: Quagga’s Flats, Gill s.n. Bathurst: between Kafferdrif and Port Alfred ,-
Burchell 3784. Albany: Grahamstown, Dyer 3301 ; Glass in Herb. Austr.-Afr. 1635, partly; Southwell,
Schonland 780. King William’s Town: Hatcheries, Pirie Forest, Galpin 5933. Peddie: near Bell,
Galpin 7708. Kentani: Pegler 490. Komga: Flanagan 1180. Without exact locality: Harvey 618.
31. Sebaea foureadei Marais in Bothalia 7: 463 (1961). Type: Humansdorp,
Geelhoutboom, Fourcade 4880 (K, holo.!).
Slender erect annual herbs, simple or branched near the base, up to 25 cm high.
Leaves up to 1 cm long and 1 cm broad, ovate-orbicular or the upper ones ovate,
obtuse or subacute, in relatively few pairs, the lower ones dying off soon; internodes
long. Inflorescence corymbose, few- to several-flowered; bracts lanceolate to ovate-
lanceolate acuminate. Calyx of 5 segments, each 4-75-5 mm long, 1-1-5 mm broad,
lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate, acuminate-mucronate, their sides membranous, opaque,
brittle when dry, keeled. Corolla yellow; tube 3-4 mm long; lobes 2-75-3-5 mm long,
1-1 -25 mm broad, narrowly elliptic or narrowly ovate-elliptic to oblanceolate, rounded,
sometimes slightly cucullate. Filaments 0-25 mm long, inserted in the corolla-sinuses;
anthers 0-8-1-25 mm long, each with 3 small, round, shortly stipitate, pale yellow
glands. Style and stigma 2-75-3-75 mm long with a stigmatic swelling below or near
the middle; stigma capitate, 2-lobed.
The nearest relative seems to be S. ramosissima. Known only from the Knysna-Humansdorp
coast.
Cape. — Knysna: Belvedere, Duthie 1175. Humansdorp: Geelhoutboom, Fourcade 4880.
32. Sebaea erosa Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 728 (1906); Hill & Prain
in F.C. 4, 1: 1073 (1909). Type: Transvaal, Brugspruit, Schlechter 4119 (72119)
(K, BM, iso.!).
S. pygmaea Schinz, l.c. 740 (1906); Hill & Prain, l.c. 1074 (1909). Type: Transvaal, Houtbosch
Mt., Schlechter 4708 (K, iso.!, BM, iso.!).
Gentianaceae
199
Slender, annual (or biennial?), erect or ascending herbs, simple or much-branched
from the base, 5-15 cm high. Leaves up to 1 cm long and nearly as broad, ovate-
orbicular to ovate-lanceolate, rounded or acute; lower leaves sometimes crowded.
Inflorescence very lax, branched and pedicels long and slender, cymes few-flowered;
bracts ovate to lanceolate, acuminate. Calyx of 5 segments, each 3-5 mm long, 0 • 5- 1 • 25
mm broad, lanceolate, ovate-lanceolate or more or less oblong, acute or acuminate,
the sides membranous, joined for 0-75-1 • 5 mm, margins entire or erose, keeled or very
narrowly winged. Corolla yellow; tube 4-5-7 mm long; lobes 2-25-4-5 mm long,
0 • 75-2 ■ 5 mm broad, ovate-oblong or obovate-oblong, rounded or truncate and apiculate,
or sometimes acute’ entire or erose. Filaments very short, inserted 0-5-1 mm below
the corolla-sinuses; anthers 0-5-1-25 mm long, each with a large, oblong, stipitate
or a small, round, apical gland. Style and stigma 2-5-6 mm long, swelling rather small,
usually below, but sometimes above the middle; stigma capitate or shortly clavate,
2-lobed.
Known from the north-eastern Transvaal, Swaziland and Natal.
Natal. — Ngotshe: Near Ngome, Codd 2019.
Swaziland. — Mbabane, Compton 25869.
Transvaal. — Brugspruit, Schlechter 2119 (4119?). Sibasa: Smuts & Gillett 3284; Crewe Farm,
Hutchinson & Gillett 4438. Soutpansberg: Entabeni, Taylor 719; Smuts & Gillett 4142. Pietersburg:
Houtbosch Mt., Schlechter 4708; Blaauwberg, Esterhuysen 21465.
33. Sebaea rehmannii Schinz in Vjschr. Naturf. Ges. Zurich 37: 322 (1891); Mitt.
Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 48 (1903); Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 95 (1898); Hill & Prain
in F.C. 4, 1: 1088 (1909). Type: Transvaal, Houtbosch, Rehmann 5925 (Z, holo.!;
K, fragment!).
5. macrantha Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 94 (1898); Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 43
(1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 726 (1906); Hill & Prain, l.c. 1082 (1909). Type: Transvaal,
Lydenburg, Wilms 970 (Z, fragment!).
Annual or biennial herbs, simple or branched, up to 65 cm tall, but often not
exceeding 15 cm. Leaves up to 1 - 8 cm long and equally broad, close-set or far apart,
the lower ones sometimes subrosulate, ovate to ovate-orbicular, thin or slightly leathery,
obtuse or subacute, sometimes apiculate, sessile or shortly petiolate, the lower few
pairs sometimes gradually cuneate at the base. Inflorescence lax with long branches,
a many-flowered corymbose panicle or reduced to a few cymes; bracts ovate to
lanceolate, acute. Calyx of 5 segments, each 5-9 mm long, 1-2-5 mm broad, lanceolate
to more or less oblong, acuminate or acute, mucronate, the sides hyaline, joined for up
to 1 - 5 mm, with a keelwing 0-75-1-5 mm broad, broadest about the middle or at the
base and then almost semi-cordate. Corolla yellow; tube 5-10 mm long; lobes 6-12
mm long, 2-5-5 mm broad, elliptic-lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, rarely somewhat
obovate, usually rounded and apiculate, sometimes acute, often clawed. Filaments
usually 0-75-1 -5 mm long, rarely shorter and occasionally 2 mm, inserted in or shortly
below the corolla-sinuses; anthers 1-75-7 mm long, mostly with a small apical gland,
but occasionally apparently eglandular, sometimes also with 2 minute basal glands.
Style and stigma 5-10 mm long with a stigmatic swelling near the base or well below
the middle; stigma capitate or clavate, 2-lobed. Fig. 27: 4.
Confined to the mountains of Natal, Basutoland, Swaziland and the north-eastern Transvaal.
Basutoland. — Little Bakong Valley, Guillarmod 328.
Natal. — Sevenfountain, Wylie in Herb. Wood 5214. Bergville: Cathedral Peak, Killick 1225;
Van Reenen, Kuntze s.n. Vryheid: Mt. N’Gwibi, Galpin 9777. Ndwedwe: Inanda, Medley Wood
866.
Swaziland. — Mbabane: Ukutula, Compton 24921 ; 26690.
Transvaal. — Pilgrims Rest: Peach Hill, Galpin 14502. Barberton: Kaapsche Hoop, Rogers 21062.
Pietersburg: Houtbosch, Rehmann 5925; Pypkop, Prosser 1922. Lydenburg: Spitskoppie, Wilms 970;
Nelsberg, Taylor 1868.
Fl°- ,27 - -S^aelongata, habit, x 2/3 (Fourcade 922); la, 2 sepals, x 3; lb, corolla opened x3
oi ld’ gynoeclumj. X 3 2, S. stricta, habit, X 2/3 ( Salter 6742); 2a, 2 sepals, X 3
(Muir 2368); 2b, corolla opened, x 3; 2c, anther, X 8; 2d, gynoecium, x 3. 3, S. natalensis
corolla opened, x 3 (Codd 8585); 3a, 2 sepals, x 3; 3b, anther, x 8; 3c, gynoecium x 3
4, S. rchmannu, corolla opened, X 3 (Killick 1225); 4a, 2 sepals, x 3; 4b, anther x 8‘ 4c cvnoe-
cium, x 3. * ’ ’
Gentianaceae
201
34. Sebaea natalensis Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. 4: 442 (1895); Gilg in Bot.
Jahrb. 26: 95 (1898), non S. natalensis (Schinz) Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2,
6: 732 (1906). Type: Natal, Mount West, Schlechter 6819 (K, iso.!, PRE, iso.!).
S. rudolfii Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 741 (1906); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1 : 1089 (1909),
nom. illegit. Type: as above. S. imbricata Hill in Kew Bull. 1908: 331 (1908); Hill & Prain, l.c.
1087 (1909). Type: Natal, Amajuba, Burn Davy 7747c (K, holo.!). ? S. vitellina Schinz in Mitt.
Geogr. Ges. Lubeck 17: 38 (1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 726 (1906); Hill & Prain, l.c. 1080
(1909). Type: Natal, Cato Ridge, Schlechter 3259 (K, iso.!).
Erect or ascending herbs up to 25 cm high, often branched from the base, simple
or branched above. Leaves up to 1-3 cm long and 1-5 cm broad, ovate-cordate to
suborbicular or cordate-orbicular, cordate or slightly cuneate at the base, obtuse or
subacute, often apiculate, sometimes the lower few pairs subrosulate. Inflorescence
corymbose, dense, few-many-flowered; bracts ovate to linear-subulate, acute, often
spreading. Calyx of 5 segments, each 5 • 5-9 mm long, 1 • 25-3 • 5 mm broad, lanceolate
to ovate-lanceolate, acute or acuminate, mucronate, the sides hyaline, joined for
0- 25-0-5 mm, with a keel-wing 0-75-1-5 mm broad, broadest near the base or
towards the middle. Corolla yellow; tube 5 -5-7 -5 mm long; lobes 4-7-5 mm long,
1- 5-4 mm broad, spathulate to orbicular-obovate, obtuse or subacute, sometimes
apiculate, clawed. Filaments very short or up to 1-5 mm long, inserted in or up to
1 mm below the corolla-sinuses; anthers 1-25-2 mm long, each with a small, often
shortly stipitate, round, apical gland, and sometimes with 2 minute basal glands. Style
and stigma 5-7 mm long with a relatively large swelling usually well below the middle;
stigma capitate or capitate-clavate, 2-lobed. Fig. 27: 3.
Recorded from Griqualand East, Natal, Basutoland, the eastern Free State and the south-eastern
Transvaal.
Cape. — Maclear: Klein Pot River, Galpin 6774. Pondoland: Sutherland s.n.
Natal. — Richmond: Byrne, Galpin 11994. Pietermaritzburg: Table Mt., McClean 158; Mount
West, Schlechter 6819. New Hanover: York, Codd 8585. Ndwedwe: Inanda, Noodsberg, Wood
922. Bergville: Mount-aux-Sources, Dooley, Bayer <£ McClean 183. Bulwer: Kukamahatsha Basin,
McClean 254. Newcastle: Amajuba Hill, Burtt Davy 7747C. Without exact locality: Sutherland
s.n.; Ranges 2,000-3,000 ft., 30-60 miles from the sea, Sutherland s.n., partly.
Basutoland. — Masepa, near Quacha’s Nek, Galpin 14051.
O.F.S. — Without locality, Cooper 2757.
Transvaal. — Wakkerstroom, Galpin 9836.
In 1906, when dealing with the section Belmont ia of Sebaea, Schinz preferred the epithet “ nata-
lensis ” for a taxon which had carried that epithet in the genus Belmontia since 1894. He renamed
the taxon S. natalensis Schinz (1895) as R. rudolfii Schinz. This is not in accordance with the rules
and S. natalensis Schinz 1895, should be taken up. Belmontia natalensis is now placed as a synonym
of S. grandis (E. Mey.) Steud.
S', vitellina Schinz is probably synonymous with S. natalensis. The specimens are all very small
and, in my opinion, just poorly developed. The following specimens have in the past been referred
to S. vitellina-. — Naial. — Durban: Sutherland s.n. Camperdown: Cato Ridge, Schlechter 3259;
Schlechter in TRV 2198. Without exact locality : Gerrard 91.
Some flowers on the Kew sheet of Schlechter 3295 are 6-merous.
35. Sebaea elongata E. Mey., Comm. 184 (1837); Schinz in Vjschr. Naturf. Ges.
Zurich 37: 324 (1891); Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Lubeck 17: 41 (1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss.
ser. 2, 6: 724 (1906); Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 96 (1898); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4.
1: 1077 (1909). Type: Cape, Knysna, Drege 7827 (72827) (K, iso.!).
S. cuspidata Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Lubeck 17: 28 (1903). Type: Cape, Riversdale,
Schlechter 1840 (K, iso.!).
202
Gentianaceae
Erect annual or biennial herbs up to 70 cm high, simple or sometimes branching
from the base, occasionally branching freely in the upper part. Leaves in a basal
rosette, up to 4-5 cm long and 2-5 cm broad, ovate or ovate-elliptic, obtuse or acute,
thin, the cauline leaves smaller and further apart. Inflorescence many-flowered, dense
and subcapitate or laxer and corymbose; bracts ovate to lanceolate or subulate,
spreading, numerous. Calyx of 5 segments, each 3-75-6 mm long, 1-1-5 mm broad,
lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate or oblanceolate-oblong, acuminate, the sides hyaline
or somewhat opaque, keeled or with a narrow keel-wing up to 0-4 mm broad, broadest
at or below the middle. Corolla yellow; tube 3-25-5 mm long; lobes 2-75-7-75
mm long, 1-3-5 mm broad, narrowly elliptic to broadly ovate, obtuse or acute,
clawed. Filaments 0-75-2-5 mm long, inserted in the corolla-sinuses; anthers
0-75-3 mm long, without glands or rarely each with 3 minute stipitate glands. Style
and stigma 2-7-25 mm long with a rather small swelling at or below the middle, or
rarely without a swelling; stigma capitate, 2-lobed. Fig. 27: 1.
Endemic in the coastal belt of the Cape from the Caledon district eastwards as far as Humansdorp.
Cape. — Caledon: Riviersonderend Mts., Esterhuysen 20777. Riversdale: Langeberg, Schlechter
1840; Muir 1458; Kampseberg, Burchell 7085. George: Jonkersberg, Esterhuysen 19382; Cradock-
berg, Galpin 4336. Knysna: Vanderwaltshoek, Keet 980; Groot River Heights, Hill s.n.; Salter
6960; between Plettenberg Bay and Langkloof, Drege 7827 (72827). Uniondale: Avontuur, Bolus
2042. Humansdorp: Witelsbos, Fourcade 422; Hutchinson 1397.
In Kew Herbarium there are 2 specimens which I believe to be hybrids. Long 1106 from Thees-
combe, Port Elizabeth, and Fourcade 1941 from Witelsbos, Humansdorp, are intermediate between
S. elongata and A. stricta. Both have the 2 minute basal glands per anther characteristic of S. stricta.
Thode A965 from Clarkson is nearer to S. stricta, but has some features of 5. elongata in its habit,
leaves and inflorescence.
36. Sebaea stricta (£. Mey.) Gi/g in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 90 (1898). Type: Cape,
Witteberg, Drege s.n. (Z, iso.!), non S. stricta Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6:
738 (1906).
S. crassulaefolia var. stricta E. Mey., Comm.: 184 (1837). S. dregei Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges.
Liibeck 17 : 51 (1903); Bull. Herb. Bois. ser. 2, 6: 724(1906); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1 : 1080 (1909),
nom. illegit. Type as above.
Erect perennial herbs, simple or with stiffly ascending branches up to 60 cm high.
Leaves up to 1 - 2 cm long and equally broad, ovate-cordate or triangular ovate-cordate,
subacute, reflexed, coriaceous or somewhat fleshy, pale green (Chinese yellow fide
Kapp), the margin revolute; upper leaves smaller and often narrow triangular-ovate,
acute. Inflorescence paniculate or corymbose, or the cymes reduced to 1 flower and
inflorescence racemose; bracts ovate-lanceolate to deltoid-subulate, spreading. Calyx
of 5 segments, each 4—8 mm long, 1-1-75 mm broad, lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate
or oblanceolate, acuminate, often mucronate, the sides opaque, keeled or with a very
narrow wing. Corolla vivid yellow (fide Kapp); tube 4-7-25 mm long, narrowly
cylindrical; lobes 4-9 mm long, 2-4-75 mm broad, narrowly elliptic to broadly obovate,
clawed, rounded. Filaments 1-75-3 mm long, inserted in the corolla-sinuses; anthers
1-75-3-75 mm long, each with 2 very small sessile or shortly stipitate basal glands,
sometimes absolutely minute. Style and stigma 4-9 mm long, stigmatic swelling absent
or very small, well below the middle; stigma capitate or clavate, 2-lobed. Fig. 27: 2.
Cape.— Mossel Bay: Langfontein, Muir 2368. Riversdale: Garcia’s Pass, Muir 2686; Bolus
11350; Phillips 346; Langeberg, Muir 971. George: Schlechter 2408; Michell s.n. Knysna: Con-
cordia, Kapp 60; Bowie s.n.; Acocks 21204. Uniondale: Prince Alfred’s Pass, Salter 6742. ? Aliwal
North: Witteberge, Drege s.n.
In 1903 when Schinz merged Belmont ia with Sebaea. he preferred the epithet “ stricta ” for a taxon
from Madagascar which had carried that epithet in the genus Belmontia since 1891. He renamed
S. stricta (E. Mey.) Gilg (1898) as S. dregei Schinz. The earlier name must be reinstated.
Fourcade 1293 from Uniondale is intermediate between S. stricta and S. macrophylla; the influence
of the latter is apparent in the calyx.
See also notes under 5. elongata.
Gentianaceae
203
37. Sebaea pentandra E. Mey., Comm.: 184 (1877). Syntypes: Cape, between
the Gekau and Bashee Rivers, Drege s.n.; Wonderheuwel, Drege s.n.; Nuweveld,
Drege s.n. (K!).
Erect annual herbs 5-30 cm high, usually branched at the base. Leaves up to
4 cm long and 2 cm broad but often much smaller, crowded near the base and scattered
along the stems, sometimes the branches almost leafless, the basal leaves sometimes
dying off soon, orbicular-ovate to elliptic, obtuse or subacute, the base more or less
cordate, rounded or cunear. Inflorescence corymbose of compact cymes, few —
many-flowered; bracts ovate or elliptic to lanceolate, the upper ones sometimes much
reduced. Calyx of 5 segments each 3-7-5 mm long, 1-3 mm broad, elliptic-lanceolate
to broadly ovate, acute or rounded, often mucronate, the sides hyaline or somewhat
opaque, joined for 0-5-2 mm, keeled or with a wing up to 1 mm broad, broadest at
or about the middle. Corolla yellow; tube 3-10 mm long; lobes 2-7-5 mm long,
0-75-3-5 mm broad, narrowly elliptic to obovate-orbicular, rounded, clawed. Fila-
ments very short or up to 2-5 mm long, inserted in or up to 0-75 mm below the corolla-
sinuses; anthers 0-75-4 mm long, their tips recurved, each with a conspicuous, stipitate,
round, apical gland and 2 small, stipitate, basal glands. Style and stigma 1-25-9-5
mm long, without a swelling or with a small to large swelling; stigma large, clavate
to subcapitate, 2-lobed.
For key to the varieties see key to the species, pages 175 and 176.
(a) var. pentandra.
Sebaea pentandra F. Mey., Comm.: 184 (1837); Schinz in Vjschr. Naturf. Ges. Zurich 37: 320
(1891); Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 40 (1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 724 (1906); Gilg in Bot.
Jahrb. 26: 90 (1898); Hill in Kew Bull. 1908: 326 (1908); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1078 (1909).
S. gariepina Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 90 (1898); Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 40 (1903);
Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 724 (1906). Type: Namaqualand, Verleptepram, Drege s.n. S. primulina
Hill in Kew Bull. 1908: 327 (1908); Hill & Prain, l.c. 1080 (1909). Syntypes: Cape, between Kuruman
and the Vaal River, Cruikshank in BOL 2540 (K!); Vryburg: Mashowe River, Burchett 2252-5 (K!).
The typical variety includes mainly the bigger plants and, although there is a
certain amount of overlap between this and var. burchellii, it can be recognised by the
following characters: Stem usually leafy, though the internodes may sometimes be
very long. Inflorescence compact, many-flowered. Calyx-segments 4 -5-7 -5 mm iong;
1-25-3 mm broad, acute or rounded. Corolla-lobes 3 -5-7 -5 X 1-75-3-5 mm. Fila-
ments very short to 2 • 5 mm long ; anthers 1 ■ 25-4 mm long. Style and stigma 4 • 25-9 • 5
mm long with a small to large swelling below the middle (usually very near to the
base). Fig. 26: 7.
Grows in damn situations, along dry water-courses and in general on low-lying ground. Flowering
during summer and autumn, but very much dependent on rainfall.
Cape. — Namaqualand: Holrivier, Pearson 3978. Calvinia: Schinidt 562; Groot Toring, Acocks
18594. Vryburg: Mashowe River, Burchett 2252-5. Kuruman: between Kuruman and the Vaal
River, Cruikshank in BOL 2540. Barkly West: Olienkop, Ferrar in McGregor Mus. 5702; Krans-
fontein, Paton in McGregor Mus. 1148; Pniel, Witman in McGregor Mus. 2578; near Kimberley,
Flanagan 1424; Mosterts Hoek, Acocks in Herb. Hafstrom H. 1330; Alexandersfontein, Power
s.n. Colesberg: Vanderwaltsfontein, Burke s.n.; Orange River, Acocks 15356. Steynsburg: Theron
897. Middelburg: Rooispruit, Theron 367; Ventershoekspruit, Acocks 16595. Cradock: National
Park, Brynard 336. Somerset East: Bowker s.n. Without exact locality: central region, Nuweveld
(probably Victoria West), Drege s.n.
O.F.S. — Fauresmith: Langeberg, Smith 930; Jagersfontein, Smith 892; Botanical Reserve, Pole
Evans & Smith 1850. Bloemfontein: Glen, Mostert 521; Hillandale, Jakob in Grey Univ. Coll. Herb.
3552; Tempe, Potts 1227; 2381.
204
Gentianaceae
(b) var. burchellii ( Gilg ) Marais in Bothalia 7: 464 (1961). Type: Cape, Griqua-
town, Burchell 1869, partly (K, iso.!).
Sebaea burchellii Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 89 (1898); Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Lubeck 17: 31
(1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 724 (1906); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1076 (1909). S. conrathii
Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 31 (1903); Hill & Prain, l.c. 1076 (1909). Type: Transvaal,
Modderfontein, Conrath 743 (K, iso.!). S. barbeyiana Schinz in Vjschr. Naturf. Ges. Zurich 37: 326
(1891); Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 32 (1903); Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 101 (1898). Type: Herero-
land, Schinz 485 (Z, holo. !).
The most characteristic features of this variety are the very short filaments, always
less than 0-5 mm long; the anthers 0-75-1-25 mm long; style and stigma 1 - 25—2 • 25
mm, either without a swelling or with a swelling above the middle. The stems are
sometimes almost leafless, reaching a height of up to 25 cm, but often much smaller.
The calyx-segments are 3-4-75 mm long, rounded. The corolla-lobes measure
2-2-75 x 0-75-1-75 mm, obovate-oblong to obovate-orbicular in outline. Fig. 26: 8.
Habitat and flowering period the same as that of var. pentandra, but with a more northerly
distribution.
Cape. — Hay: Griquatown, Burchell 1869, partly. Vryburg: Townlands, Henrici 165; Armoeds-
vlakte, Mogg 8115; Henrici 15; Watersmeet, Phear in BOL 1325. Barkly West: Koopmansfontein,
Leistner 953.
O.F.S.— Fauresmith: Botanical Reserve, Smith 401. Bloemfontein: Farm “ Hoeveld ”, Smith
4439.
Transvaal. — Between Waterval Boven and Suikerbosrand, Schlechter 3497. Krugersdorp:
Modderfontein, Conrath 743. Pretoria: Potgieter Park, Repton 3081. Rustenburg: near school,
Gibbs 5. Lichtenburg: Hakboslaagte, Kinges 1502.
S.W.A.— Hereroland, Schinz 485. Grootfontein : Gautscha Pan, Story 5284. Okahandja:
Okahandja-Otjisazu, Dinter 773.
Burchell 1869, the type of the variety, has some 6-merous flowers.
I have been unable to trace authentic material of S. caladenia Gilg, typified by Meyer s.n. from
the Hantam Mts., Calvinia. From the description it appears to be intermediate between the 2 varieties
of S. pentandra. This is supported by the fact that several such intermediate specimens agree fairly
well with the various descriptions of S. caladenia. One of the specimens, Marloth 10434 in the National
Herbarium, is from the type locality of 5. caladenia. R. G. N. Young, during 1956, came to the
conclusion that S. caladenia cannot be separated from S. pentandra.
S. pentandra var. burchellii is the closest relative of S. ovata (Labill.) R. Br., the type species of the
genus, from Australia. The similarity is so great that some collections from the two countries look
as if they might have come from the same population. On closer investigation the calyx-segments of
S. ovata prove to be narrower, ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, whereas in var. burchellii they are mostly
ovate-oblong in outline, obtuse.
38. Sebaea longicaulis Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. 2: 219 (1894); Mitt. Geogr.
Ges. Liibeck 17: 42 (1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 727 (1906); Gilg in Bot.
Jahrb. 26: 94 (1898); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1083 (1909). Type: Cape, Mt.
Malowe, Tyson 3096 (K, iso.!).
S. crassulaefolia var. lanceolata Schinz in Vjschr. Naturf. Ges. Zurich 37: 323 (1891). Type ;
Natal, Weston, Rehmann 4348 (K, iso.!). 5. woodii Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 94 (1898); Schinz in Mitt-
Geogr. Ges. Lubeck 1 7 : 42(1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 726(1906). Syntypes: Natal, Karkloof>
Medley Wood 4447 (K!); Wood 1844 ( KL !). S. macrosepala Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 91 (1898); Schinz
in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Lubeck 17: 48 (1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 724 (1906). Type: Cape.
King William's Town, Scott Elliot s.n. S. oreophila Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 30: 377 (1901); Schinz in Mitt.
Geogr. Ges. Lubeck 17: 44(1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 727(1906); Baker & N. E. Br. in F.T.A.
4, 1 : 547 (1903). Type: Nyasaland, Goetze 945 (K, iso.!). 5. grandiflora Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges.
Lubeck 17: 44 (1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 726(1906); Hill & Prain, l.c. 1084 (1909). Type:
Transvaal, Houtbosberg, Schlechter 4768 (K, iso.!). S. macowanii Gilg ex Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges.
Lubeck 17: 47 (1903); Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 726(1906); Hill & Prain, l.c. 1087 (1909).
Type: Cape. King William’s Town, Tyson 2203 (Z, fragment!). S. erecta Hill in Kew Bull. 1908: 328
(1908), Hill & Prain, l.c. 1083 (1909). Type: Transvaal, Carolina, Nicholson sub Transv. Dept. Agric.
Herb. no. 4307 (K, holo.!). IS. acuminata Hill in Kew Bull. 1908: 328 (1908); Hill & Prain, l.c. 1082
(1909). Type: Natal, near Boston, 3,000-4,000 ft, Wood s.n. in BM.
Gentianaceae
205
Erect herbs, simple or branched, up to 60 cm high. Leaves up to 1-8 cm long
and 1-5 cm broad, lanceolate or narrowly elliptic-lanceolate to suborbicular-cordate
or suborbicular-reniform, rounded or acute, often apiculate-mucronate, somewhat
coriaceous, smaller, narrower and more distant in the upper part. Inflorescence few-
flowered, lax or compact cymes, terminal, solitary or somewhat corymbose, with very
few bracts; bracts ovate-lanceolate to linear or even linear-subulate, erect. Calyx
of 5 segments, each 7-1 1 mm long, 2-5 mm broad, lanceolate to elliptic, acute,
mucronate, the sides hyaline, keeled or with a wing up to 0-75 mm broad, broadest
below or about the middle. Corolla yellow; tube 5-5-9 mm long; lobes 5-5-11 min
long, 2 • 5-5 • 5 mm broad, broadly elliptic to oblong-obovate or ovate-orbicular, rounded,
clawed. Filaments 1-4 mm long, inserted in the corolla-sinuses; anthers 2-4-25 mm
long, always with a small apical, and sometimes with 2 minute basal glands. Style
and stigma 6 -5-9 -5 mm long, without a stigmatic swelling and then the stigma small,
capitate, 2-lobed, or with a swelling near the base and a large clavate stigma with 2
broad, tongue-shaped lobes. Fig. 28: 2.
A wide-spread and well defined species extending into tropical Africa. There are few notes on the
habitat, but it seeems to be confined to very wet places. Many of the complete specimens have numerous
adventitious roots and no well-developed tap root.
Cape. — Stutterheim: Stutterheim common, Acocks 9714; Mt. Malowe, Tyson 3096. King
William’s Town: Tyson 2203.
Natal. — Umzinto: Umgazi Flats, Rudatis 999. Richmond: Byrne, Medley Wood 1844; Boston,
Medley Wood 11132; Benire, Medley Wood 7875 ; Weston, Rehmann 7348; Karkloof, Medley Wood
4447. Estcourt: Mooi River, Burtt Davy 10273; Mogg 7010; Griffin’s Hill, Acocks 11405.
Transvaal. — Carolina: Leliefontein, Nicholson sub. T.D.A. Herb. no. 4307; 4308. Belfast:
Strey 3017; Dullstroom Taylor 1883. Pietersburg: Black Knoll, McCallum 137; Houtbosberg,
Schlechter 4768. Wakkerstroom: Thode s.n.
The type specimen of S. acuminata , Wood s.n. from near Boston, Natal, in Herb. Brit. Mus. cannot
be found. Material of the Gentianaceae was badly damaged during the war, and this specimen was
probably among the casualties. No other specimen has been found to agree with the description,
and this species seems to represent no more than a form of S. longicaulis.
39. Sebaea macrophylla Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 96 (1898); Schinz in Mitt. Geogr.
Ges. Liibeck 17: 45 (1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 727 (1906); Hill in Kew
Bull. 1908: 329 (1908); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1085 (1909). Type: Cape, King
William’s Town, Tyson 1047, sub. Herb. Normale no. 1291.
S. schinziana Gilg, l.c. 95 (1898); Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 46 (1903); Bull. Herb.
Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 727 (1906); Hill & Prain, l.c. 1084 (1909). Type: Transvaal, Lydenburg, Wilms
965 (K, iso.!). S. multiflora Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 44 (1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss.
ser. 2, 6: 724 (1906); Hill & Prain, l.c. 1084 ( 1909). Type: Cape, Graaff-Reinet, Bolus 171 (K, iso. !).
S. wittebergense Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 45 (1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 727
(1906). Syntypes: Free State, Witteberge, Caledon River, Rehmann 3944; Witteberge, Kadziberg,
Rehmann 3999 (K!). 5. brehmeri Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 50 (1903); Bull. Herb.
Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 726 (1906); Hill & Prain, l.c. 1086 (1909). Type: Cape, Knysna, Burchell 5494 (K,
iso.!). S. fastigiat a Hill in Kew Bull. 1908: 332 (1908); Hill & Prain, l.c. 1089 (1909). Syntypes:
Cape, George, Prior s.n. ( K !) ; Albany, Zeyher 205 (K!); Cooper 25 (K!); MacOwan 16 (K !) ; Schon-
land 16; Schonland s.n.; Bathurst, Sole 468. S. hymenosepala sensu Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges.
Liibeck 17: 49 (1903), partly, as to Cooper 713 and MacOwan 16. — var. grandiflora Hill in Kew Bull.
1908: 332 (1908); Hill & Prain, l.c. 1088 (1909). Type: Cape, Mt. Fletcher, Galpin 6776 (K, holo.!).
Perennial herbs branched from the base and higher up, stiffly erect, ascending,
or procumbent and straggly, up to 75 cm high. Leaves 0- 6-2-1 cm long, 0-4-2 -2
cm broad, subreniform, broadly ovate or cordate to suborbicular-ovate, sometimes
broader than long, rounded or acute, often apiculate, membranous or coriaceous,
margin sometimes reflexed; upper leaves sometimes narrower, ovate-oblong to ovate-
lanceolate. Inflorescence often leafy, dense and many-flowered, or 1-several-flowered
cymes terminal, on lateral branches or from the upper axils, or corymbose or paniculate-
corymbose; bracts often foliaceous, ovate-cordate; in certain habit-forms smaller,
ovate-lanceolate or lanceolate, spreading or recurved. Calyx of 5 segments (rarely
206
Gentianaceae
F,C. 28._-l , Sebaea macrophylla, inflorescence, x 2/3 {Hutchinson 4540). 2, S. longicaulis, inflorescence,
l 5 {Hutchinson Mil). 3, S. hymenosepala, inflorescence, X 2/3 ( Cooper 406). 4, S. sedoidas
hrlnnh C f7,,;cflOWenn^bra^Cho ,X 3 (Rudatis 890>- 5, S. sedoides var. sedoides, flowering
n,? 771m * iS'en'?rl 24>- 6- S. leiostyla, showing one form of inflorescence, X 2/3 (Burn
' a\y / / 10). 6a, showing a second form of inflorescence in the same species, X 2/3 ( Galpin 10104).
Gentjanaceae
207
6-merous), each 5 -5-9 -5 mm long, 1-5-5 mm broad, lanceolate or elliptic to ovate
or obovate, obtuse, acute or acuminate, mucronate, the sides hyaline to opaque and
strawlike, often overlapping widely, joined for up to 0-75 mm, keeled or with a wing
up to 1 mm broad, broadest at or below the middle. Corolla yellow; tube 5-9 mm
long; lobes 5-5-11 mm long, 2-75-6 mm broad, oblong-oblanceolate to orbicular-
obovate, rounded, sometimes apiculate, clawed. Filaments 1-2-75 mm long, inserted
in the corolla-sinuses; anthers 1-3-75 mm long, each with a small to fairly big apical
gland and usually with 2 smaller basal glands, very rarely apparently eglandular. Style
and stigma 5-10 mm long, with a small to large stigmatic swelling below the middle;
stigma capitate or clavate, 2-lobed. Fig. 28: 1.
Usually found in moist situations on the mountains of the eastern Cape, Griqualand East, Natal,
Basutoland, the eastern Free State and the Transvaal.
Cape. — George: Prior s.n. ; Krakadouw Station, Burchell 5734. Knysna: Melkhoutkraal,
Burchett 5485; 5494. Uniondale: Mannetjiesberg, Taylor 1473. Graaff-Reinet: Oudeberg, Bolus
171. Uitenhage: Galgebos, Burchell 4749. Alexandria: Suurberg, Johnson 965. Albany: Zeyher
205; Grahamstown, MacOwan 16; Cooper 25; Daly 586; Rogers 27457. King William’s Town:
Pirie Forest, Doidge s.n.; Buffalo Mt., Tyson ? 600. Herschel: Umlanli, Gerstner 30. Tsolo: St.
Mary Baptista 4. Maclear: Tsitsa Footpath, Galpin 6775. Barkly East: Doodmanskrans, Galpin
6776; Rhodes, Acocks 13833. Stockenstroom : Katberg, Shaw s.n. Mt. Ayliff: Story 4160. Without
locality: Bowie s.n.; Kaffraria, Barber s.n.
Natal. — Estcourt: Tabamhlope, Acocks 11515. Bergville: National Park Gorge, Hutchinson
4540; West 1273; Mount-aux-Sources, Dyke in Herb. Marloth 5416; Allsop 21; Bayer & McClean
304; Sim in NH 28701; Cathedral Peak, Esterhuysen 15474; Umlambonja Valley, Marriott s.n.;
Esterhuysen, 12907; Indumeni Valley, Killick 1742. Without exact locality: Drakensberg: Bushmans
River, Evans 54.
Basutoland. — Leribe: DieterlenlA ; Morija Jacottet sub Dieterlen no. 10460. Berea: Mamalapi:
Guillarmod 750. Without exact locality: Cooper 713; Guillarmod 3017.
O.F.S. — Harrismith: Kadziberg, Rehmann 3999.
Transvaal. — Pilgrims Rest: Mt. Anderson, Pole Evans s.n.; Smuts 49; McLea in BOL 171;
McLea in BOL 3099; Graskop, Codd 4311; Kowyns Pass, Liebenberg 2974; Devil’s Knuckles at
Spitskop, Wilms 965; Burtt Davy 492.
An extremely variable species characterised by the wide calyx and large flowers. I have been
unable to find characters on which it could be separated into subspecific taxa. The same habit-forms
occur over the greater part of its geographic range, and never seem to be correlated with any other
characters. The plant which Hill described as S. hymenosepala var. grandiflora has no close relationship
with S. hymenosepala Gilg, which has a narrow calyx with a thinner keel or wing and very thin hyaline
sides, and belongs to the A. macrophylla complex.
40. Sebaea leiostyla Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 97 (1898); Schinz in Mitt. Geogr
Ges. Liibeck 17: 32 (1903); Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 727 (1906); Baker & N. E.
Br. in F.T.A. 4, 1: 548 (1903); Hill in Kew Bull. 1908: 330 (1908); Hill & Prain
in F.C. 4, 1: 1086 (1909). Syntypes: Nyasaland, Buchanan 270 (K!, Z !) ; Buchanan
200 (K!).
S. polyant ha Gilg, l.c. 95 (1898); Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 47 (1903); Bull. Herb.
Boiss. s6r. 2, 6: 726 (1906); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1, 1087 (1909). Type: Transvaal, Lydenburg,
Wilms 963 (K, BM, iso.!). S. transvaalensis Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 49 (1903); Bull.
Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 727 (1906). Type: Transvaal, Houtbosberg, Schlechter 4720 (K, BM, iso.!).
S. baumii Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 27 (1903). Type: Angola, Habungu, Baum 498
(K, iso.!).
Annual or perennial herbs, erect or spreading, simple or branched at the base,
sometimes branched in the upper part, up to 100 cm high. Leaves up to 2-5 cm long
and 3 cm broad, ovate to ovate-orbicular, membranous or somewhat leathery, obtuse
or subacute, often apiculate; upper leaves smaller and sometimes narrower, ovate-
oblong to ovate-lanceolate. Inflorescence corymbose or paniculate-corymbose, subdense
or of dense cymes contracted into round, almost headlike inflorescences when young;
sometimes axillary branches ending in 1 or more cymes, cymes 1 -several-flowered;
bracts ovate to linear-lanceolate, acute, recurved. Calyx of 5 segments, each 4-7-5
mm long, 1-3 mm broad, lanceolate to elliptic, acute or acuminate, mucronate, the
208
Gentianaceae
sides hyaline, often overlapping widely, joined for a short distance at the base, sharply
keeled or with a wing up to 0-75 mm broad, broadest below or towards the middle.
Corolla yellow or rich yellow; tube 3-25-7 mm long; lobes 3-6-5 mm long, 1-5-3 -5
mm broad, elliptic to ovate or somewhat obovate above the claw or cuneate at the
base, rounded at the apex. Filaments 0-5-2 mm long, usually 1-1-5 mm, inserted in
the corolla-sinuses; anthers 1-2-25 mm long, their tips recurved, each with a small
or minute apical gland (rarely apparently eglandular) and sometimes with 2 minute
basal glands or gland-dots. Style and stigma 3 • 5-7 ■ 5 mm long, with a stigmatic swelling
below the middle or near the base, or without a swelling; stigma often large, capitate
or clavate, 2-lobed with thick or tongue-shaped lobes. Fig. 28: 6.
Widespread in eastern South Africa and extending into tropical Africa.
Cape. — Mt. Currie: Kokstad, Haygarth in NH 15813. District not known: Joubert, Thode
A493.
Natal. — Newcastle: Amajuba Hill, Burn Davy 1141.
Basutoland. — Thabeneng, Emmaus Mission, Watt & Brandwyk 1574. Berea: Mamathes, Heatt
s.n.; Guillannod 867; Cannibal’s Cave, Collett 474; Mamalapi, Marais 1299. Maluti Mts., Staples
218. Maseru: near Matek’s, Guillannod 2152. Leribe: Dieterlen 74, partly. Without exact locality:
Guillannod 248.
O.F.S. — Kroonstad: Viljoensdrif, Rogers 4811. Thaba Nchu: Norton s.n. Fouriesburg: Wynd*
ford. Gemmel 6738; Dunelm Farm, Potts 3069. Bethlehem: Richardson s.n.; Kloof, Potgieter 11;
Golden Gate, Strey 2891; Clarens, Connell 65. Harrismith: Sankey 175, partly. Without exact
locality: Cooper 2752; 2759.
Transvaal. — Highveld between Standerton and Trichardtsfontein, Rehtnann 6755. Wakker-
stroom: near Vlakfontein, Ziervogel in T.D.A. Herb. no. 4446. Volksrust: Burtt Davy 5592. Piet
Retief: Iswepe, Sidey 2376. Ermelo: Experimental Farm, Burtt Davy 7710. Belfast: Spioenkop,
Burtt Davy 9247; Roodeklip, Gctlpin 13274; Machadodorp, Young s.n. Pilgrims Rest: Bourke's
Luck Mine, Galpin 14344. Lydenburg: Spitskop, Wilms 963. Letaba: The Downs, Junod 4438;
Duiwelskloof, Galpin 10104. Pietersburg: Houtbosberg, Schlechter 4720; Wolkberg, Meeuse 9871;
New Agatha, McCallum 137; Blaauwberg, Smuts & Pole Evans 935. Soutpansberg: Entabeni Forest,
Bruce & Kies 14; Hangklip, Meeuse 10180; Pisanghoek, Galpin 14953. Pretoria: Schlechter 4157;
Donkerhoek, Repton 1303; Rehmann 6527. Rustenburg: Derby, Sutton 766. Boksburg: Boksburg
South Vlei, Dimovic in Herb. Moss J28013. Vereeniging: Burtt Davy 7767; Burtholm, Burtt Davy
18200. Waterberg: 24 Rivers, Rogers 23665.
The tropical African material, excluding some specimens from Southern Rhodesia, hangs together
very well, and is very closely related to S. brachyphvlla Griseb. As shown by Hedberg in Webbia 9:
472-478, figs. 1-6 (1955), there is a marked difference between S. brachyphylla and S. leiostyla and,
in spite of the great degree of superficial resemblance, it has been thought best to uphold the distinction
at specific level. In South Africa and Southern Rhodesia we find specimens of a different habit, but
which cannot be separated from the tropical plants.
41. Sebaea sedoides Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 98 (1898). Type: Cape, East Griqua-
land, Tyson 1289a (BM, iso.!).
Herbs with annual, erect or ascending, simple or branched stems from a perennial
rootstock, up to 65 cm high. Leaves up to 2-5 cm long and equally broad, broadly
ovate, reniform-cordate or reniform-orbicular, rounded to subobtuse, sometimes
apiculate; or up to 1-5 cm long and 6 mm broad, rhomboid-ovate to ovate-lanceolate,
cuneate at the base, obtuse or subacute, apiculate; the upper leaves generally smaller
and further apart. Inflorescence a dense small or large corymb, sometimes much
contracted and head-like with relatively large bracts immediately below, or paniculate-
corymbose, densely many-flowered; bracts ovate to lanceolate, or narrowly obovate
to oblanceolate, obtuse to acute, erect. Calyx of 5 segments, each 3-8-25 mm long,
0-75-2-75 mm broad, lanceolate, elliptic-lanceolate or linear-oblong to ovate, rarely
somewhat obovate, acute or acuminate, mucronate, the sides hyaline or membranous-
opaque and brittle when dry, joined for 0-25-1 mm at the base, keeled or with a very
narrow keel-wing. Corolla yellow, butter yellow (fide Holt) or white (Galpin 13815);
Gentianaceae
209
tube 3-8 mm long, often longer than the calyx; lobes 2-5-7-25 mm long, 0-75-3-25
mm broad, oblanceolate to orbicular-obovate, mostly rounded and apiculate, sometimes
acute, clawed. Filaments very short to 1-75 mm long, inserted in or up to 1 mm below
the corolla-sinuses; anthers 1-2-5 mm long, each with a small or medium, frequently
stipitate, apical gland, and sometimes with 2 minute basal glands. Style and stigma
3 -5-8 -5 mm long, with a small or medium swelling below the middle, rarely without
a swelling; stigma capitate or capitate-clavate, 2-lobed, often small.
Inflorescence paniculate-corymbose ( a ) var. sedoides
Inflorescence densely corymbose and head-like:
Filaments inserted below the corolla-sinuses ( b ) var. schoenlandii
Filaments inserted in the corolla-sinuses (r) var. confertiflora
(a) var. sedoides.
Sebaea sedoides Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 98 (1898), partly, excl. Schlechter 6738 and Wilms 964;
Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 43 (1903), partly; Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1081 (1909),
partly.
The typical variety is generally more robust and more branched than the others
Leaves cordate-orbicular, reniform-orbicular or broadly ovate, up to 2-5 cm long and
broad. Inflorescence paniculate-corymbose, densely many-flowered. Bracts broadest
in the lower half. Calyx-segments 4-8 x 1-2-5 mm, lanceolate to ovate or obovate.
Corolla-tube 5-8 mm long; lobes 3-5-7-25 x 1-3 -5 mm. Filaments 0-5-1 -75 mm long,
inserted in the sinuses. Anthers 1-25-2-5 mm long. Style and stigma 4 -4-8 -5 mm
long; stigma capitate with broad lobes, rarely quite small. Fig. 28: 5.
Capf.— Mount Currie: Tyson 1289a; Clydesdale, Tyson 1289; 2726.
Natal. — Lions River: Lidgetton, Mogg 6696. Estcourt: Tabamhlope, Acocks 11481; West
164; Dalton Bridge, Wright, West & Acocks 4; Bergville: Mount-aux-Sources, Bruyn 32; Doidge
s.n., 3/5/20; Doidge s.n. 16/5/20. Utrecht: Knight’s Hill, Codd 2501; Story 1772; Klipspruit,
Breyer in TRV 16992; Pongola Mts., Thode A334; Glen Athol near Charlestown, Smith 5664; Smith
5699; Smith 5744. Vryheid: Lancaster Hill, Galpin 9701; Burtt Davy 11439.
O.F.S. — District unknown: Castle View, Thode A536.
Swaziland. — Hlatikulu, Stewart 24.
Transvaal. — Wakkerstroom : Kastrol Nek, Fitzsimons & van Dam s.n. in TRV 26012. Ermelo:
Nel 136. Lydenburg: Kemp’s Heights, Holt 224.
(b) var. schoenlandii {Schinz) Marais in Bothalia 7 : 464(1961). Type: Transvaal,
Hutton 880 (Z, holo!; K, fragment!).
Sebaea schoenlandii Schinz in Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 6: 741 (1906); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1:
1081 (1909). S. sedoides Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 98 (1898), partly, as to Schlechter 6738 and Wilms
964; Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 43 (1903), partly; Hill & Prain, l.c. 1081 (1909), partly.
Leaves variable, reniform-orbicular or subcordate-suborbicular, up to 1 • 5 cm long
and 1 • 8 cm broad, or rhomboid-ovate to almost ovate-lanceolate, narrowed towards
both ends, up to 1 • 5 cm long and 6 mm broad. Inflorescence dense, a small or large
corymb, sometimes much contracted and head-like. Bracts often broadest above the
middle. Calyx-segments 4-8 ■ 25 x 1-1 -75 mm, lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate. Corolla-
tube 4 -5-7 -5 mm long; lobes 2 -5-6 -5 X 1-2-75 mm. Filaments up to 0-5 mm long,
inserted 0-25-1 mm below the corolla-sinuses. Anthers 1-1-75 mm long. Style and
stigma 4-25-6-75 mm long; stigma capitate, small. Fig. 28: 4.
Natal. — Underberg: McClean 641. Estcourt: Tabamhlope, West 1115; Mooi River, Mogg
6953; 7232. Umzinto: Dumisa, Rudatis 890. Verulam: Tongaat, Wood 11567. Lions River:
Balgowan, Mogg 3801. Klip River: Van Reenen, Phillips s.n. Greytown: Wylie in NH 28027;
Galpin 14681. Babanango: King 210. Hlabisa: Ward 2863. District not known: Cooper 2750;
Wylie in Herb. Wood 10227; Mount Moreland, Medley Wood 1386.
O.F.S. — Without exact locality: Cooper 2751.
Swaziland. — Mbabane: Compton 25832; 25894.
Transvaal. — Ermelo: Convent High School 221. Witwatersrand: Hutton 880.
210
Gentianaceae
(c) var. confertiflora {Schinz) Marais in Bothalia 7 : 464 (1961). Type: Transvaal.
Elandsspruitberge, Schlechter 4000 (K, BM, PRE, iso.!).
5. confertiflora Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Llibeck 17: 51 (1903); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4. 1:
1082 (1909).
Leaves reniform-orbicular or broadly cordate, up to 1-8 cm long and 2 cm broad.
Inflorescence a dense corymb, sometimes much contracted and head-like with relatively
large bracts immediately below; bracts often broadest below the middle. Calyx-
segments 3-8 mm long, 0-75-2-75 mm broad, lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate or linear-
oblong. Corolla-tube 3-7-5 mm long; lobes 1-75-4-5 X 0-75-2-25 mm. Filaments
up to 1-25 mm long, inserted in the sinuses. Anthers 1-2-25 mm long. Style and
stigma 4-8-25 mm long; stigma small, capitate or capitate-clavate.
Cape. — Cathcart: Kuntze s.n. King William’s Town: Dyer 395. Mquanduli: Marais 744.
Umtata: Baziya, Baur 32. Libode: Pegler 1787. Lusikisiki: Ludongo Store, Acocks 13421 . Queens-
town: Lesseyton Mts., Galpin 1989, partly.
Natal. — Camperdown: Wells 1240; Botha’s Hill, McClean 133. Pinetown: Illovo, Medley
Wood 30. Umzinto: Dumisa, Rudatis 286. Lions River: Nottingham Road, McClean 845; Balgowan,
Mogg 3912. Allerton, Mogg 6570. Greytown: Wylie s.n. in NH 22471; Kranskop, Galpin 14728;
14758. Newcastle: Amajuba Hill, Mundy 3758; Burtt Davy 7747; Kranskop, Medley Wood 11999.
Estcourt: Tabamhlope, West 75; National Park, Cohen D; Mount-aux-Sources, Bayer & McClean 9;
Cathkin Park, Galpin 11735; Howlett 41; Howlett 66.
O.F.S. — Harrismith: Smit 93.
Swaziland. — Mbabane: Rogers 11426; Compton 27394.
Transvaal. — District unknown: Elandspruitberge, Schlechter 4000. Volksrust: le Roux 4445.
Belfast: Rietvlei, Burtt Davy 1269. Pilgrims Rest: Graskop, Galpin 14381; Jubilee Peak, Galpin
14465; Peach Hill, Galpin 14503 ; Mount Anderson, Meeuse 10064. Lydenburg: Spitskop, Wilms 964.
The three varieties have similar distribution areas, the var. confertiflora which also occurs in
Southern Rhodesia, having the widest geographic range.
42. Sebaea hymenosepala Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 97 (1898); Schinz in Mitt.
Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 49 (1903), partly, excluding Cooper 713 and MacOwan 16;
Hill in Kew Bull. 1908: 331 (1908), partly, excluding Galpin 6774, the Shaw specimen
and var. grandiflora\ Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1088 (1909), partly, excluding Galpin
611 A, the Shaw specimen and var. grandiflora. Type: Cape, Krebs 232 (K, fragment!).
S. semialata Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 97 (1898); Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 14
(1903). Syntypes: Cape, Komga, Drege 4921 (Z, K!); Uitenhage, Drege 2299. S. sedoides sensu
Schinz in Mitt. Geogr. Ges. Liibeck 17: 43 (1903), partly, as to Cooper 406.
Perennial herbs, usually branched below, erect or straggly, ascending, up to 50
cm high. Leaves 5-12 mm long, 6-15 mm broad, broadly orbicular-ovate to reniform,
rounded and apiculate, membranous to slightly coriaceous; the upper ones ovate to
triangular-ovate, going over into the reflexed, ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate bracts.
Inflorescence usually lax, many-flowered, paniculate-corymbose, or younger inflore-
scences subdense. Calyx of 5 segments, each 4-9 mm long, 1-3 mm broad, lanceolate
to ovate, often elliptic, acute or acuminate, mucronate, the sides hyaline, joined for
up to 0-5 mm, keeled or with a wing up to 1-25 mm broad (usually 0-5-0-75 mm),
broadest in the lower half. Corolla yellow; tube 5-7-5 mm long; lobes 5-8-5 mm
long, 2-4-25 mm broad, oblanceolate to orbicular-ovate, rounded, clawed. Filaments
1-1 -5 mm long, inserted in the sinuses; anthers 1-5-3 mm long, their tips recurved,
each with a small or conspicuous, sometimes stipitate, apical gland, and sometimes
with 2 minute basal glands. Fig. 28: 3.
Endemic in the eastern Cape.
Gentianaceae
211
Cape. — Uitenhage: Zeyher s.n. Alexandria: Suurberg Range, between Doom Nek and Boontjies
River, Drege 2299; Suurberg Sanatorium, Long 354; Suurberg Mts., Sidey 3130. Albany: Grahams-
town, Pappe s.n., Atherstone All. East London: Nahoon River Valley, Smith 3741; McClean Town,
Steyn V; Comins 1342. Keiskamma Hoek: Dontza Pass, Acocks 9435. King William's Town: Kei
Road, Comins 1383; Scott Elliot 93. Komga: Flanagan 562; between Sandplaat and Komga, Drege
4921. Kentani: Pegler 906. Queenstown: Gwatyn, Galpin 8142; Lesseyton Mts., Galpin 1989,
partly. Without exact locality: Krebs 232; Ecklon 660; Ecklon & Zeyher s.n., Ecklon & Zeyher
83.11. Kaffraria : Cooper 406.
Insufficiently known Species.
S. crassulifolia Cham.& Schlechtdl. I have not been able to trace a specimen of the type number,
Mundt & Maire from Plettenberg Bay Poort. Various unnumbered gatherings by Ecklon &
Zeyher have been referred to this species by Grisebach, Gilg, Schinz and Hill, but it is impossible
to know with certainty to which specimen they were referring. Gilg, Schinz and Hill all assigned
this name to plants belonging to both S. macrophylla and S. hymenosepala. In view of this
confusion and the fact that Grisebach thought S. stricta to be the same as S. crassulifolia , it seems
wisest to treat S. crassulifolia as an insufficiently known species. Ecklon 660, cited by both Gilg
and Hill under S. crassulifolia , is S. hymenosepala.
Sebaea sp. nov., Killick 1917, consisting of a few minute plants up to 1 - 5 cm high from the Cathedral
Peak area of the Drakensberg. It is unlike any other species from that area, and most closely
resembles S. pusilla from the winter rainfall area of the south-western Cape. It differs in having
the filaments inserted in the corolla-sinuses, having only one gland per anther, and the style having
a stigmatic swelling. The material is insufficient to describe as a new species.
6479 2. EXACUM
Exacum L„ Sp. PI. ed. 1: 112 (1753); Gen. PI. ed. 5: 51 (1754); Bak. & N.E.
Br. in F.T.A. 4, 1: 545 (1903).
Annual herbs, rarely perennial. Leaves entire. Flowers blue, pink or white, borne
in dichotomous terminal and axillary cymes. Calyx 4-5-lobed, lobes usually broadly
winged. Corolla 4-5-lobed, tube short, broadly cylindrical. Stamens 4-5, inserted
below the sinuses, anthers dehiscing by pores or slits. Ovary 2-celled by the intrusion
of the cell-walls; style short, stigma capitate. Capsule globose, 2-valved ; the placenta
appearing axile; seeds numerous, minute.
A fairly small genus found in the East with 2 species recorded from Africa.
Exacum quinquenervium Griseb ., Gen. et Spec. Gentian.; 112 (1839) and in DC.,
Prodr. 9: 46 (1845); Bak. & N.E. Br. in F.T.A. 4, 1: 546 (1903). Type: Mada-
gascar, Bojer (K, holo.).
Annual herbs 10-60 cm tall, glabrous but minutely papillose at the nodes and on
the inflorescences, especially when young; stems slender, erect, simple or branched
above, 4-ridged. Leaves cauline in remote pairs, the lower often reduced in size,
narrowly elliptic to elliptic (to ovate in Madagascar specimens) cuneate at the base,
1-5 cm long, 4-10 mm broad, 3-5 nerved. Flowers borne in slender-branched, terminal
and axillary, dichotomous cymes. Calyx of 5 segments, each 3-25-4-75 mm long,
0-9-1 -5 mm broad, thin membranous, ovate-lanceolate, joined at the base for 0-5-1
mm, each with a green, veined wing, which is minutely papillose along the margin;
calyx, but especially the wings, accrescent, the latter, in fruit, up to 2-5 mm broad.
Corolla blue, turning yellow when dry; tube 3-4 mm long, broadly cylindrical or
slightly widened at the mouth, the lower portion becoming distended as the ovary
enlarges; lobes 2-25-3 mm long, 1-5-2 -5 mm broad, suborbicular to obovate or
ovate, rounded, erect. Stamens inserted 0-5-0-75 mm (1 mm in the type) below the
corolla-sinuses; filaments 0-75-1-25 mm long; anthers 0 • 75—1 - 25 mm (1-75 mm
212
Gentianaceae
ill the type) long, dehiscing by slits which either stop 0-75 mm above the base, or continue
all the way down. Ovary globose or obovoid-globose; style and stigma 1-25-2-5
mm long; stigma capitate, often rather small. Capsule globose or obovoid-globose,
about 4 mm in diameter.
Found in moist ground on stream and river banks. Recorded from Madagascar, the Mascarene
Islands and in Africa from the west coast (Guinea) southwards to the Rhodesias, Portuguese East
Africa, South West Africa and the eastern Transvaal.
Transvaal. — Letaba: Shilouvane, Junod 2282; Duiwelskloof, Scheepers 1134; Kruger National
Park, Nwatindlopfupan, van der Schijff 2865.
S.W.A. — -Okavango: Runtu, Volk 1802.
Records of Exacum in South Africa came to light after the publication of Phillips’ Genera of S.A
Flowering Plants and consequently the genus is not included in that work.
The blue colour of the fresh flower is one of the distinguishing features between Exacum and its
nearest relative, Sebaea, which has yellow flowers. Often in the dried specimens the blue fades and the
flowers appear to have been yellow. In both genera one occasionally finds white-flowered specimens.
In such cases the general appearance of the specimens together with the short, broad corolla-tube and
the rather thick, parchment-like anthers, help to identify Exacum. Among the genera with 1-celled
ovaries this genus superficially resembles Swertia, but in the latter the flowers are always white, the
corolla lobed almost to the base and the calyx lobes not winged. The ovary in Exacum sometimes
appears to be 1-celled and the thick placenta axile, but this is due to the thin cell walls having broken
away from the sutures. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the ovary and capsule because
of the persistent corolla and stamens and the smallness of the capsule.
6503
3. CHIRONIA
ChironiaL., Sp. PI. ed. 1: 189 (1753); Gen. PI. ed. 5: 86 (1754); Hill & Prain in
F.C. 4, 1; 1096 (1909); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 579 (1951).
Roeslinia Moench, Meth. Suppl. 211 (1802); G. Don, Gen. Syst. 4: 203 (1837), as Roslinia.
Eupodia Rafin., FI. Tellur. 3: 29 (1836).
Evalthe Rafin., l.c. 77 (1836).
Onefera Rafin., l.c. 30 (1836).
Plocandra E. Mey., Comm. 181 (1837).
Plants suffrutescent or herbaceous, annual or perennial, erect or straggling, rarely
radicant. Leaves cauline and in a basal rosette, the basal sometimes soon deciduous,
cauline opposite, usually in distant pairs, sometimes much reduced, sessile, sometimes
amplexicaul or rarely cuneate to a petiole-like base. Inflorescence a lax cyme, often
monochasial, sometimes flowers solitary. Calyx 5-lobed, sometimes glutinous, the tube
long or short, lobes with a distinct midrib sometimes carinate, the keel occasionally
decurrent on the tube as a wing. Corolla rose-pink to magenta-pink, occasionally
with individual white flowers among them, persistent and closely enfolding the capsule
at the base or dehiscent from near the base and crowning the developing capsule like
a cap, 5-lobed; tube campanulate or cylindrical sometimes narrowed above the ovary
and then slightly widened at the mouth; lobes contorted in bud, spreading, as long as
or longer than the tube, rarely slightly shorter. Stamens inserted on the tube just below
the mouth, filaments short, usually flattened with a broad base, occasionally thickened
at the point of insertion, rarely with a gland near the base; anthers oblong-linear,
erect, straight or spirally twisted. Ovary 1-celled with parietal placentation, globose
to oblong, rounded, subobtuse or long acuminate at the base; style terete usually
becoming hooked at the apex; stigma capitate- peltate or 2-lobed. Capsule dehiscing
septicidally from the apex or berry-like and splitting irregularly, the calyx persistent
at the base.
Found in southern and tropical Africa and Madagascar.
Gentianaceae
213
In the key that follows the species are divided into 2 main groups on the character of the style
which is either simple or 2-lobed. This feature is illustrated in Figures 29 and 30.
Fig. 29. — Simple styles of Chironia species; a, C. baccifera, style with the stigmatic surface terminal,
X 10; b, style from another specimen of the same species, stigmatic surface obscurely 2-cleft,
X 10; c, C. decumbens, stigma peltate, margins thickly stigmatic, X 10; d, another view of the
same stigma and style X 10; e, C. peduncularis, terminal stigma 2-cleft, X 10; f, another view
of the same stigma and style.
Fig. 30.— Lobed styles of Chironia species; a, C. palustris subsp. palustris, 2-lobed style, lobes short
and broad, stigmatic along the margins to the point of division, x 5; b, — subsp. rosea,
lobes of style slightly longer than broad, X 5; c, C. purpurascens subsp. humilis, style from a fresh
flower, lobes short and narrow, thickly stigmatose on the margins, X 5 ; d, another view of the same
style, X 5; e, C. krebsii, style deeply 2-lobed, lobes sometimes cohering, X 8; f, C. serpyllifolia,
narrow style-lobes cohering except at apex, x 8; g, C. peglerae, long narrow style-lobes, X 8;
h, another view of the same style.
Style simple, apex truncate, rounded, crateriform or peltate; stigmatic surface terminal, sometimes
2-cleft (Fig 29):
Erect or straggling suffrutices with branches rigid or wiry; anthers straight;
Ovary and fruit rounded or broadly cuneate at the apex; flowers usually only up to 2 cm
long:
Flowers small up to about 1 - 5 cm long; corolla-tube narrowed into a short whitish collar-
like neck above the globose ovary; leaves spreading; fruit oblong-globose, berry-
like 1. C. baccifera
Flowers up to 2 cm long; corolla-tube campanulate-urceolate but not narrowed as above;
fruit oblong, capsular:
Corolla-lobes more or less oblong, obviously longer than broad .... 2. C. linoides, aggregate sp.
Calyx-lobes triangular-oblong or triangular- to ovate-acuminate, usually longer than
broad :
Plants usually over 30 cm and up to 1 m tall, drying a light or occasionally a blackish
colour; stem thick and woody; branches slender virgate; calyx-lobes deltoid-
oblong, suberect, narrowing gradually from the base, never cordate
2a. subsp. linoides
Plants 7-20 cm tall, stems and branches from a slender tap-root which is usually
present on herbarium specimens; specimens usually drying a dark-brown
colour; calyx-lobes acuminate, at least one spreading:
Flowers about 1-5 cm long; plants slender; calyx-lobes not or rarely cordate
at the base 2b. b
214
Gentianaceae
Flowers 1 -7-2 cm long; calyx-lobes sometimes cordate at the base and tube keeled
or winged 2c. subsp. macrocalyx
Calyx-lobes ovate, always cordate at the base as long as or not much longer than
broad; slender plants between 20-30 cm tall 2d. subsp. emarginata
Corolla-lobes suborbicular to broadly obovate; plants comparatively stout with prominent
nodes 3. C. arenaria
Ovary and fruit narrowing towards a pointed apex; flowers over 2 cm long, corolla-tube
cylindrical, narrowed above the ovary:
Plants with erect or ascending branches; leaves not cordate at the base:
Corolla thickened in the throat; plants glutinous in parts; calyx lobed for 1-third or
to midway; tube 5-10 keeled or winged 4. C. tetragona
Corolla not thickened in the throat; calyx lobed to beyond the middle; plants not
obviously glutinous in parts:
Calyx-lobes usually acuminate to a long slender point rarely broadly narrowed but
then flowers without a pair of bracts at the base 5. C. jasminoides
Calyx-lobes gradually narrowed to an obtuse or acute apex; flowers bi-bracteate
at the base 6. C. stokoei
Plants with long straggling branches; leaves cordate at the base 7. C. melampyrifolia
Radicant or semi-scandent subherbaceous plants; anthers straight or slightly twisted; stigma
broad, 2-cleft:
Radicant decumbent stems with ascending herbaceous branches; leaves linear. . . .8. C. decumbens
Semi-scandent plants with herbaceous branches up to 1 m long; leaves ovate-acuminate,
subcordate at the base; flowers 1-3 at the ends of the branches on long pedicels of more
or less equal length 9. C. peduncularis
Style 2-lobed at the apex; lobes almost as long as to much longer than broad, sometimes cohering,
stigmatose on the margins down to the point of division (Fig. 30); fruits more or less pointed;
plants herbaceous sometimes with wiry branches:
Inflorescence thyrsoid, usually narrowly oblong in outline; flowers fastigiate; basal leaves
long and persistent, up to 30 cm long, cauline none or reduced and in 1-3 distant pairs. . . .
10. C. krebsii
Inflorescence of open 2-3-flowered cymes; flowers not fastigiate:
Corolla-tube short, tubular-campanulate, shorter than the lobes, sometimes slightly narrowed
at the mouth but not produced into a long narrow necklike portion; plants herbaceous
with or without persistent basal leaves:
Flowers rose pink; inflorescence and flowers comparatively broad; calyx about as long as
the corolla tube, calyx-lobes and bracts not attenuate into a long slender point
11. C. palustris, aggregate sp.
Basal leaves in a rosette, persistent, the cauline much reduced, excepting in some East
London specimens, and usually in 1-3 pairs; anthers strongly twisted 11a. subsp. palustris
Basal leaves usually not persistent, the cauline well developed; anthers usually slightly
twisted :
Cauline leaves up to 3 cm broad, the broad ones obviously 3-nerved; flowers about 3 cm
long 11 b. subsp. rosacea
Cauline leaves usually only up to 7 mm broad, glaucous, not obviously 3-nerved;
flowers usually under 2-5 cm long 11c. subsp. transvaalensis
Flowers deep magenta pink, slender; calyx longer than the corolla tube, calyx-lobes and
bracts attenuate into a long point 12. C. purpurascens aggregate sp.
Plants 50-80 cm tall; pedicel of the central flower in each cyme up to 25 mm long or
longer 12a. subsp. purpurascens
Plants small 20-50 cm tall; central flower in each cyme subsessile or with pedicel up
to 6 mm long; flowers 1-2 cm long, very frequently with a pair of bracts at the
base 126. subsp. humilis
Corolla-tube long, as long as or longer than the lobes, narrowed and produced above the ovary;
plants herbaceous or suffrutescent:
Herbaceous plants with erect (or straggling) narrowly 4-winged stems and large erect to
suberect cauline leaves, basal leaves sometimes persisting; calyx longer than the
corolla-tube 13. C. peglerae
Stems and branches slender and wiry; cauline leaves spreading to reflexed (no basal leaves);
calyx shorter than the corolla tube:
Leaves small, broadly to narrowly ovate-oblong; flowers under 2 cm long. . . 14. C. serpyllifolia
Leaves linear, linear-lanceolate or elliptic and then tapering to a petiole-like base; flowers
2 cm long or longer 15. C. laxa
-Gentianaceae
215
1. Chironia baccifera L., Sp. PI. ed. 1: 190 (1753); Schoch in Bot. Centralbl.
Beih. 14, 2: 188 (1903); Prain in Kew Bull. 1908: 348, 352 (1908); Hill & Prain
in F.C. 4, 1: 1099 (1909). Type: “Aethiopia ”, specimen in Linn. Herb. 252.10
(LINN, holo. ! PRE, photo.).
C. parviflora Salisb., Prodr. 136 (1796). C. baccata Hoffm., Verz. Pflanz. Nachtr. 211 (1826),
nom. illeg. C. baccifera var. elongata E. Mey., Comm. 180 (1837). Type: Aberdeen, Camdebo Berg,
Drege s.n. — var. dilatata E. Mey., l.c. (1837); Hill & Prain, l.c. Type: Caffraria, Drege s.n. — var.
grandiflora Griseb., Gen. et Spec. Gent. 105 (1839); Hill & Prain, l.c. Type: Uitenhage, Swartkops
River, Drege s.n. — var. burchellii Prain, l.c. 292 (1908); Hill & Prain, l.c. Syntypes: 19 specimens,
including BurcheU 3739 from Great Fish River Mouth.
Roeslinia tetragona Moench, Meth. Suppl. 212 (1802), nom. illeg. R. baccifera (L.) G. Don, Gen.
Syst. 4: 203 (1837).
SufTrutex, bushy or diffuse, sometimes straggling, about 45 cm high, sometimes
up to 1 m high; branchlets intricate or lax, angled or narrowly winged, minutely
pellucid-papillose to a greater or lesser degree. Leaves thin to somewhat fleshy, sessile,
semi-clasping at the base, linear to linear-oblong, 5-20 mm long, 1-2-5 mm broad,
rarely up to 4 mm broad, divaricately spreading to reflexed from the base; margins
revolute often minutely papillose, decurrent on the branchlets; upper surface convex
with irregular transverse corrugations; midrib impressed above, prominent beneath,
decurrent on the branchlets; lower surface minutely papillose; apex broadly rounded
or abruptly acuminate into an acute, hooked acumen. Flowers solitary, terminal, or
in a 1-3-flowered terminal cyme. Pedicels varying in length, sometimes on the same
plant, 2-2-5 mm long, with 6 or more acute longitudinal ridges. Calyx divided to below
the middle, shorter than or up to about as long as the corolla tube; tube up to 1 mm
long; lobes deltoid to deltoid-ovate or ovate-oblong 1 - 5—4 mm long, subacute to
acute, apex usually hooked, carinate or midrib prominent, decurrent on the pedicel.
Corolla pink, 1-1-5 cm long, deciduous by an uneven break near the base, gradually
moving off the developing fruit; tube 3-5 mm long, distinctly narrowed above the
ovary into a pale collar-like portion and then widening at the mouth; lobes contorted,
obovate-oblong, 4-5-9 mm long, 2-4 mm broad, broadly rounded at the apex, some-
times unequally shallowly lobed or notched. Stamens inserted on the tube where it
narrows above the ovary; filaments 2 -5-4 -5 mm long; anthers straight, erect, oblong,
bright green or bright yellow, 2-4-5 mm long. Ovary globose, 1 -celled, ovules numerous
with parietal placentation; style 5-9 mm long; stigma terminal rounded, sometimes
faintly 2-cleft. Fruit red when mature, drying black, globose to oblong-globose, berry-
like in appearance, splitting irregularly; seeds many, black, pitted, arranged along
thick parietal placentas (rarely a specimen of hybrid origin develops a large oblong
fruit, broadly acuminate at the apex).
Found in dry sandy soil from sea-level to several hundred feet altitude, on sand dunes, in shade
of shrubs or in woods. Recorded from the Cape Peninsula northwards to Calvinia and Namaqualand
and eastwards through the Transkei to Empangeni in Natal.
Cape. — Without precise locality, Linn. Herb. Cat. No. 252.10 (LINN). Peninsula: Danger
Point, Pillans s.n.; Table Mountain, Smuts 1090; Cape Town, Marioth 471. Paarl: French Hoek
Pass, Rodin 3080. Worcester: van Breda 31; 32. Clanwilliam: Thode A 2128. Calvinia: near
Nieuwoudtsville, Theiler 82. Namaqualand: Khamiesberg, Witgehout Ravine, Pearson 6380 (BOL).
Bredasdorp: Esterhuysen 2445; Taylor 1570. Riversdale: Marioth 3556; Muir 5150; Prince Albert:
Swartberg Pass, Stokoe 8755; Bezemfontein, Primos in Herb. Marioth s.n. Knysna: Keurboom-
Strand, Codd 3577. Humansdorp: Ratels Bosch, Fourcade 564. Uitenhage: Addo Bush, Story 3243 ;
Zwartkops River, Ecklon & Zeyher s.n. ; Theron 1586; “Aloes ”, Drege 3081. Alexandria: Bushmans
River Mouth, Archibald 4541. East London: Bonza Bay, Comins 1044. Kentani: Pegler 373; Kei
Mouth, Flanagan 1146.
Natal. — Durban, Medley Wood 54; 6371. Mtunzini: Lawn 1629 (NH).
2355522-8
216
Gentianaceae
Of all the Peninsula species, C. baccifera is the most widely spread and it is an easily recognised
species with its spreading linear leaves, small characteristic flowers and globose berry-like fruits.
In the Flora Capensis, 3 varieties are upheld but an examination of the specimens in South African
herbaria (over 160 sheets) shows that these variations are hardly worthy of varietal rank. They seem
more in the nature of habitat forms. The main variations noted are in the habit of the plant and the
texture and size of the leaves. Some plants are erect and bushy with stout or, rarely, slender stems
while others have thin straggling branches which in some cases are much entangled. Collectors notes
are not very complete on most specimens but at least one of the straggling sort is recorded as growing
in the shade on Table Mountain ( Esterhuysen 15, BOL). Several bushy specimens, mostly with thicker
and wider leaves than typical are from the sand-dunes on the coast. In some cases within a short distance
from a comparatively large stout plant a low, small-flowered, fine-leaved form may be found (cf.
Ry croft 1835 and 1836, BOL). Possibly the small plant will be found to be growing in shallower sand
over limestone. These specimens look different at a cursory glance but in all cases they can be recognised
as belonging to one characteristic species.
With regard to hybridization, a natural cross between this species and C. tetragona is obvious in
the specimen Fowcade 2443 (BOL). It has the calyx and glutinous character of C. tetragona while the
flowers and leaves are nearer C. baccifera, but larger, and the fruit a mixture of the two, being long and
somewhat pointed like the capsules of C. tetragona but black and berry-like as it is in C. baccifera.
The same cross can be traced in Archibald 3979. The fruits are like those of Fowcade 2443 and the
calyx characteristic of C. tetragona but the rest of the plant looks like typical C. baccifera. An exami-
nation of flowering material from the same patch, Archibald 5710, shows that the small flowers (like
C. baccifera) have the thickened throat as found in C. tetragona.
Common names recorded are: Toothache Berry, fide Bowie in F.C., Christmas berry. Wild
Gentian, Piles Bush (Afr. Ambei bossie), Perdebossie, Ag-dae-geneesbos and Meidje Willemse
fide Watt & Brandwyk.
2. Chironia linoides L., Sp. PI. ed. 1: 189 (1753). Type: specimen cited in Hort.
Cliff, p. 54, No. 1 (BM, lecto.).
Suffrotices, 7-90 cm tall, ranging from tall plants with long slender, erect, leafy
branches from a rather stoat, sometimes decumbent, woody stem, to smaller plants
with several to many rather slender, erect or radiating branches from a slender tap
root which is usually present on herbarium specimens. Leaves narrowly linear to
linear-lanceolate, rarely linear-oblanceolate, 7-50 mm long and 0-5-5 mm broad, straight
to arcuate, erect, spreading or reflexed, abruptly or gradually narrowing to an acute
or subacute apex, in broader leaves midrib prominent beneath, margins narrowly
revolute at least in the lower half, then giving the leaves a spathulate appearance.
Inflorescence terminal on the main branches and sometimes on the upper lateral
branchlets, in lax 1-3-flowered cymes. Calyx lobed to the middle or beyond, as long
as or longer than the corolla tube; lobes narrowing slightly to definitely from the base
with V to U-shaped sinuses or subcordate and overlapping at the base, triangular-
oblong, triangular to ovate-acuminate, or ovate. Corolla rose-pink or pink with violet
tint 1-4-2 cm long; tube short 3-5 mm long, tubular-campanulate, slightly narrowed
at the throat; lobes 8-14 mm long, oblong, broadly rounded at apex often retuse,
margins inrolled from base upwards as flowers fade. Stamens inserted slightly below
the rim of the tube; anthers straight, 4-6 mm long. Ovary obtuse at the apex or broadly
narrowed into the style which is larger than the ovary and recurved in the upper half,
not or slightly broadened at the truncate stigmatic apex. Capsule small obtuse or
subacute with broad shoulders exserted by about half from the persistent calyx, black
and shiny at first turning brown when ripe.
Endemic to the Cape Province.
In the Flora Capensis the specimens classified here under C. linoides in the broad sense, were
separated into 3 species and one variety, C. linoides Linn., C. emarginata Jarosz, C. gracilis Prain and
C. gracilis var. macrocalyx Prain. Because of the many intermediates that are continually being
collected the present treatment has been adopted. This provides a name for the intermediates while
still maintaining the 4 categories as subspecies.
For key to subspecies see key to the species, pages 213 and 214.
Gentianaceae
217
(a) subsp. linoides. Verdoorn in Bothalia 7: 459 (1961).
Chironia linoides L., Sp. PI. ed. 1: 189 (1753); Prain in Kew Bull. 1908: 349, 353 (1908); Hill
& Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1103 (1909). Syntypes: specimen Hort. Cliff, p. 54, No. 1; specimen in Roy.
Lugdb. 433; and figure in Breyn. Cent. p. 175, t. 90 (1678). — var. longifolia Griseb., Gen. et
Spec. Gent. 104 (1839). Type: Table Mountain, Ecklon. C. lychnoides Berg., Descr. PI. Cap. 45
(1767). Type: Herman’s specimen described in Cat. PI. Afr. p. 6 (S ?). C. vulgaris var. linoides Cham,
in Linnaea 6: 343 (1831). Syntypes: several Ecklon specimens from the Cape Flats and Table
Mountain. C. ixifera Hort. ex Garden 44: 213 (1893), name, and 56: 265 (1899), description.
Based on a cultivated plant. C. ecklonii Schoch in Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 2: 1013 (1901). Type:
Table Mountain, Ecklon. C. zeyheri Prain in Kew Bull. 1908: 295 (1908). Type: Clanwilliam, Com-
panies Drift, Zeyher 1198 (K, holo.; SAM!, BOL!).
Onefera coccinea Rafin., FI. Tellur. 3: 30 (1836).
The typical subspecies is characterised by the comparatively tall plants, up to
90 cm tall, with long slender, erect, leafy branches from rather stout, sometimes decum-
bent, woody stems; the flowers terminal on the main branches as well as on short
lateral branchlets which do not reach the top of the plant; the calyx about as long as
the corolla tube with suberect triangular-oblong, acute or obtuse lobes (not cordate
at the base); corolla up to 2 cm long with lobes about twice as long as the tube. Fig.
31: 1.
Found in sandy or marshy places on mountains or in valleys and at streamsides near rocks in
the south-western Cape. Recorded from the Peninsula northwards to Calvinia and eastwards to
Oudtshoorn and Knysna. (One record from Leliefontein, Namaqualand, Pearson 6295 in BOL, NH
and SAM, is most probably a form of this subspecies.)
Cape. — Without precise locality, Linn. Herb. Cat. No. 252.7 as to 2 lateral specimens, excl. central.
Peninsula: I Vahlberg s.n.; Marloth 395; 1660; Wolley Dod 803; Llandudno, Young in TRV 26744;
Camps Bay, Young in TRV 26872. Worcester: Hex River Valley, Tyson 753. Stellenbosch: Bolus
in BOL 26655; Duthie 405. Malmesbury: Leighton 2841; Marloth 4288. Clanwilliam: Esterhuysen
21135; Companies Drift, Zeyher 1198 (SAM). Calvinia: Acocks 17558; Theiler 83; 74. Oudts-
hoorn: Esterhuysen 19479.
Although the sheet in the Linnaean Herbarium, Cat. No. 252.7, was not there when Linnaeus
first described the species C. linoides, yet even from the photograph one can tell that the specimens
on the left and right side, that is excluding the small central specimen, are good representatives of the
typical subspecies and Prain verifies this in the Kew Bulletin, 1908. In the same way a large number
of specimens in this complex group can at a glance be recognised as belonging here. On the other hand
there are a fair number of specimens that are evidently intermediates, borderline elements, hybrids
or sports of one or other of this group of subspecies.
C. zeyheri Prain, from Companiesdrift, Clanwilliam, is probably a variant or sport of this species.
Some specimens of the type gathering, Zeyher 1198, have dried very dark, the leaves are oblanceolate,
up to 5 mm broad in the upper half and the calyx lobes broadly rounded at the apex. The kink in the
pedicel near the apex is more obvious in these specimens and adds to the general impression of being
distinct. Certain other specimens of the same gathering, Zeyher 1198, are not so extreme in any of
these features and link up with the average specimens of C. linoides. The dark colour alone is not
a distinction because several specimens otherwise typical of C. linoides have dried a blackish colour.
In all the years of collecting since Zeyher’s time no specimen has been recorded that agrees exactly
with the extreme Zeyher specimen.
Another unusual form of C. linoides is the record from Leliefontein, Namaqualand ( Pearson 6295
in BOL, NH and SAM). It is typical in colour, leafshape and the thick woody base but the branchlets
are more slender, and the flowers smaller. Because of this record, the locality Namaqualand for
Wyley 82 in Dublin, which was doubted by Hill & Prain (F.C. 1104), may be quite correct.
With regard to C. linoides var. longifolia Griseb., the range of material studied shows that varieta
rank for these specimens is not now justifiable. There are two records, both from Caledon district.
They have the calyces rather thick-textured and pale coloured.
The name C. ecklonii Schoch was given by the author to typical C. linoides because he mistakenly
applied the name C. linoides Linn, to specimens here classed under subsp. nana.
218
Gentianaceae
Fig. 31.— 1, Chironia linoides subsp. linoides, a flowering branch ( Wahlberg s.n.); la, woody base
of the same specimen; lb, calyx and longitudinal section of the flowers, x 2. 2, C. linoides subsp.
nana, whole plant ( Rodin 3128). 3, C. linoides subsp. macrocalyx, upper portion of branch and
flower (Leighton 1488). 4, C. linoides subsp. emarginata, upper portion of branch and flower
(Prior s.n.).
Gentianaceae
219
(b) subsp. nana Verdoorn in Bothalia 7: 640 (1961). Type: Cape Flats, Ecklon
642 (SAM, holo. !).
Chironia gracilis Salisb. ex Prain in Kew Bull. 1908: 293 (1908), non Michx. (1803); Hill & Prain
in F.C. 4, 1 : 1102 (1909). Syntypes: many specimens from the Cape Province including Ecklon 642.
C. linoides sensu Thunb., Prodr. 35 (1794) and others. C. linoides var. subulata E. Mey., Comm. 180
(1837). Type: Dutoitskloof, Drege s.n. (SAM, iso.!). C. vulgaris var. intermedia Cham, in Linnaea
6: 343 (1831). Syntypes: Ecklon from Hottentots Holland, Table Mountain, etc.
Low suffrutices from about 7-20 cm tall with a slender tap-root which is usually
present on herbarium specimens; branches several to many, slender, erect and radiating;
leaves linear-subulate, 7-25 mm long and up to 1 mm broad usually erect, sometimes
arcuate and divergent; flowers 1 -2-1 • 5 cm long, terminal on the branchlets and reaching
more or less the same level at the top of the plant; calyx lobed to beyond the middle,
lobes triangular-acuminate with usually at least one spreading. Fig. 31: 2.
Found in sand dunes or on sandy fiats and in damp places on mountain slopes. Recorded from
the Peninsula and in a radius to Worcester and Bredasdorp.
Cape. — Without precise locality, Linn. Herb. Cat. No. 252.7, as to central specimen only-
Peninsula: Cape Flats, Ecklon 642 (SAM); Kommetjie, Phillips s.n. Paarl: Fransch Hoek, Thode
A2215; Simonsberg, Marloth 10052. Worcester: near Du Toitskloof, Drege s.n. (SAM, BOL);
Tulbaghskloof, Ecklon & Zeyher s.n. Somerset West : Helderberg, Galpin 12392. Caledon: Hangklip,
Rodin 3128; Grabouw, Bolus 4180; Kogel Bay, Esterhuysen 13333; Riviera, Marloth 13017; Hermanus,
Taylor 1504; Rogers 26602. Bredasdorp: Galpin 11311.
Prain in Kew Bull. 1908, pp. 293-294 and 353 disentangled the confused synonymy and defined
this taxon under the name C. gracilis Salisb. ex Prain. From his description, notes and cited specimens
it is an easily recognised entity. The information given on page 353 about the specimen in the Linnaean
Herbarium (Cat. no. 252.7) shows how it is distinguished from typical C. linoides , for Prain points out
that the central specimen on the sheet represents this species while the larger specimens on both sides
of it represent the well known, commonly cultivated C. linoides. The main differences are the size of
the plants and the calyx lobes which are pointed (more or less acuminate) with at least one spreading,
in the small species and not pointed nor spreading in the other.
Drege’s specimens named C. linoides var. subulata (a synonym of subsp. nana) seen in South
African herbaria agree very well with the central specimen on the Linnaen sheet in every respect. Many
other specimens are comparable as well but the habit is not constant throughout. Small specimens
with the characteristic calyx sometimes have the branches radiating rather than erect and the leaves
more or less arcuate and divergent.
(c) subsp. macrocalyx {Prain) Verdoorn in Bothalia 7: 460 (1961). Lectotype:
Cape Flats, Ecklon 644 (K; SAM, iso.).
Chironia gracilis var. macrocalyx Prain in Kew Bull. 1908:294 (1908). Syntypes: several specimens
including Ecklon 644. C. lychnoides sensu Thunb., Prodr. 35 (1794) and others, partly, as to 4th specimen
in Herb. Thunb.
Low suffrutices from about 10-20 cm tall usually much branched with tap-root
often present on herbarium specimens; branches somewhat stouter than in subsp.
nana , erect or radiating; leaves linear 1-4 cm long, 1-2 mm broad, suberect; flowers
1-5-2 cm long, terminal on the branches and usually reaching more or less the same
level at the top of the plant; calyx lobed to just below the middle or deeper (rarely
to midway); tube 5-10 ridged, ridges in some specimens expanded into broad wings
(like those of C. tetragona ); lobes narrowly to broadly triangular-acuminate or ovate-
acuminate, some erect and some spreading on the same specimen, the base often sub- to
strongly cordate and overlapping. The range of variation is from plants quite near
to the subsp. nana (that is, rather slender specimens with flowers just over 1 - 5 cm long
and the calyx-lobes not obviously cordate at the base) to much stouter suffrutices with
flowers 2 cm long and the calyx with the tube winged and the lobes cordate and over-
lapping at base. Fig. 31: 3.
Found on hills and sandy flats of the south-western Cape. Recorded frequently from the Peninsula
and also from the Paarl, Worcester, Stellenbosch and Caledon districts.
220
Gentianaceae
Cape. — Peninsula: Cape Flats, Ecklon 644 (SAM); Olifantsbosch, Compton 22290 (NBG);
Witsand, Compton 6040 (NBG); Simonstown, Wolley Dod s.n. (BOL); Levyns 5321; Klaasjagersberg,
Compton 17563 (NBG); Scarborough, Hafstrom & Acocks 1096; Cape Point, Compton 16661 (NBG);
Ryder in BOL 19993 (BOL); Steenberg, Goulinis in BOL 26658 (BOL); Modderdam, Leighton 1488
(NBG). Paarl: Franschhoek, Thorns 27 (NBG). Worcester: Romansrivier, Leighton 2181 (BOL);
Caledon: Stokoe in SAM 69520 (SAM); Arieskraal, Compton 16824 (NBG); Zwartberg, Zeyher
3424 (SAM).
In the Flora Capensis, Hill & Prain suggest that, judging from the calyx, subsp. macrocalyx
(the present name for the taxon) is possibly a hybrid between those now known as subsp. nana and
subsp. emarginata. Study of the present herbarium material does not bear this out, for subsp. macrocalyx
has features which could hardly have come from either suggested parent and in general appearance
the specimens are sufficiently uniform to be recognised at sight. The unit is therefore given the same
rank as subsp. nana and subsp. emarginata. From the former it differs principally in the plants being
more robust, the flower larger and the calyx lobes often cordate at the base and from the latter in the
habit of the plant and the longer, acuminate calyx-lobes of which some are spreading. Variation in
subsp. macrocalyx ranges from plants quite near to subsp. nana (being only slightly more robust and the
calyx lobes not cordate at the base) to much coarser plants with large, thick calyx, the tube winged
and the lobes cordate and overlapping at the base. The feature of the calyx tube with ridges expanded
into wings is reminiscent of C. tetragona. There is however scant evidence of hybridization and the
winged calyx tube is here treated as a variable feature of subsp. macrocalyx.
(d) subsp. emarginata {Jarosz) Verdoorn in Bothalia 7 : 460 (1961). Type; Penin-
sula, Berg s.n.
Chironia emarginata Jarosz, PI. Nov. Cap. 11 (1821); Prain in Kew Bull. 1908: 349, 353 (1908);
Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1 : 1101 (1909). C. linoides (non Linn.) auct., pro parte. C. linoides var. zeyheri
Griseb. in DC., Prodr. 9: 41 (1845). Type: Cape, Zeyher s.n. — var. lirevisepala Schoch in
Bot. Centralbl. Beih. 14: 203 (1903). Type: Hopefield, Bachmann 991. C. lychnoides sensu Cham.
& Schlechtdl. in Linnaea 1: 190 (1826), as to syn. C. emarginata. C. vulgaris var. lychnoides Cham,
in Linnaea 6: 343 (1831). Syntypes: Ecklon specimens from several localities in S.W. Cape. C.
uniflora Eckl., nomen, non Lam.
Slender suffrutices between 20-30 cm tall, from a slender tap root, usually branching
in the upper portions; flowers 1 -3-2 cm long; calyx lobed to about the middle, some-
times a little below, longer than the corolla tube, the lobes ovate (not long-acuminate)
the outer subcordate and overlapping at the base. Fig. 31: 4.
Found in sand dunes, along streams and on dry slopes along the south-west coast of the Cape.
Recorded from the Peninsula, Belville, Malmesbury and Ceres.
Cape. — Without precise locality, Linn. Herb. Cat. No. 252.6. Peninsula: Cape Flats, Zeyher
1197 (SAM, BOL); flats near Doornhoogte, Wolley Dod 681 (BOL); near Kalk Bay, Bolus 3369
(BOL); Simons Bay, Prior s.n.; Cape Point, Muir s.n. Belville: on road to Mamre, Middlemost
1658 (NBG); near Vissers Hok, Compton 16365 (NBG). Malmesbury: Mamre, Baur in Herb. Marloth
8688; Darling Forest Reserve, Winkels 671 (NBG). Ceres: Cold Bokkeveld, Adamson D 37; D 21.
While this subspecies is mainly distinguished by the short, ovate calyx-lobes which are cordate
and overlapping at the base, it also has a characteristic habit by which it can be recognised at a glance
(see Fig. 31 : 4). It is slightly taller and less branched than subsp. nana and subsp. macrocalyx, but
not as tall as subsp. linoides and the stem is not as thick and woody at the base.
3. Chironia arenaria E. Mey., Comm. 180 (1837); Shoch in Bot. Centralbl. Beih.
14, 2; 213, t. 15, fig. 10 (1903); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1100 (1909). Type;
Piketberg, between Piekenierskloof and Pretori uskloof, Drege (Z, holo.; K, iso.,
upper part of Drege 3058).
C. mediocris Schoch in Bull. Herb. Boiss. s6r. 2, 2: 1011 (1902). Type: between Piekenierskloof
and Markuskraal, Drege 3058 (Z, holo.; K, iso., lower part of Drege 3058). C. arenaria var. mediocris
(Schoch) Prain in Kew Bull. 1908: 349 (1908); Hill & Prain, l.c. 1100 (1909).
Erect or diffuse suffrutices about 25 cm tall; branches more or less quadrate,
2-4 mm diam. with internodes near the base 5-20 mm long and nodes with prominent
persistent leaf-bases. Leaves sessile, linear to narrowly oblong or narrowly elliptic,
10-20 mm long, 1-5-4 mm broad, slightly narrowed to an acute or rounded apex,
somewhat cuneate at the base where the margins are usually inrolled giving the leaves
Gentianaceae
221
a spathulate appearance in the dried specimens, minutely papillose, rough with longi-
tudinal corrugations, midrib impressed above, prominent beneath. Flowers terminal
on the main branches and on short lateral branches, solitary or in few-flowered cymes.
Pedicels smooth, quadrate or fluted, 3-30 mm long. Calyx lobed almost to the base,
longer than the corolla tube; lobes broadly ovate-oblong, 4-5 mm long, 3-4 mm
broad ; margins with a narrow hyaline border, apex more or less acute, midrib decurrent
and prominent on the tube. Corolla lobed to about a third from the base; tube about
4 mm long, tubular but abruptly widening above the insertion of the stamens in a
short rotate mouth; lobes suborbicular to broadly obovate, about 10 mm long and
7-10 mm broad; top broadly rounded, sometimes shallowly crenate on the margin,
retuse or mucronate at the apex. Filaments terete, slightly thickened at the base, about
3 mm long; anthers 5 mm long. Ovary more or less oblong, about 4 mm long, rounded
at apex; style about 8-5 mm long, slightly broadened at the truncate apex, eventually
hooked in the apical portion; stigma terminal. Fruit not known.
Found mostly in sandy “ restio ” country in the south-western Cape. Recorded from Clanwilliam,
Piketberg, Worcester and Swellendam.
Cape. — Clanwilliam: Leipoldt 4366; Langevalley, Zeyher 3428 (SAM); Grootkliphuis, Leipoldt
3413; Elandskloof, Stokoe in SAM 60050 (SAM); Adamson D91. Piketberg: Pikenierskloof,
Theiler 58. Worcester?: no precise locality, Leipoldt 4480. Swellendam: Anysberg, Stokoe 8429.
In South African herbaria only the above 8 gatherings are represented to date. These specimens
cannot be separated into 2 varieties one with narrow and the other with broad leaves. The few examples
with rather broad leaves, 3-4 mm broad, also have narrow leaves and those with the leaves mostly
narrower and longer have some broad leaves. In general the slight variations grade into each other and
therefore the variety is not upheld. The variety, — var. mediocris (Schoch) Prain, was first
described as a distinct species by Schoch, the main differences noted being the more erect habit and the
broader leaves of C. mediocris. Prain points out that Drege collected the specimen described by Schoch
in the same area in which he collected the type of C. arenaria and distributed them as the same species
and that Meyer also evidently regarded the material as belonging to one species. Prain therefore
reduced the species to varietal rank; but even that seems untenable at this stage.
The species is distinguished by the comparatively stout and woody branches and the rotate corolla
with suborbicular or broadly obovate lobes.
In the rather corrugated leaves and the microscopic shiny subcutaneous ducts it resembles C.
tetragona Linn. f.
4. Chironia tetragona L./., Suppl. 151 (1781); Thunb. in Trans. Linn. Soc. 7:
249, t. 12, fig. 2 (1804); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1114 (1909). Type: Cape, specimen
in Linn. Herb. 252.9.
C. uniftora Lam., Encycl. 1: 737 (1783); 111. Gen. t. 108, 3 (1823). Type: Cape, Sonnerat s.n.
(P). C. tabularis Page, Prodr. 121 (1817 or 1818?); Hill & Prain, l.c. (1909). Type: cult, plant in
Southampton Bot. Gard. — var. confusa Prain in Kew Bull. 1908: 298 (1908); Hill & Prain.
l.c. (1909). Syntypes: several, including Bolus 4182 from Caledon. C. jasminoides var. Banks
ex Edw., Bot. Reg. t. 197 (1817). — var. lychnoides Griseb., Gen. et Sp. Gent. 102 (1839), as
to Ecklon’s specimen only, not C. lychnoides Berg, nor sensu Linn. C. tetragona var. ovata E. Mey.,
Comm. 179 (1837). Syntypes: Alexandria, Geelhoutboom, Drege ; between Van Staadensberg and
Klaasniemandfontein, Drege. — var. linearis E. Mey., l.c. (1837). Type: Humansdorp. near
Welgelegen, Drege. — var. brevifolia Griseb., l.c. (1839). C. scabricla Griseb., l.c., 103 (1839);
Hill & Prain, l.c., 1113 (1909). Type: near Sebastiansbay, Garnot 1825. — var. ligulifolia
Prain in Kew Bull. 1908: 297 (1908). Syntypes: many, including Cape, Durban Road, MacOwan
961. C. viscosa Zeyher ex Griseb. in DC., Prodr. 9: 40 (1845); Hill & Prain, l.c., 1114 (1909).
Evalthe jasminoides Rafin., FI. Tellur. 3: 77 (1836).
Annual or biennial suffrutices, more or less viscid in parts, erect, from about 30
to 60 cm high, rather rigid, usually virgately branched from near the base, leafy to within
1-5 cm of the flower, branches more or less quadrate, the angles usually prominent
or narrowly winged, miscroscopically marked with shiny subcutaneous thread-like
striae. Leaves variable in shape and size, ovate-oblong, narrowly oblong or linear
to subulate, 1-3 cm long and 1-11 mm broad, erect-spreading, rather coriaceous,
usually viscid, upper surface wrinkled, and sometimes minutely rugose in parts
222
Gentianaceae
(shagreened), lower surface with the midrib distinct, margin recurved, apex subobtuse
■or more often acute with a small hooked mucro, both surfaces usually with the same
miscroscopic shiny thread-like striae as found on the branchlets. Flowers more or
less viscid, terminal, solitary or in few-flowered monochasial cymes; peduncle from
about 1 to 5 cm long, slightly enlarging towards the apex where it is 5—10 ridged or
winged. Calyx 6-18 mm long, 5-10 keeled or winged, lobed to about the middle;
lobes deltoid, broadly acuminate to a subobtuse apex or definitely acuminate to a
narrow apex, usually with an apical hooked mucro, keeled, the keel decurrent on to the
peduncle forming 5 of the keels or wings of the calyx and sometimes the margins
decurrent as a narrow keel or wing from the sinus to the peduncle, making 10 keels
or wings. Corolla pink (appearing yellowish in dried specimens and wrongly so
described in the original diagnosis); tube cylindric, 6-10 mm long, longer, as long as
or shorter than the calyx, whitish (bony) and definitely thickened, especially at the
insertion of the stamens in the throat; lobes elliptic to obovate-oblong, 1-6-2 cm
long, 6-12 mm broad, broadly rounded at the apex. Stamens inserted on the rim;
filaments about 3-5 mm long, thickened at the base; anthers about 8 mm long, straight
or very slightly twisted at the apex, dehiscing apically at first but full length eventually.
Ovary about 9 mm long, narrowing into the 11 mm long style, curved at apex; stigma
small, usually 0-5 mm to under 1 mm diam., terminal. Capsule (black on dried
specimens) up to 2 cm long, 6 mm diam. below, narrowing to an acute apex, splitting
from above into 2. Seeds numerous, reticulate. Fig. 32 and 33.
Found in the coastal regions on mountain slopes, limestone hills, in steep valleys, on rolling grass
and sedge veld, flats, beaches and on the edge of brak vleis or in forests. Recorded from the Peninsula
eastwards to Albany and Bathurst.
Cape. — Peninsula: Durban Road, MacOwan 961. Somerset: Bowker. Bredasdorp: near Elim,
Bolus 8578; near Cape Agulhas, Hafstrom & Acocks 2220; De Poort, Galpin 11198; Kathoek, Pillans
9381; Struisbay, Hafstrom &A cocks 2819. Caledon: Steenbras, Rogers 1 1021 ; Houwhoek, Schlechter
9393; Hermanus, Marloth 6222. Riversdale: Albertinia, Muir 4889. Knysna: Schonland 3324;
Springfield, Keet 476; Plettenberg Bay, Codd 3597. Uniondale: Joubertina, Esterhuysen 6891 ; near
Kouga Peak, Esterhuysen, 10834. Humansdorp : Schlechter 6029 in TRV 4270; Slang River, Phillips
3429; near Humansdorp, Thode A 966; Galpin 4340; Zitzikama, Galpin 9728. Uitenhage: Van
Staadens Gorge, Long 351; Zeyher 321; Olifantshoek Forest, Ecklon & Zeyher; Algoa Bay, Zeyher
750. Port Elizabeth: Zeyher 3425; Sidey 3036. Alexandria: Kolsrand, Johnson 1088. Albany:
Story 3225. Bathurst: Round Hill, Britten 5028; Kowie West, Britten 1932; Port Alfred, Paterson
in TRV 25740.
In the Flora Capensis Hill & Prain maintain the following 3 species, each with a variety: C.
scabrida Griseb., C. tabularis Page and C. tetragona Linn. f. In the notes under the first they write
“The varieties recognisable differ very much as do the two varieties of the nearly allied inland species
C. tetragona Linn. f. and C. tabularis Page. It may transpire that this is only a littoral or sublittoral
form of a wide-spread and protean species including all three ”. Similar references to the close
relationship of the 3 species and their varieties are made in the notes under the other two species. With
the passage of time not only has it become increasingly difficult to sort specimens belonging to this
complex, which have been collected in the intervening years, into the six categories (3 species and 3
varieties) but an analysis of the cited specimens and synonyms in the Flora Capensis seems to call for
a reshuffling of several specimens. This and the fact that C. tetragona in the strict sense has also been
found on the sea coast supports the decision here reached which is to treat this complex as one poly-
morphic species in the taxonomic sense (that is it is not claimed that it is a single true-breeding unit).
The reasons for this decision and for suspecting hybridisation are as follows: The group is charac-
terised by the cylindric corolla-tube which is thickened in the throat especially at the insertion of the
stamens and appears whitish, almost bony, on the dried specimens, also the plants are more or less
viscid in parts and microscopically lineate with shiny thread-like striae. Other characteristics are that
the calyx is divided to about the middle and is to a greater or lesser degree 5-10 keeled or winged. This
variation in the number and width of the wings together with the variation of the relative length of the
calyx to the corolla-tube and the width of the segments is common among the more westerly specimens
(Peninsula, Bredasdorp, Caledon) while towards the east the calyx is found to be uniformly longer
than the corolla-tube, definitely 10 winged and the lobes rather wide and subobtuse. These obser-
vations support the suspicion that several of the specimens from the Peninsula and vicinity are the
product of hybrids between this species and C. jasminoides and C. decumbens (from the same region).
C. tabularis Page is based on a specimen which could be of such hybrid origin. The plate cited as
typical of the species, Bot. Reg. t. 197, shows a likeness to C. jasminoides (calyx less clearly winged
and lobes narrow) and in fact was so identified when published. The “ white ” corolla-tube and the
“ viscid ” nature of the plant readily distinguish it from true C. jasminoides.
Gentianaceae
223
The striking differences in leaf-shape, some leaves being short and broad and others long and
narrow is not obviously accounted for by interspecific hybridisation but seems to be the result of some
inherent polymorphism. This applies also to the tendency to roughness on the leaves (shagreened),
the feature that characterised C. scabrida Griseb. This roughness is found principally on specimens
from the most southerly localities such as Cape Agulhas and along the coast to the type locality
Sebastian Bay, but it is present to some degree on other specimens in the group. The type specimen
is described as having oblong, obtuse leaves whereas a specimen from a neighbouring bay, Struis Bay,
has definitely linear acute leaves and looks completely different, yet its leaves are clearly “ shagreened ”
too. Fig. 32.
Fig. 32. — Chironia tetragona; a, flower open to show the characteristically thickened throat, x 1+;
b, an intermediate calyx, that is not deeply lobed and keels not winged, x 1|; c, calyx, deeply
lobed and with winged keels, from a specimen collected in the western extremity of the distribution
range where the average calyx is deeply lobed (Gaul inis s.n.); d, e, g, h, leaves from specimens
in the western Cape where the majority are long and narrow, some rugose and others smooth;
f, short, broad, rugose leaf, lower and upper surface, from one of the exceptional specimens found
in the western Cape.
Fig. 33.— Chironia tetragona; a, calyx, from a specimen in the eastern Cape where the majority are
shortly lobed and have 10 broad wings or ridges on the tube (James & Sidey 3036), X H; b-e,
range of leaves found in specimens from the eastern Cape, the majority broad but occasionally
a specimen is found with narrow leaves, such as d.
224
Gentianaceak
5. Chironia jasminoides L., PI. Afr. Rar. 9 (1760); Lam., Encycl. Meth. 1: 736
(1785); Illustr. Gen. t. 108, fig. 2 (1823); Prain in Kew Bull. 1908: 350, 351, 352
(1908); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1 : 1110 (1909). Type: based on Burmann’s specimen
from the Cape, seen by Linnaeus and evidently not preserved but specimens in
Burmann’s herbarium fit the description (fide Prain in Kew Bull.).
C. lychnoides (non Berg.) Linn., Mant. 207 (1771), based on Linn. Herb. 252.3; E. Mey., Comm.
177 (1837); Schoch in Bot. Centralbl. Beih. 14: 209, t. 15, fig. 9 (1903). C. nudicaulis L.f., Suppl.
151 (1781). Type: Cape, Thunberg s.n. — var. tabularis Cham, in Linnaea 6: 344 (1837). Type:
Table Mt., Ecklon. — var. elongata Eckl. ex Cham., l.c. (1837). Type: Cape Flats, Ecklon. — var.
viminea Griseb., Gen. et Sp. Gent. 99 (1839). Type: evidently based on the specimen named C. lych-
noides ” in Linn. Herb. 252.3. — var. multiflora Eckl. ex Schoch in Bot. Centralbl. Beih. 14: 210 (1903).
C. jasminoides var. viminea (Griseb.) Prain in Kew Bull. 1908 : 351, 354 (1908); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1 :
1110 (1909). — var. multiflora (Eckl. ex Schoch) Prain, l.c., 351 (1908); Hill & Prain, l.c. (1909).
Syntypes several, including Ecklon 639 from near Swellendam (SAM!). — var. tabularis (Cham.)
Prain, l.c., 351 (1908); Hill & Prain l.c., (1909)
Suffrutices from 30-90 cm tall. Stems simple or little branched, erect, quadrate
to subquadrate, the angles narrowly winged (decurrent leaf-bases), remotely leafy or
fairly densely so in the lower portions. Leaves more or less erect, variable in shape,
narrowly ovate-oblong to lanceolate-oblong or linear, from shortly narrowed to long
acuminate to an obtuse or acute apex, 2-7 cm long and 1-14 mm broad, in dried
specimens the surface is wrinkled and rough, margins narrowly revolute, base broadly
cuneate. Inflorescence of terminal simple or few-flowered cymes one to several-
branched, branches usually erect or ascending and developing monochasially; pedicels
smooth 1-10 cm long. Calyx 1-2-1 -7 cm long, about as long or longer than the
corolla-tube, lobed almost to the base, lobes ovate-lanceolate usually long attenuate,
the upper half subulate, acute (rarely broadly narrowing to a subobtuse apex), keeled,
margins, at least towards the base, membranous. Corolla 2 -4-3 -8 cm long; tube
cylindrical with a slightly narrowed neck-like portion and then widened at the mouth,
many-nerved, 9-14 mm long; lobes variable, ovate, elliptic, narrowly oblong or obovate,
very acutely to bluntly acuminate or broadly rounded at the apex, 1 • 7-2 ■ 5 cm long
and 4-7-5 mm broad. Stamens inserted about 2 mm below the rim; filaments 3-5
mm long, anthers straight, narrow, more or less quadrate, 5-9 mm long. Ovary about
1 cm long narrowly subcylindrical, narrowing into the style which is about as long
as to longer than the ovary, usually somewhat curved and slightly widened at the apex
with a terminal stigma. Fruit shiny brown to black, narrowly subcylindrical and
acuminate at the apex.
Found in mountainous country of the south-western Cape in soft ground, damp spots and “ shale
bands ”, Recorded from the Peninsula to Worcester, Caledon, Bredasdorp and Riversdale.
Capf. — Peninsula: Marloth 396; 5595; Kassner in Transvaal Museum Herb. 12140. Somerset
West: Hottentots Holland, Prior s.n. Paarl: Donker Hoek, Esterhuysen 20858; Haalhoek, Ester-
lutysen 9595; Franschhoek, Schlechter 9262. Caledon: Riviersonderend, Stokoe 27370, Steenbras,
Rogers in TRV 23945; Sneeuwkop, Esterhuyzen 2790; Hermanus Mountains, Marloth 6221, Taylor
1570; from Flower Show, Rogers 29220. Worcester: Onklaarberg, Stokoe sub Marloth 11736.
Bredasdorp: Brandfontein, Smith 3109. Swellendam: E. & Z. 70.10. Riversdale: Langeberg, Muir
365; Garcias Pass, Galpin 4341.
Although a variable species in some respects, it has not been found practicable to separate the
specimens according to the diagnostic characters given in the Flora Capensis for the three varieties
upheld there. Several specimens in PRE, which are of gatherings cited under one or other of the varieties
do not fit the descriptions of those varieties. For example the Pretoria sheet of Prior, which is cited
u ider —var. multiflora , has only 2 flowers in the inflorescence, the calyx-lobes are not subulate
and the corolla-lobes not acuminate.
In dried specimens the most obvious difference is between the specimens which dry black and those
which dry a light colour; but there are a few instances where half the specimen dried black. None
of the other variations, such as shape, length, breadth or density and remoteness of the leaves, size of
flowers, simple or branched inflorescence, or length of inflorescence-branches, combine with the dark
or light colour of dried specimens. It has seemed best not to maintain any varieties.
The few specimens that have the calyx-lobes blunt, not long attenuate to a subulate upper portion,
are probably not of pure origin.
Gentianaceae
225
6. Chironia stokoei Verdoorn in Bothalia 7: 458 (1961). Type: Caledon, Kogel-
berg, Stokoe 1003 (PRE, holo.).
Rigid ascending suffrutices, 30-50 cm tall; stems leafy and branched above,
leafless below with prominent nodes, branches and leaves notate with shiny, microscopic,
subcutaneous cells. Leaves coriaceous, somewhat corrugated on both surfaces, from
broadly to narrowly elliptic, sometimes oblong-, ovate- or lanceolate-elliptic, 1-7-3 -5
cm long, 0-5-1 -8 cm broad, rounded or acute at the apex, margins narrowly revolute.
Cymes terminal, monochasial, 3-flowered or reduced to a solitary flower; pedicels
short or 0; flowers bibracteate at the base; bracts 6-18 mm long, 1-3-4 mm broad
at the base, acuminate to an obtuse or acute apex. Calyx 9-16 mm long, divided
beyond the middle; lobes acuminate from a broad base to an obtuse or acute apex,
obscurely carinate. Corolla “magenta pink”, 2 -2-2 -8 cm long; tube rather thin
textured, slightly narrowed in the throat and widened at the mouth, about 1-2 cm
long; lobes elliptic to subrotund and cuneate into a clawlike base, usually obviously
longer than broad, 1 -2-2-8 cm long, 0-8-1 • 1 cm broad. Stamens inserted just below
the throat; filaments about 4 mm long; anthers about 4 mm long not spirally twisted.
Ovary about 1 cm long, attenuate into the style; style shorter than the ovary, about
8 mm long; stigma peltate, stigmatic surface prominent.
Found in mountainous country in the Caledon and Somerset districts. Recorded from the
Kogelberg and the Palmiet River mountain to Sneeuwkop in the North.
Cape. — Somerset West: Sneeuwkop, Stokoe 7986 (BOL); between Sneeuwkop and Landdrost
Kop, Stokoe 9211 (BOL). Caledon: Kogelberg, Stokoe 1003; 1003b; Stokoe in BOL 17705 ; Stokoe
in SAM 66894; Palmiet River Mountains, Stokoe 982; mountains south of Sir Lowry’s Pass, Stokoe in
BOL 17844; Platteberg, Stokoe in SAM 66893; Klein River Mountains, Stokoe 64199.
To date only the specimens cited above, all collected by Stokoe, are known. The species is readily
distinguished from all the others with simple styles, in the flowers being bi-bracteate at the base.
It is nearest C. jasminoides, especially to the specimens of that species that dry a light colour; but
C. stokoei differs in its more evenly disposed, broadly elliptic leaves and the calyx-lobes which are not
long attenuate at the apex as C. jasminoides usually is.
In the prominent nodes seen on the almost leafless lower portion of the stem (on herbarium
specimens), C. stokoei resembles C. arenaria but, among other things, it is distinghuished by the broader
leaves and the corolla-lobes which are longer than broad.
7. Chironia melampyrifolia Lam., Illustr. Gen. 1: 479 (1791); Hill & Prain in
F.C. 4, 1 : 1116 (1909). Type: specimen in Lamarck’s Herbarium with legend by
Lamarck “ C. lychnoides?” and above, also in Lamarck’s handwriting, “ C. melam-
pyrifolia Lam. 111.” (see Kew Bull. 1908: 354).
C. jasminoides sensu Thunb., Prodr. 1: 35 (1794). C. perfoliata Eckl. in S. Afr. Quart. Journ.
1: 370 (1830), non Salaisbury; Schoch in Bot. Centralbl. Beih. 14: 205 (1903). Type: Uitenhage,
Van Stadens River Mts., Ecklon (BOL, iso.!). C. speeiosa E. Mey., Comm. 178 (1837). Type; Zuur-
bergen, Boontjiesrivier, Drege. C. glutinosa Paxt. Mag. Bot. 15: 245 (1849), with plate. Type: the
plate cited.
Straggling suffrutex somewhat viscid in parts; branches more or less quadrate;
leaf bases decurrent as ridges or narrow wings, in part miscroscopically lineate with
dull or shiny striae or ducts. Leaves ovate-acuminate to narrowly lanceolate-acuminate,
cordate at the base, acute, spreading to reflexed, apex hooked, 1 -5-3 cm long and 1-11
mm broad, more or less viscid, microscopically lineate with shiny striae, upper surface
of dried specimen wrinkled, lower surface with prominent midrib. Inflorescence
terminal on the branchlets, flowers solitary or in simple di- or monochasial cymes.
Calyx 8-16 mm long, as long as or longer than the corolla-tube, 5-10 keeled or winged,
lobed to just below the middle or a little deeper, lobes deltiod attenuate to an acute
apex, navicular, keeled, keel decurrent on the tube, keels from the sinuses also some-
times present. Corolla usually bright pink, very occasionally whitish, 2-4-4 cm long;
tube 7-12 mm long, cylindrical, very slightly narrowed just below the rim, strongly
ribbed and often thickened in the throat at the insertion of the stamens, appearing
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Gentianaceae
whitish on the outside in dried specimens; lobes 1 -5-2-5 cm long, 0-5-1 -4 cm broad,
oblong-elliptic, somewhat cuneate at the base and broadly acuminate at the apex to
an acute apicule. Stamens inserted just below the rim on the more or less thickened
throat of the corolla; filaments about 4 mm long linear, broadening towards, and often
thickened at the base; anthers straight, 6-8 mm long. Ovary glutinous, 7—10 mm long,
acuminate into the 10-14 mm long style which is curved at the apex; stigma terminal
up to 1 mm diam. Capsule glutinous, pointed, 1 -2-1 -7 cm long, splitting at the apex.
Found on the south slopes of mountains and hills, usually in thick grass and macchia, on steep
banks of streams, on damp ground, near water courses and in forest. Recorded from Caledon eastwards
along the coastal region to Albany and Bathurst.
Cape. — Caledon: Marloth 5924; Hottentots Holland, Stokoe 917. Riversdale: Albertinia, Muir
740. George: Silver River, Sehlechter in TRV 3252; Montagu Pass, Marloth 10861; Ruiterbosch,
Beatrice Hops 92; Hutchinson 1264; Victoria Berg, Taylor 1624. Knysna: Marloth 1882; Rogers
in TRV 24887 ; 25881 ; Plettenberg Bay, Smart in TRV 22792. Uniondale: near Joubertina, Esterhuysen
16353. Humansdorp: Klipdrift, Thode A2493; A 967. Port Elizabeth: Paterson 140; Algoa Bay,
Prior s.n. Uitenhage: Van Stadens, Zeyher 193. Alexandria, Archibald 5205. Albany: Dassie
Krantz, Britten 629; Dyer 140; Grahamstown, MacOwan 71; Mountain Drive, Story 2682; Signal
Hill Range, Galpin 173; Barber’s Farm, Floyd 36; near Grahamstown, Van Dam in TRV 18834.
This species shares with C. tetragona the characteristic of the thickened corolla-throat or at least
the base of the filaments broadened, and thickened, and the plant viscid in parts. It is readily
distinguished by the straggling habit and the broad-based, mostly cordate, leaves.
8. Chironia decumbens Levyns in Journ. S.A. Bot. 14; 84 (1948), new name for
C. maritima Eckl., non Willd. Syntypes: Port Elizabeth Dist., Ecklon 36; 341.
C. maritima Eckl. in S.A. Quart. Journ. 1: 370 (1830), non Willd. (1798); Hill & Prain in F.C.
4,1: 1113 (1909). C. lychnoides sensu Thunb. in Trans. Linn. Soc. 7: 252 (1804), partly, as to specimen
B in Thunb. Herb., see Prain in Kew Bull. 1908: 355 (1908).
Sparsely branched, rather weak herbs with some stems decumbent, rooting at
the nodes; branches subquadrate; specimens dry a light yellowish green. Leaves
suberect, linear to narrowly elliptic or narrowly oblong, 1-3-4 -3 cm long and 2-7-5
mm broad, longer or shorter than the internodes, apex subobtuse or in some cases
acuminate to an acute point, base broad or in elliptic leaves cuneate. Inflorescence
terminal on the branches, flowers single or in lax monochasial cymes; pedicels 1-5-6
cm long. Calyx about 1-4 cm long, about as long as the corolla tube; tube about
2 mm long, lobes 1-2 cm long, narrowly triangular or lanceolate, long attenuate to
an acute apex, obscurely keeled. Corolla magenta-pink, 2-2-3 cm long; tube about
1 -3 cm long, tubular, narrowing slightly into a long neck and slightly widened at the
mouth; lobes more or less elliptic, 1 - 5 cm long and 7 mm broad, gradually narrowing
towards, and abruptly acuminate near, the acute apex; margin sometimes obscurely
toothed or crenate on one side. Stamens inserted about 2 mm below the rim; filaments
about 4 mm long, linear-subulate, slightly and gradually widened towards the base
and decurrent on the tube at least as a nerve; anthers about 4 mm long, straight or
very slightly twisted at the apex, rarely distinctly twisted (hybrid origin?). Ovary
about 1-1 cm long, narrowed gradually into the 1-2 cm long style; stigma broadly
peltate, stigmatic round the margins, sometimes 2-cleft. Capsule about 1 - 6 cm long,
acute with the style persistent, splitting into two sometimes with the apex still intact.
Seeds subglobcse, small, honey-combed.
Found on the flats or sand hills of the coast, at the edge of lakes, vleis or river mouths. Recorded
from the Peninsula, and the districts of Bredasdorp, Knysna, Bathurst, and eastwards as far as the
Kei, Komga district.
Cape. — Peninsula: Cape Point, Bolus s.n.; Flats, Marloth 9427. Bredasdorp: Hagelkraal,
Leighton 2513. Knysna-George: Groenvlei, Martin 4403. Port Elizabeth: near Sea View; Acocks
21693. Bathurst: Britten 5936; Hutton s.n. Komga -Kentani : near Kei Mouth, Flanagan 454.
Gentianaceae
227
This species is unique among Chironias in its weak, decumbent stems that root at the nodes. In
the broad peltate stigma, which is stigmatic round the margin and sometimes 2-cleft, this species and
the following, C. peduncularis, are the links between the species with simple styles and those with the
2-lobed stigmas.
There is some evidence that C. decumbens crosses with C. tetragona.
9. Chironia peduncularis IJndl. in Bot. Reg. 21: t. 1803 (1836); Hill & Prain
in F.C. 4, 1: 1109(1909). Type: Plate in Bot. Reg. 21 : t. 1 803, made from a greenhouse
plant of unknown origin.
C. trinervia sensu Hort. ex Ann. FI. et Pomone 158 (1834), with plate, and C. trinervis sensu Hort-
ex Loud., Encycl. PI. Suppl. 2: 1306 (1840). C. latifolia E. Mey., Comm. 178 (1837), non Donn. Type:
near Port Elizabeth, Drege 2238. C. barclayana Hort. Berol. ex Griseb., Gen. et Sp. Gent. 100 (1839).
Eupodia purpurea Rafin., FI. Tellur. 3: 29 (1836).
Perennial herb, semi-scandent, branches straggling, up to 1 m long, more or less
terete, sometimes obscurely quadrate, sub-branched, leafy. Leaves ovate-lanceolate,
2-7 cm long, 0-3-2 cm broad, rounded or subcordate at the base, gradually narrowing
in the upper portion to an acute apex, 3-5-nerved, in remote pairs or leaves slightly
longer than the internodes. Inflorescence of 1-3- (rarely 5-) flowered cymes, terminal
on the main and lateral branches, solitary flowers sometimes axillary in the upper
pair of leaves; pedicels long and slender, 3-10 cm long; bracts 0. Calyx about 1-4
cm long, divided nearly to the base, tube about 2-5 mm long; lobes narrowly triangular
to lanceolate, long attenuate to an acute slender apex, carinate (2 more so than the
rest) obscurely hyaline margined. Corolla pink, over 3 cm long; tube about 1-6 cm
long, tubular, with a long narrow neck but slightly widened at the mouth; lobes ovate-
oblong, about 1-9 cm long and 9 mm broad, slightly cuneate at the base, acuminate
in the upper third to a slender acute apicule. Stamens inserted 2-5 mm below the
rim; filaments about 4-5 mm long; anthers 7-5 mm long, not twisted. Ovary about
1 cm long; narrowing into the style; style 1-3 cm long; stigma broadly peltate, stig-
matose round the margin, somewhat 2-cleft. Capsule pointed, shiny, about 1 • 8 cm long,
splitting into 2, enveloped by the membranous persistent corolla-tube.
Found in damp places or along rivers and streams, usually in rank growth. Recorded from
Knysna eastwards to East London.
Cape. — Humansdorp: Phillips 3319. Port Elizabeth: Bolus 3515 (BOL); Zeyher 3427 (SAM);
Kabeljaauws, Cruden 366; Baakens River, Long 1343; Kragakamma, MacOwan 1058. Alexandria:
Ecklon & Zeyher 640 (BOL). Bathurst: Tyson s.n.; Port Alfred, South s.n. (BOL). East London:
Rattray 202 (GRA).
C. peduncularis (together with the preceding species C. decumbens) forms a link between the
species with simple styles and terminal stigmatic surfaces and those with 2-lobed stigmas which are
stigmatic round the margins of the lobes. In these two species the stigmas are broadly peltate (as in
some cases among the simple-styled species) but, in addition to this, they have a tendency to become
2-cleft and to having the stigmatic surface along the rim with a hollow central portion thus approaching
the species with 2-lobed styles in which the lobes are short and broad, such as C. palustris.
In the characteristic leaves, which are ovate-acuminate and subcordate at the base, C. peduncularis
resembles C. melampyrifolia (a simple styled species) but can be distinguished from it, among other
things, by the long slender neck-like portion of the corolla-tube which is in no way thickened within
as is that of C. melampyrifolia.
The iong slender neck of the corolla-tube and the long smooth pedicels are like those of C. peglerae,
a species with a 2-lobed stigma. Besides the difference in the stigmas, these species can be distinguished
by their different habits and leaves. C. peglerae has leaves in a rosette at the base of the plant as well
as cauline leaves and the latter are not long acuminate in the upper half nor cordate at the base.
10. Chironia krebsii Griseb., Gen. et Sp. Gent. 98 (1839); Bak. & N. E. Br. in
F.T.A. 4, 1: 554 (1904); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1107 (1909). Type: S.A. without
locality, Krebs.
C. densiflora Scott Elliot in Lond. Journ. Bot. 29: 69 (1891). Syntypes: Natal, Medley Wood
121; Sanderson 446; Cape, Bedford, Hutton s.n.; Stockenstrom, Scully 165.
228
Gentianaceae
Herbaceous plants 40-70 cm tall, stems simple, erect, at the base sometimes
elongating into a creeping rhizome. Leaves many, clustered at the base or at the
intemodes of the rhizomatous basal portion of the stem, often with 1 to 3 cauline pairs
of leaves usually smaller and much shorter than the internodes; basal leaves oblong-
cuneate, oblanceolate to linear-spathulate or linear and gradually narrowing towards
the base in the lower half, shortly and slightly narrowed to the obtuse apex, 9-30 cm
long and 6-17 mm broad; cauline more or less linear, usually slightly narrowed to the
obtuse apex, 2-5-14 cm long, 1-7 mm broad. Inflorescence a terminal cymose panicle
usually forming a thyrsus with erect, 1-3 cm long pedicels, and crowded, fastigiate
flowers; bracts ovate acuminate, acute, about 1 -5 cm long, slightly cucullate at the base.
Calyx about 8 mm long, divided to beyond the middle; lobes about 7 mm long, long
acuminate to the acute or subacute apex, clearly hyaline margined, keeled. Corolla
red-purple, “ rose coloured ”, “ deep pink ”, “ red ”, “ pink ”, “ cerise pink ”,
“ magenta ” (occasionally a white-flowered plant is found), about 2 cm long; tube
about 7 mm long, elongating to about 1 cm long, at first shorter than the calyx but
eventually longer, tubular; lobes about 13 mm long and 6 mm broad, shortly narrowing
towards the acute apex. Stamens inserted about 1 • 5 mm below the rim of the corolla
tube, faintly decurrent on the tube, free portion about 3-5 mm long, anthers twisted,
about 4-5 mm long. Ovary narrowing into a style about 1 cm long; stigma 2-lobed,
lobes stigmatic on the margins, about 2 mm long but often cohering. Fruit ovoid,
more or less 1 cm long, broadest near the base, narrowing in the upper half to an
acute apex.
Found in marshy ground usually at high altitudes. Recorded from the Somerset East district
north-eastwards along the mountains through the Transkei, Natal, O.F.S., Basutoland, Swaziland
and the eastern and middle Transvaal to the Pietersburg-Letaba districts. Also recorded from the
Rhodesias and Nyasaland.
Cape. — Somerset East: Boschberg, MacOwan 1656 (SAM). King William’s Town: Dyer 333.
Stutterheim: Evelyn Valley, Compton 19271 (NBG). Queenstown: Katberg, Galpin 8377. Lusikisiki:
Mkambati, Story 4234.
Natal. — Inanda: Medley Wood 121 (SAM). Lions River: Howick, Medley Wood 5007. Under-
berg: McClean 794. Bergville: Cathedral Peak, Killick 1202. Nkandhla: Qudeni, Gerstner 650.
Basutoland. — Leribe: Dieterlen 717.
Swaziland. — Mbabane Rogers 11644; Compton 27198.
Transvaal. — Piet Retief: Galpin 9606; Iswepe, Sidey 1520. Ermelo: The Gem, Walker 1 23-
Barberton: Codd 8164. Belfast: Dullstroom, Galpin 13121. Pilgrims Rest : Graskop, Codd & de Winter
3339. Pietersburg-Letaba: Woodbush, Mogg 14674.
Characteristic features of this species are the usually thyrsoid inflorescence, the long basal leaves
(varying much in length but sometimes up to 30 cm long), and the creeping rhizomatous base of some
plants. The general shape of the thyrsoid inflorescence is narrowly oblong in outline and the flowers
clustered at different heights are more or less fastigiate on pressed specimens.
11. Chironia palustris Burch., Trav. 2: 226 (1824). Type: Griquatown, Burchell
1925.
Erect, herbaceous plants, 30-70 cm tall, branched above. Leaves basal and cauline,
the basal sometimes not persistent and then the cauline well developed or if the basal
persistent then the cauline usually much reduced, the basal leaves oblong-cuneate,
oblong or obovate-oblong, broadly rounded at the apex or shortly narrowing to an
obtuse apex; the cauline sessile, linear-lanceolate, lanceolate, oblong-lanceolate to
ovate-lanceolate or oblong-elliptic, long acuminate, gradually narrowing to an acute
apex or only slightly narrowed to a subacute or obtuse apex. Inflorescence a terminal
open panicle of 2-3-flowered cymes, developing dichasially or monochasially. Calyx
shorter than or about as long as the corolla-tube, lobes triangular to narrowly triangular,
acute or subacute, narrowly membrane-edged and slightly carinate. Corolla pink,
occasionally bleached white, persistent, 2-3 cm long, tube shorter than the lobes
Gentianaceae
229
tubular-campanulate, slightly narrowed at the mouth but not produced into a long,
slender neck. Stamens inserted 1-2 mm below the rim of the tube; filaments free
for 2-3 mm and decurrent on the tube; anthers from slightly to strongly twisted.
Ovary oblong-elliptic, acuminate into the style, 5-9 mm long; style 8-12 mm long,
2-lobed at the apex, lobes more or less oblong or suborbicular, up to 2 mm long and
sometimes almost as broad. Fruit oblong-elliptic, short to long, narrowing to a pointed
apex, splitting in 2, sometimes while the style is still intact above.
Found in the eastern Cape Province and northwards in a broad band through Kuruman in the
west and Natal in the east into tropical Africa.
An examination of the specimens classified as C. pahistris Burch., C. rosacea Gilg and C. trans-
vaalensis Gilg in South African herbaria showed them to be very closely related, especially in the
inflorescence and flowers. Yet a large percentage of those specimens could be sorted into 3 categories
each with a distinct centre of distribution but with some overlap on the borders. There were also a
fair number of borderline specimens that could not definitely fit into any of the subdivisions. These
are some of the findings that led to the decision that subspecific rank would be a more appropriate
status for these three “ species ”, C. palustris Burch., being the oldest name, became the name of the
aggregate species and C. rosacea Gilg and C. transvaalensis Gilg became subspecies. The flowers of
this aggregate species are a lighter pink (rose) than those of the C. purpurascens complex which are
purplish or magenta pink.
For key to subspecies see key to the species.
(a) subsp. palustris. Verdoorn in Bothalia 7: 460 (1961).
C. palustris Burch., Trav. 2: 226 (1824); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1106 (1909). Type: Griqua-
town, Burchett 1925. — var. foliata (Griseb.) Prain, l.c. (1909). — var. radicata (E. Mey.) Schoch
in Bot. Centralbl. Beih. 14: 234 (1903).
Ptocandra albens E. Mey., Comm. 182 (1937). Type: Mooiplaats, Drege. — var. radiata E. Mey.,
l.c. (1837). Type: Between Kachu and Zandplaats, Drege. P. palustris (Burch.) Griseb. in DC., Prodr.
9: 43 (1845). — var. foliata Griseb., l.c. (1845). Type: Caffraria, Drege.
Characterised by herbaceous plants about 30 to 60 cm tall; basal leaves in a rosette,
persistent, oblong-cuneate to obovate, 2-8 cm long, occasionally up to 20 cm long,
0-2-2 -2 cm broad, the cauline much reduced and distant, occasionally plants with
cauline leaves developed (East London specimens); flowers from about 1-8-2 -6 cm
long, sometimes glutinous in parts; anthers strongly twisted.
Found in marshy, usually turfy ground or near water. Recorded from East London and Kentani
in the south-east, northwards in an ever widening area to Kuruman, the southern Transvaal and
western Natal.
Cape. — East London: Hilner 244; Galpin 7345. Kentani: Pegter 305. Komga: Flanagan 517,
Stutterheim: Acocks 9499. Queenstown: Galpin 1920. Mount Curry: Kokstad, Tyson 1676.
Kuruman: Marloth 1050.
Natal. — Lions River: Groom's Farm, Haygarth in TRV 94374. Estcourt: Acocks 10807.
Dundee: Kelvin Grove, Medley Wood 5124. Newcastle: Ingogo, Obermeyer in TRV 35940.
Basutoland.— Leribe, Dieterlen 847; Masoeling, Jacot-Guillarmod 1542.
O.F.S. — Without precise locality, Cooper 987. Senekal: Goossens 969. Thaba Nchu: Acocks
18702.
Transvaal. — Wakkerstroom: Galpin 10208. Heidelberg: Burtt Davy 9113. Vereeniging:
Godfrey GH1575. Potchefstroom: Louw 635. Benoni: Kempton Park, Verdoorn 2435; Hutchinson
2618. Zeerust: Leendertz 11403.
The variety first described by Grisebach as Ptocandra palustris var. foliata and then transferred
to Chironia palustris by Prain, is not upheld here as a variety. It appears to be a form or freak in which
1 to 2 pairs of cauline leaves developed fully instead of being small and bract-like. There is nothing
to suggest that it may be a hybrid and in every other respect it is like C. palustris subsp. palustris. It
is not like subsp. rosacea, which normally has several pairs of well-developed cauline leaves.
230
Gentianaceae
(b) subsp. rosacea ( Gilg ) Verdoorn in Bothalia 7: 460 (1961). Type: Cape,
Pondoland, Bachmann 1038.
C. rosacea Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 104 (1899); Schoch in Bot. Centralbl. Beih. 14: 229 (1903),
partly, as to Natal specimen; Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1105 (1909). C. maxima Schoch in Bull.
Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 2: 1014 (1902). Type: Tugela River, Medley Wood (Z).
Herbaceous plants 45-70 cm tall; cauline leaves up to 8 pairs, ovate-lanceolate
to oblong-elliptic, gradually narrowing to the apex, 3-nerved, 4-14 cm long, 0-7-3
cm broad, basal leaves not persisting; flowers from about 2-3-3 cm long; anthers
slightly twisted.
Found in marshy ground along the eastern coastal region usually below 1,600 ft. and if inland
as in Swaziland, on hills near streams. Recorded from the extreme eastern Cape, Natal and Swaziland.
Natal. — Inanda: Phoenix, Schlechter 3154 (partly). Mtunzini: Inyezaan, Medley Wood 5748
(probably the same as cited in F.C. as 5948); Umlalaas, Medley Wood 8453; Hamewith, Mogg 5819;
Sitebe, Johnson 323 (NBG).
Swaziland. — Hlatikulu, Compton 26442, partly, as to specimen in NBG.
The average specimen seen (of this subspecies) is readily distinguished by its large flowers and broad
leaves and on the whole can be separated from its near relatives at a glance. But occasionally in the same
areas from which the characteristic plants come, are found odd specimens with smaller flowers and
narrower leaves. The measurements of the type from Pondoland (as given in the description, specimen
not seen) show that it was one of the smaller examples. Such intermediate specimens are however
more frequent in places where the area of distribution of this subspecies overlaps with that of subsp.
transvaalensis or subsp. palustris. For instance in Hlatikulu, Swaziland, one specimen of a gathering
has the narrow leaves and general appearance of subsp. transvaalensis, while the other is rather broad-
leaved and large-flowered and seems nearer subsp. rosacea.
The distribution pattern of subsp. rosacea is interesting. It stretches along the coast mostly at
altitudes under 1,600 ft. from the extreme eastern Cape (fide citations in Flora Capensis) through
Natal to northern Zululand then curves inland into Swaziland.
(c) subsp. transvaalensis (Gilg) Verdoorn in Bothalia 7 : 460 (1961). Type: Lyden-
burg, Wilms 974.
C. transvaalensis Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 106 (1899); Schoch in Bot. Centralbl. Beih. 14: 227
(1903); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1105 (1909); Mogg in FI. PI. Afr. 21: t. 814 (1941).
Erect herbaceous plants about 70 cm tall, forming clumps; cauline leaves glaucous,
erect, linear-lanceolate to lanceolate or narrowly oblong-lanceolate, usually gradually
narrowing to an acute apex, some only slightly narrowed to a subacute apex, from about
2- 8 cm long and 3-7 mm broad, rarely up to 1-5 cm broad, usually not obviously
3- nerved, basal leaves usually not persisting; flowers usually under 2-5 cm long;
anthers slightly twisted. Fig. 34: 2.
In marshy places usually at the water’s edge, on banks of streams, dams and rivers. Recorded
from Swaziland, the Transvaal and South West Africa. Also extending into Bechuanaland and the
Rhodesias.
Swaziland. — Without precise locality, Davy 2845 (BOL); Mbabane, Compton 26499; Hlatikulu,
Compton 26442, partly, as to specimen at PRE.
Transvaal. — Krugersdorp: Gladysvale, Rodin 3936; Wonderfontein, Nelson in TRV 11758.
Johannesburg: Gilfillan in Herb. Galpin 6232. Benoni: near Kempton Park, Verdoorn 2436. Belfast:
Galpin 13354. Carolina: Nicholson 813. Pretoria: Verdoorn 2432; Hennops River, Gerstner 6913;
Magaliesberg, Zeyher 1196 (BOL); Rietvlei, Acocks, 11247; Koedoespoort, Smith 1622A. Nelspruit:
Schoemanskloof, Codd 4876. Waterberg: Warmbaths, Leendertz 6524. Pietersburg: Bolus 10864;
Zoekmekaar, Rogers 12908. Soutpansberg: Piesanghoek, Gerstner 5799. Sibasa: between Thompson's
Store and Lake Lundusi, Hutchinson 2164.
Although this subspecies is to a large extent uniform in the main area of its distribution, here
and there a specimen has been found that shows its connection with the other two subspecies. Occa-
sionally the basal leaves persist and there are a few instances where the leaves are as broad as the
narrowest in subspecies rosacea. The best known examples of specimens with a mixture of charac-
teristics are in Rhodesia, outside the scope of this work. There several specimens have the persistent
basal leaves of subsp. palustris and the only slightly twisted stamens of subsp. transvaalensis, while the
cauline leaves range from the typical form of one subspecies to the typical form of the other.
Gentianaceae
231
No specimen from South West Africa has been seen but there is a record, Dinter 1806, from the
Waterberg in that area.
The rose-pink flowers, glaucous leaves, tall plants and gregarious habit distinguish this species
from C. purpurascens subsp. humilis, which is frequently found growing within a stone’s throw of it.
12. Chironia purpurascens ( E . Mey.) Benth. & Hook, f, Gen. PI. 2: 805 (1876).
Type: Natal, near Umkomaas, Drege 4923.
Erect, herbaceous biennials or perennials from about 20-80 cm tall; stems
subterete to angled, usually 4-angled, sometimes narrowly winged on the angles;
branched above. Leaves basal and cauline, the basal often not persistent, cauline in
distant pairs, from narrowly linear to broadly ovate-oblong. Inflorescence a cymose
panicle, cymes often 3-flowered with the central flower on a short peduncle, sometimes
with monochasial development; bracts linear to ovate-lanceolate, long acuminate,
sometimes a pair of bracts occur just below the base of the flowers. Calyx divided
almost to the base, longer than the corolla-tube; lobes long attenuate into an acicular
point. Corolla usually a deep magenta pink, 1 -3-2-5 cm long; tube short, tubular-
campanulate; lobes much longer than the tube, abruptly narrowed to an acute or
apiculate apex. Stamens inserted 1-2 mm below the rim of the corolla-tube, not clearly
decurrent on the tube, free portion of filament 4-5 mm long, sometimes (rarely?)
glandular at the base; anthers strongly twisted. Ovary narrowing into the style;
style 2-lobed, lobes linear-oblong. Fruit subcylindric, shortly exserted from the persistent
calyx and corolla-tube.
Recorded from the north-eastern Cape, Natal, Orange Free State, Swaziland, Transvaal and
northwards to the Federation.
In their key in Flora Capensis to the species of Chironia, Hill & Prain put C. purpurascens and
C. humilis in a section by themselves. It is obvious that these two “ species ” are more closely related
to each other than to any of the rest of the species. Yet they are on the whole distinguishable into two
groups each with a distinct main area of distribution. Since the diagnostic features of these groups,
however, are mainly differences in the size of the plant itself or certain parts of it, it was concluded that
subspecific rank would be a more suitable status for the groups.
For the key to the subspecies see key to the species on p. 214.
(a) subsp. purpurascens. Verdoorn in Bothalia 7: 461 (1961).
C. purpurascens (E. Mey.) Benth. & Hook, f., Gen. PI. 2: 805 (1876); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4,
1 : 1108 (1909). — var. lysonii (Gilg) Prain in Kew Bull. 1908: 350 (1908). — var. impedita Prain,
l.c. (1908). Type: Ixopo, Krook 2028. C. bachmanni Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 103 (1898). Type:
Pondoland, Bachmann 1037. C. tvsonii Gilg, l.c. 104 (1898). Type: near Clydesdale, Tyson 1290
(B, holo. ; SAM, BOL).
Plocandra purpurascens E. Mey., Comm. 182 (1837).
Plant 50-80 cm tall, stems usually angled, often 4-angled, angles sometimes
narrowly winged; leaves variable, the cauline linear to oblong, lanceolate to broadly
ovate-oblong, oblanceolate or oblong-cuneate, 2-5-9 cm long and 0-4-2 -8 cm broad,
the broad leaves clearly 3 or more nerved from the base, apex long attenuate or shortly
narrowed, acute or subacute; flowers 1 -8-2-8 cm long, occasionally with a pair of
bracts near the base of the calyx, pedicels of central flower from 6-25 mm long; filaments
occasionally with a gland on each side, at the point of insertion.
Found in tall grass on mountain slopes, rolling sandy sourveld plains, at margins of mountain
forests, and in the coastal areas of the extreme eastern Cape and Natal. Recorded from Bizana and
Umzimkulu districts in the Cape and from there northwards through Natal to Swaziland.
Cape. — Bizana: Zuurberg, Codd 9337; Umtamvuna Pont, Acocks 10929. Umzimkulu: Clydes-
dale, Tyson 1290 (SAM); 1161; Schtechter 6618.
Natal. — Durban: Medley Wood 141 (SAM); Rehmann 8738 (SAM); Isipingo, Medley Wood
12580. Ubombo: Pole Evans 2660. Ngotshe: Ngome Police Station, Acocks 13951.
Swaziland. — Hlatikulu, Stewart 65; Mbabane, Forbes Reef, Compton 26503; Kirkhill, Compton
25757; Manzini, Compton 25450.
232
Gentianaceae
A rather variable subspecies in regard to the size of the plants and the shape and size of the cauline
leaves. Some specimens are slender and the leaves very narrow and remote (in such cases sometimes
the basal leaves persist) while others are robust with large broad cauline leaves. It has not been found
practicable to separate any of these forms as varieties. The presence or absence of glands at the base
of the filaments does not seem to have any diagnostic value and the same applies to the 4-merous
flowers described on the holotype of C. tysonii (a synonym). Most of the flowers on the duplicates
of Tyson 1290 seen in South African herbaria are 5-merous.
Some herbarium specimens have dried a blackish colour and others light brown. With regard to
the colour of the flowers, it is seldom stated by collectors, but a few have described it as “ deep pink ”
which is here taken to mean the magenta pink so well known as the colour of subsp. humilis. One
specimen, however, Galpin 11960, which has the diagnostic features of C. purpurascens, is described
as “ rose pink ”, the colour found in the C. palustris group. This remains to be investigated and in the
meantime the specimen is only tentatively classified as C. purpurascens.
(b) subsp. humilis ( Gilg ) Verdoorn in Bothalia 7: 462 (1961). Type: Transvaal,
Aapies River, Zeyher 1193.
C. humilis Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 105 (1899); Bak. & N.E. Br. in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 555 (1904); Hill
& Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1107 (1909); Dyer in FI. PI. Afr. 24: t. 951 (1944). — var. wilmsii (Gilg) Prain
in Kew Bull. 1908: 350 (1908); Hill & Prain, l.c. (1909). — var. zuluensis Prain in Kew Bull. 1910:
55 (1910). Syntypes: Ginginhlovu, Wylie in Herb. Wood 1 1355 (PRE); without precise locality,
Mrs. McKenzie sn. (PRE). C. wilmsii Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 105 (1899). Type: Bronkhorstspruit,
Wilms 973.
Plants 20-50 cm tall, stems slender, one to several from a slender tap root, more
or less angled, often 4-angled, the angles prominent; leaves basal and cauline, the basal
often disappearing, cauline usually small and remote, 3 or more pairs to a stem, narrowly
linear to elliptic, sometimes oblong-obovate, 2-6-5 cm long, 1-10 mm broad, in some
forms short and broad up to 4 cm long and 1 1 mm broad, often narrowing to an acute
apex, sometimes rounded; flowers usually under 2 cm long, frequently with a pair
of bracts just below the base, central flower of the cyme sessile or up to 6 mm long,
very occasionally longer; buds cernuous becoming erect as the flowers mature; no
glands found at the base of the filaments. Fig. 34: 1.
Found in damp or marshy places on mountain tops, hill sides, low-lying ground, old lands, vleis
and dongas. Recorded from Lions River district in Natal, northwards through Natal, the Orange
Free State, Swaziland and the Transvaal to Southern Rhodesia.
Natal. — Lions River: Howick, Hutton 424; Mtunzini: Ginginglovu, Medley Wood 16355;
without precise locality in Zululand, McKenzie s.n. Ntonjaneni: Melmoth, Mogg 6104. Hlabisa:
Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Ward 1827.
O.F.S.— Heilbron: Viljoensdrift, Rogers 4813.
Swaziland. — Mbabane, Rogers 11556.
Transvaal. — Piet Retief: Sidey 1520. Ermelo: Burn Davy 2192; Nooitgedacht, Dyer 4157*
Barberton: Plaston, Holt 70. Nelspruit: Liebenberg 2707. Carolina: Burtt Davy 7328. Belfast:
Galpin 12981. Heidelberg: Repton 4337. Johannesburg: de Jongh in Herb. Galpin 1465. Pretoria:
Aapies River, Burke 124; Waterkloof, Verdoorn 159; Doornkloof, Pole Evans 1032; Rietvlei, Mogg
in PRE 27190. Bronkhorstspruit: Repton 4l\2. Waterberg: Galpin 13399. Pietersburg: Blaauwberg,
Codd & Dyer 8993; Houtbosch, Rehmann 5929. Soutpansberg : Louis Trichardt, Bremekamp &
Schweickerdt 433.
Two features that help to distinguish this subspecies of rather dwarf plants are the cernuous buds
and the pair of pointed bracts near the base of some of the flowers. On the whole the specimens are
fairly uniform throughout the wide area of distribution and the only noteworthy variations are
(a) plants with the basal leaves persistent and the cauline reduced; ( b ) tall plants, up to 50 cm tall;
and (c) a form with rather broad obtuse cauline leaves. The last mentioned form was described by
Prain as C. humilis var. zuluensis; although it is fairly localised, some specimens with broad leaves
can be found among the Transvaal gatherings. C. humilis var. wilmsii was distinguished on grounds
of the plants being “ more robust ” and branched above. Such specimens are not localised and may be
found anywhere probably depending on growing conditions. These variants are hardly worthy of any
rank and are not here upheld.
Gentianaceae
233
Piq 34 ] Chironia purpurascens subsp. humilis, whole plant, central flower of th; cyme sessile (from
a living plant in the Pretoria veld). 2, C. palustris subsp. transvalensis, upper portion of flowering
branch; 2a, central portion of a branch with average sized leaves (from living plant in the Pretoria
veld).
234
Gentianaceae
13. Chironia peglerae Prain in Kew Bull. 1908: 297 (1908); Hill & Prain in
F.C. 4, 1: 1107 (1909). Type: Kentani, Pegler 428 (K, holo.; PRE etc. iso.!).
An annual or perennial herb, 30-70 cm tall; stems erect, rarely straggling (see
Garabedian in SAM), 1 to several from the rootstock, 4-angled, the angles usually
narrowly winged, branched above, the branches ascending to somewhat spreading.
Leaves basal and cauline, 3-5 nerved, rather thin; the basal in a rosette but soon
disappearing in the lower altitude plants, oblong-elliptic cuneate, the larger about
8 cm long and 3-5 cm broad above the middle; cauline ovate-lanceolate to ovate-
elliptic or oblong-elliptic, 1-5-3 cm long, 0-5-1 -7 cm broad. Inflorescence terminal
on the main axis and on the upper lateral branches, flowers solitary or in 2-3-flowered
monochasial cymes. Pedicels 1-8 cm long with 5 narrow longitudinal wings (decurrent
keels). Calyx 2-3 cm long, divided almost to the base; tube about 3 mm long; lobes
linear-lanceolate, long attenuate to a subulate apical portion, carinate, the keel decurrent
on the tube and pedicels as a narrow wing. Corolla pink (rose?) about 3 cm long;
tube slender, slightly longer than the lobes, narrowing above the ovary in a neck-like
portion and slightly widened at the mouth; lobes ovate-lanceolate, about 1-5 cm long
and 3-6 mm broad just below the middle, apex obtuse or acute. Stamens inserted
below the rim of the tube, free filament about 4 mm long; anthers eventually strongly
twisted. Ovary 1-3-2 -2 cm long, acuminate into the 5 mm style, narrowed towards
the base; stigma 2-lobed, lobes linear 2-5-4 mm long, stigmatic along the margins.
Capsule 1-6 cm long closely enveloped by the thin persistent corolla-tube, pointed.
Found in valleys at altitudes from 1,000 ft to 6,200 ft. Recorded from the eastern Cape and the
Drakensberg.
Cape. — Stockenstroom: Katberg, Garabedian in SAM 49880 (SAM). Kentani: Pegler 428.
Natal. — Bergville: Cathedral Peak, Killick 1643; Nanni s.n.; Giant's Castle, Svmons in TRV
23236.
Until recently, that is for half a century, C. peglerae was known only from the Pegler gatherings.
All Miss Pegler’s specimens were given the same number although they were collected on different
dates and at various altitudes in Kentani. When trying to identify specimens collected at Cathedral
Peak in recent years, it was found that, although there is some difference in general appearance, the
basal leaves being large and persistent in the high mountain’s specimens, they were not specifically
distinct from C. peglerae. A study of material in South African herbaria showed that an unnamed
specimen from Giant’s Castle as well as one from the Katberg also belonged to this species. The last
mentioned record is the only link to date between the two localities of very different altitudes, Kentani
and the Drakensberg, from which the other specimens come.
The species is distinguished by its long slender corolla-tube narrowed in the upper half and the long
acicular calyx-lobes combined with rather broad, more or less ovate-elliptic, suberect cauline leaves.
The lobes of the stigma are long and narrow, the longest known in the genus.
14. Chironia serpvllifolia Lehm., Index Sem. Hort. Hamb. 16 (1828); Linnaea 5:
373 (1830); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1 : 1111 (1909). Type: Specimen growing in
the Hamburg garden, the seed originally from the Cape.
C. parvifolia E. Mey., Comm. 178 (1837). Syntypes: Uitenhage, Swartkops river, Drege (PRE);
Van Staadensberg, Drege. C. serpyllifolia var. laxa Griseb., Gen. et Sp. Gent. 106 (1939). Type:
Swartkops river near Paul Mare, Ecklon. — var. microphylla Griseb., l.c. (1839). Type: Between
Krakakamma and the Van Stadensriver Mountains, Ecklon. C. ovata Spreng. ex Griseb. in DC.,
Prodr. 9: 41 (1845), nomen in syn.
A much branched herb, slightly woody at the base, with slender wiry stems and
branches, 20-50 cm tall, erect or straggly; branches quadrate or subterete. Leaves
small, 2-7 mm long, 1-4 mm broad, broadly to narrowly ovate-oblong or sometimes
the upper ovate-lanceolate, broad based, obtuse or shortly acuminate to an acute
apex, spreading to reflexed with the apical portion ascending and the apex reflexed.
Inflorescence terminal, flowers solitary or in 2-3-flowered cymes; the average pedicels
1-2 cm long. Calyx 6-8 mm long, almost as long as to shorter than the corolla tube,
lobed almost to the base, lobes obscurely or distinctly keeled. Corolla 1 ■ 5-1 -9 cm long,
Gentianaceae
235
dehiscent by an irregular cut near the base; tube cylindrical, very shortly stipitate,
about 8 mm long, distinctly narrowed at the neck and slightly widened at the mouth,
many nerved; lobes elliptic to ovate-lanceolate, about 9 mm long. Stamens inserted
about 2 mm below the rim of the corolla-tube; filaments 2-5 mm long; anthers straight
2-75 mm long. Ovary elliptic in outline, about 8 mm long, acuminate into the style;
style about 6 mm long; stigma terminal, lobes about 2 mm long, more or less linear-
terete, usually cohering except at apex. Capsule pointed, subtransparent, shiny, splitting
in two from the apex; seeds small, deeply honey-combed.
Found on the fiats, river banks and mountain slopes. Recorded to date from the Humansdorp,
Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage, Albany and Bathurst districts.
Cape. — Humansdorp: Fourcade 5908 (BOL). Port Elizabeth: Between Krakakamma & Van
Stadens, Ecklon & Zeyher-, along Cape Road, Long 553; Van Staadensberg, Drege s.n. Uitenhage:
Swartkops River, Zeyher 165. Albany: Leighton 2835. Bathurst: Port Alfred, South s.n.
As suggested by Hill & Prain in the Flora Capensis, Grisebach’s varieties are not here upheld but
are looked upon as ecotypes of the one species. After expressing the doubt that these varieties deserve
recognition. Hill & Prain write that var. laxa has all the appearance of a form of the typical plant
growing among grass and var. microphylla that of a form growing in poor soil.
The narrow lobes of the stigma often cohere in the lower part with only the apices free, but they
are stigmatose along the margins to the base.
As in many other species of Chironia, the faded corolla-tube enveloping the swelling ovary breaks
off by an irregular cut near the base and moves up and eventually off the mature capsule.
15. Chironia laxa Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 26: 105 (1899); Hill & Prain in F.C.
4, 1: 1112 (1909); Prain in Bot. Mag. t. 8455 (1912). Type: Eastern Cape, Qumbu,
Shawbury, Baur 229.
C. melampyrifolia sensu E. Mey., Comm. 177 (1837), as to Drege from Umtata (PRE); and Schoch
in Bot. Centralbl. Beih. 14: 208 (1903), as to cited specimens, Baur 229 and Drege from Umtata.
C. maritima sensu Griseb. in DC., Prodr. 9: 39 (1845), partly, as to Drege from Umtata (PRE). C.
schlechteri Schoch in Bull. Herb. Boiss. ser. 2, 2: 1010(1901); Centrahbl. Beih. 14: 214(1903). Type:
Bashee, Schleehter 6282 (GRA, SAM, BOL, PRE, iso.!).
A diffuse, much branched, herbaceous plant becoming slightly woody at the base,
from about 20-50 cm tall, with very slender wiry, subterete or quadrate stems and
branches. Leaves lanceolate, linear-lanceolate to linear, 6-40 mm long and 1 • 5-6 mm
broad, acute or occasionally subacute, often acuminate to a long very acute apex,
slightly cuneate at the base, the blade spreading to reflexed often with the apical half
ascending. Inflorescence terminal on the branchlets, simple or in 2-3-flowered mono-
chasial cymes, pedicels slender 1-4-5 cm long. Calyx about 7 mm long, obviously
shorter than the corolla-tube; tube 2 mm long; lobes about 5 mm long, lanceolate,
long acuminate, acute, midrib prominent in the lower half. Corolla 2-3 cm long;
tube cylindrical about 1-1 cm long, narrowed into a distinct neck and slightly widened
at the mouth, the narrow neck obvious above the calyx lobes, few nerved; lobes
elliptic-oblong, as long as or slightly longer than the tube, subacute to distinctly acute
at the apex, slightly cuneate at the base. Stamens inserted about 2 cm below the rim
of the tube; filaments about 3 mm long; anthers 5 mm long, straight or very slightly
twisted. Ovary about 1 cm long narrowing into the 8-5 mm, 2-lobed style; lobes
lanceolate to linear, about 1-5 cm long, cohering at the base.
Found at river mouths, on banks of rivers or in marshy places in the eastern Cape and across the
border in Natal. Recorded from East London north-eastwards through Umtata and Port St. Johns
to Alfred District in Natal.
Cape. — East London: Wormald 56; Rattray 614 (GRA). Komga: Flanagan 12. Kentani:
Gogwana mouth, Pegler 1485. Butterworth: Bolus 10228. Idutywa: Bashee River, Schleehter 6232.
Umtata: Umtata River, Drege 4924. Port St. Johns: Wager in TRV 24134; Howlett 65.
Natal. — Alfred: Isingolweni, Archer s.n.
236
Gentianacfae
Very little additional material has been collected since Hill & Prain’s account of this species appeared
in the Flora Capensis. But the few specimens that have come in confirm it as a separate species rather
than as Hill & Prain suspected, merely a variety of C. serpyllifolia Lehm. Although closely related,
these two species are here kept as separate units.
The tendency to become woody at the base, at least in the second year, links these two species
with the group that have a simple style and are usually low suffrutices.
A specimen collected at Magwa Falls, Leighton 2984 (BOL), probably belongs to this species.
It differs in having the leaves broader (from 2 mm to 1 • 7 cm broad in the middle) and those on the stem
narrowed at the base into a petiole up to 1 cm long.
This variant is not included in the above specific description, but allowance is made in the key
characters so that it will run to C. laxa. When further material comes to light its status may be
reviewed.
Excluded Name
C. cymosa Burm. f.. Prodr. Cap. 5 (1768), based on Plukenet, t. 415, fig. 6, may be Chironia jasminoides
L. but the figure is poor and cannot be identified with certainty.
6504
4. ORPHIUM
Orphium E. Mey., Comm. 181 (1837); Benth. & Hook, f., Gen. PI. 2: 805 (1876);
Hill & Prain in F.C. 1: 1095 (1909); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 580 (1951); nom. cons.
Valeranda Neck., Elem. 2: 32 (1790), invalid publication, I.C.B.N., Montreal.
Suffrutex, erect, virgately branched, branches leafy to the apex. Leaves opposite,
sessile, rather crowded. Inflorescence a lax cyme, terminal or in the axils of the upper
leaves, sometimes flowers solitary. Calyx 5-lobed, fitting loosely round the corolla
base; tube short, campanulate, with an annular crenulate disc at the base within;
lobes oblong, mucronate, without a dorsal keel. Corolla deep pink (rarely a white
flower is found), tube as long as or slightly longer than the loosely enveloping calyx;
lobes oblong to suborbicular, slightly longer than the tube. Stamens inserted below
the mouth of the tube; anthers erect, slightly spirally twisted. Ovary 1-celled with
parallel placentation, oblong elliptic in outline, shortly narrowing into a long style;
stigma terminal, peltate. Capsule splitting septicidally.
Endemic to the Cape Province.
Orphium frutescens (L.) E. Mey., Comm. 181 (1837); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4,
1 : 1095 (1909); Levyns in FI. Cape Pen. 675 (1950). Type: the figure in Commelin,
PI. Rar. 8, t. 8 (1715).
Chironia frutescens L., Sp. PI. ed. 1: 190 (1753); Curt., Bot. Mag. t. 37 (1788); Lam., Encycl.
Meth. 737 (1785); Illustr. Gen. t. 108, fig. 1 (1792) and Tabl. Encycl. 1: 480 (71793). — var. hirsuta
Cham. & Schlechtdl. in Linnaea 1 : 190 (1826). Type: Cape Peninsula, Chamisso s.n. — var. glabra
Cham. & Schlechtdl.. l.c. (1826). Type: Cape Peninsula, Chamisso s.n. — var. angustifolia (Sims)
Griseb., Gen. et Sp. Gent. 96 (1839). C. caryophylloides L., Cent. 2: 12, No. 130 (1756).
Type: Cape, Barman , figured in Burm., Afric. t. 14, f.l. C. decussata Vent., Jard. Cels. t. 31
(1801). Type: probably the plate by Redoute of the plant grown in the garden of M. Cels. C.latifolia
Donn., Hort. Cantab, ed. 5: 25 (1800), nom. nud. C. angustifolia Sims, Bot. Mag. t. 818 (1805). Type:
the Bot. Mag. plate 818. C. grandiflora Salisb., Prodr. 137 (1795), illeg. new name for C. frutescens L.
C. dianthifolia Hort. ex Garden 213 (1893), nom. nud.
Orphium frutescens var. decussata (Vent.) E. Mey., Comm. 181 (1837). O. fruticosum Kuntze
(sphalm.), Rev. Gen. 2: 432 (1891).
Roslinia frutescens (L.) G. Don, Gen. Syst. 4: 203 (1837). R. angustifolia (Sims) G. Don, l.c.
(1837).
Gentianaceae
237
Suffrutex, erect, 45-60 cm tall, much branched, branches pubescent to glabrescent,
hairs short, patent to reflexed, the upper more or less 4-angled. Leaves 2-5 cm long,
0-2-1 cm broad, linear to narrowly oblong, sometimes slightly narrowed to the base,
oblong-oblanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, densely pubescent to glabrescent, hairs
short, spreading to deflexed, upper surface usually rough, margin revolute. Inflorescence
of lax cymes, 1-2-flowered, terminal or in axils of the upper leaves. Calyx about
1 -3 cm long, rarely 2 cm long, fitting loosely round the base of the corolla tube, roughly
pubescent outside, sometimes glabrescent, hairs rather short, patent or slightly reflexed,
5-lobed to just beyond midway, or almost to the base, lobes without a dorsal keel,
margins hyaline towards and at the apex. Disc with a ring of glands between the calyx
and corolla. Corolla usually deep pink, rarely a specimen with while flowers found,
2-3-3 cm long; tube as long as or slightly longer than the loosely enveloping calyx,
somewhat narrowed above the ovary, lobes oblong, then broadest at the apex, to
suborbicular, broadly rounded at the apex with a central mucro. Stamens inserted
below the mouth of the tube; anthers slightly twisted. Ovary oblong-elliptic in outline,
shortly narrowing into the style; stigma peltate, terminal, thickly stigmatose on top
and along the margins. Capsule enclosed in the calyx, eventually splitting in two.
Found on sandy flats, in brackish places, vleis and rhenosterbos communities. Recorded from
the south western Cape.
Cape. — Peninsula: Cape flats, Wallich s.n.; Galpin 12415; Marloth 36; Kommetje, Phillips
s.n.; Kenilworth, Flanagan 2417; Cape Town, Bolus 2989; Cape Maclear, Levyns 5420; Camps
Bay, Moss 2659; Wynberg, Mac O wan s.n. Caledon: Hangklip Point, Rodin 3124; Hermanus, Rogers
26619; Rooi Els, Parker 4155; Bredasdorp: Hagelkraal, Leighton 2518; near Vogel Vlei, Galpin
11253; near Elim, Codd 9960; 9959. Swellendam: Thode A2378. Riversdale: Muir 5152; Wolwe-
kraal, Muir 346 ; Kafferkuils River, Drege s.n. George : Long Kloof, Castelnau (BOL). Clanwilliam :
between Leipoldtville and Graafwater, Leipoldt 3415 (BOL).
Although the extremes look distinct, they are linked by all grades in width of leaf, pubescence,
length of corolla tube and shape of calyx. The varieties are therefore not upheld as distinct. The two
specimens sent on loan from the Bolus Herbarium, Castelnau s.n. and Leipoldt 3415, both have leaves
of medium width.
6484
5. ENICOSTEMA
Enicostema Blume , Bijdr. 848 (1826); Endl., Gen. 605 (1838), as Henicostemma ;
Benth. & Hook. f. Gen. PI. 2: 807 (1876); Baker & N. E. Br. in F.T.A. 4, 1: 563
(1904); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1117 (1909); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 579 (1951), as
Enicostemma.
Exacum sensu Willd., Sp. PI. 1 : 2 (1798), partly.
Hippion sensu Spreng., Syst. 1: 505 (1825), non Schmidt (1794).
Slevogtia Reichb., Consp. 133 (1837).
Lepinema Raf., FI. Tellur. 3: 26 (1837).
Adeneina G. Don, Gen. Syst. 4: 201 (1837); Griseb. in DC., Prodr. 9: 65 (1845), as Adenesma,
in syn.; Baill., Hist. PI. 10: 131 (1891), in syn.
Hippionum Kuntze, Rev. Gen. 2: 428 (1891).
Herbs, erect, perennial. Leaves opposite. Flowers small, numerous in axillary
clusters. Calyx 5-lobed, lobes keeled. Corolla white, drying yellowish, 5-lobed to
about midway or deeper. Stamens inserted in the corolla tube below the sinuses,
filaments with a double-hooded scale at the base; anthers erect, not twisted, acute.
Ovary 1-celled, obtuse; style short, subulate; stigma terminal capitate. Capsule
splitting septicidally, 2-valved.
238
Gentianaceae
A wide-spread genus which occurs in Java, India, Madagascar and Africa, and consists of 2 species,
the one a variable species found throughout the area of distribution of the genus and the other occurring
only in east Africa.
The name Enicostema means “ singular stamen ” and refers to the double-hooded scale at the base
of the filaments.
In the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, 1956, page 264, Enicostema Blume is con-
served against Hippion Spreng. (1825), which was an amended concept of Hippion Schmidt and included
elements of our species. But investigation has shown that Hippion Spreng. has no standing because
Sprengel excluded the type species ( Gentiana verna L.) of Hippion Schmidt from his circumscription.
Therefore Hippion Spreng. (non Schmidt) is a later homonym and conservation of Enicostema Blume
is unnecessary.
Enicostema hyssopifolium ( Willd .) Verdoorn in Bothalia 7: 462 (1961). Type: speci-
men 328.30 ( Fabricius ) in Linnaean Herbarium (LINN, lecto.; PRE, photo.).
Exacum hyssopifolium Willd., Spec. 1: 640 (1798). Name for G. verticillata (non Linn.) Linn. f.
Gentiana verticillata (non Linn., 1753) Linn, f., Suppl. 174 (1781), applied when naming a
Labricius specimen from India; Vahl, Symb. 3: 46 (1794), partly as to Indian and Arabian references.
G. verticillaris (sphalm) Linn. var. /?. Retz., Obs. Bot. 2: 15 (1781), based on a Konig specimen.
Hippion hyssopifolium (Willd.) Spreng., Syst. 1: 589 (1824).
Enicostema littorale Blume, Bijdr. 848 (1826); Hill & Prain in L.C. 4, 1: 1117 (1909). Type:
Java, Blume. E. verticillare (Retz.) Baill., Hist. PI. 10: 131 (1891), partly. E. verticillatum (L.) Engl,
ex Gilg in Pflanzenfam. 4, 2: 68, t. 31 (Leb. 1895); Pflanzenw. Ost-Afr. C.: 313 (1895), partly.
Lepinema verticillata Raf., LI. Tellur. 3: 26 (1837), partly, as to Vahl references.
Adenema hyssopifolium (Willd.) G. Don, Gen. Syst. 4: 201 (1837).
Slevogtia verticillata D. Don in Trans. Linn. Soc.17: 532 (1837), nom. illeg. based on Gentiana
verticillata (non Linn.) Linn. f. S. orientalis Griseb. in DC., Prod. 9: 65 (1845), superfluous.
Hippionum verticillatum Kuntze, Rev. Gen. PL 428 (1891), for the greater part, excluding the
American reference.
Erect, perennial herbs, 5-30 cm tall, simple or branched at the base. Leaves
sessile (sometimes narrowed into a petiole-like base), crowded or sublax but always
longer than the internodes, narrowly to broadly linear often with one or more shortly
oblong ones near or at the base, 3-10 mm broad, 5-8 cm long (the oblong from about
1 to 2 cm long), obtuse and mucronate at the apex somewhat narrowing to the base,
3-nerved from the base, often longitudinally folded. Flowers in the axils of each pair of
leaves from near the base upwards, sessile or subsessile, numerous, small, under 1 cm
long; bracts lanceolate-acuminate, carinate, somewhat shorter than the calyx. Calyx
under 5 mm long, 5-lobed to midway or deeper, lobes slightly unequal, more or
less triangular-lanceolate, carinate, somewhat dentate and membranous on the margin,
acute and slightly spreading at the tips. Corolla white, drying yellowish, under 1 cm
long, 5-lobed for more or less ^ of the way, the lobes abruptly narrowing to an acute
or mucronate apex. Stamens inserted below the sinuses just above the middle of the
tube; filaments with a double hood at the point of insertion, anthers erect not twisted,
acute. Ovary obtuse, style short subulate, stigma capitate. Capsule splitting septici-
dally; seeds numerous on intruded placenta, reticulate. Fig. 35: 1.
Pound in grass on sandy slopes, in turfy hollows, in denuded veld, at road-sides or along rivers.
Recorded from Natal, from the Zululand coast north-westwards to the eastern and northern Transvaal
and South West Africa. Also occurs in tropical Africa, Madagascar, Java and India.
Natal. — Hlabisa: Raise Bay, Ward 424. Nongoma: Bangonoma, Gerstner 4132.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Thorncroft 3026; Louws Creek, Thorncroft 2048; Target Valley,
Williamson 241; Kaapmuiden, Rogers 24289. Nelspruit: Research Station, Liebenherg 2467; Malelane,
Acocks 16728; Paai, van der Schijff 2008. Letaba: Shilovane, Junod 4913. Potgietersrus: Leendertz
5963; Naboomfontcin, Schlechter 4306. Pietersburg: Codd 8321; Bochem, Bremekamp & Schweickerdt
157.
S.W.A. — Grootfontein: Karakuwise, Maguire 2205; Otavi, Dinter 5451. Okavango: Omuramba
Khaudum, de Winter & Marais 4656. Tsumeb: Klein Namutoni, Breyer in TRV 20575.
Gentianaceae
239
Fig. 35. — 1, Enicostema hyssopifolium, base of plant and 1 flowering branch ( Thorncrojt 3026); la, calyx
and bracts, x 4; lb, opened flower, showing the characteristic hoods at the base of the filaments,
X 4. 2, Villarsia capensis, base of plant, branch with leaves and inflorescence (Esterhuysen 12296
partly). 3, Nymphoides indica, portion of the petiole-like stem with inflorescence and leaf (Killick
& Leistner 3228).
240
Gentianaceae
In the effort to find the correct generic home for this species it came to be known under several
names as can be seen from the long list of synonyms. Since it is an easily recognised entity, although
so widely distributed in Africa and the East, it can be sorted out quite satisfactorily both among herbarium
specimens and in literature, the last through the descriptions and cited specimens. The distinguishing
features are the verticillate arrangement of its rather small, white (drying yellow) flowers and the peculiar
double hood at the base of the filaments. This “ hood ” gave rise to the generic name Enicostema,
“ singular stamen ”, and to the superfluous generic name Adenema meaning “ gland filament ”. At
first this species was confused with Gentiana verticillata L. which occurs in America, and many of the
earlier names under which the Old World specimens appear are therefore only partly applicable.
6512 6. SWERTIA
Swertia L., Sp. PI. ed. 1: 226 (1753); Gen. PI. ed. 5: 107 (1754); Benth. & Hook,
f., Gen. PI. 2: 816 (1876); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1118 (1909); Phill., Gen. ed.
2: 580 (1951).
Annual or perennial herbs. Leaves opposite, sessile, cauline and basal, the basal
often narrowed at the base into a petiole and often early disappearing or undeveloped,
the cauline usually distant. Cymes terminal. Calyx 4-5-lobed, divided almost to the
base. Corolla 4-5-lobed, white, blue or yellow, divided almost to the base. Stamens
4-5, inserted in the sinuses, shorter than the corolla lobes; anthers small. Ovary
1 -celled, oblong in outline; style short or none; stigma 2-lobed. Capsule splitting
septicidally, 2-valved.
A genus of many species widespread in the Old World and, since it has been finally decided that the
American genus Frasera is synonymous with Swertia, in the New World too. One species found in
southern Africa.
Swertia welwitschii Engl., Hochgebirgsfl. Trop. Afr. : 339 (1892). Type: Angola,
Huilla, Welwitsch 1515 (K, iso.).
Adenopogon stellarioides Welw., Syn. Explic. : 27 (1862), nomen.
Swertia stellarioides (Welw.) Ficalho, PI. Uteis: 225 (1884) nomen; ex Hiern, Cat. Welw. Afr. PI.
1, 3: 711 (1898), nom. illeg. ; Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1: 1119 (1909). Type as above.
Herbs, annual or perennial, 18-23 cm tall, simple or branched above, sometimes
branching at the base as well, branches ascending, subcorymbose. Leaves basal and
cauline, the basal usually soon disappearing; cauline erect to suberect, linear to linear-
lanceolate, 1-5-4 -5 cm long, 1-5-7 mm broad, narrowing slightly to an obtuse or
subacute apex, usually not narrowed at the sessile base; basal or subbasal mostly
shorter and broader than the cauline and narrowed at the base into a short petiole-like
claw, 2-3 cm long, 8-10 mm broad; all the leaves 3-nerved from the base with the
midrib prominent beneath and the lateral obscure, undersurface more or less reticulate,
margins strongly revolute. Cymes terminal and in the axils of the upper leaves,
subumbellate, 1-3-flowered; peduncles and pedicels slender, from about 1 -5-2-5 cm
long. Calyx divided almost to the base, lobes linear-lanceolate or linear-oblong,
slightly unequal in size, about 7 mm long and 1 • 5 mm broad, flat or sometimes 2 of the
5 somewhat conduplicate and carinate at the base, apex subacute to acute and slightly
spreading. Corolla white, drying pale yellow (according to description sometimes
with purple lines inside), 8-10 mm long, divided almost to the base; tube 0-75 mm
long; lobes oblong, slightly narrowed towards the base, rounded at the apex but often
with a folded slightly spreading central tip at least on some of the lobes in each flower,
each lobe with a pair of fimbriate nectaries near the base within. Stamens inserted
in the sinuses; filaments flattened, about 3-5 mm long; anthers 1 mm long, straight.
Ovary oblong in outline, somewhat compressed, about 6 mm long and 2-5 mm broad;
Gentianaceae
241
stigma subsessile, 2-lobed, lobes 1-5 mm long, thickly stigmatic on the margins.
Capsule slightly exserted from the enfolding corolla, splitting in two, each valve with
a duck- bill-like apex when flattened but often complicate.
Found in marshy or damp ground, on mountain plateaux, in valleys, in vleis or along rivers.
Recorded from Natal and Basutoland, through Swaziland and the Transvaal northwards to tropical
Africa.
Natal. — Nkandla: Gerstner 587; Bergville: Killick 1385.
Basutoland. — Leribe: Dieterlen 782.
Swaziland. — Mbabane, Forbes Reef, Compton 25835.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Umlomati Valley, Galpin 1228. Belfast: Dullstroom, Codd 5171.
Pietersburg: McCollum 137; Houtbosch, Bolus 10965; Krugersdorp: Witpoortjie, Murray 482.
Waterberg: Thabazimbi, Codd 3943; Potgietersrus: Pyramid Estate, Galpin 9033.
The tropical African species, 5. sharpei N. E. Br., is probably not distinct from S. welwitschii Engl.
6485
7. FAROA
Faroa Welw. in Trans. Linn. Soc. 27: 45, t. 17 (1871); Benth. & Hook, f., Gen. PI.
2: 806 (1876); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 579 (1951).
Annual or perennial herbs. Leaves opposite. Flowers small, 4-merous, in dense
terminal or axillary clusters. Capsule subglobose, 2-valved, septicidal.
Endemic to tropical and doubtfully South Africa. Species about 10.
Faroa salutaris Welw., l.c. 46 (1871); Bak. & N. E. Br. in F.T.A. 4, 1: 569
(1904); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1 : 1118 (1909). Type: Angola, near Mumpulla
and Lopollo, Welwitsch 1523.
Herbs, biennial or perennial, 5-10 cm tall, branched at the base, stems very slender,
glabrous. Leaves basal and in distant cauline pairs. Flowers in a single dense terminal
cluster or with one axillary cluster as well. Calyx 4-lobed, lobes erect. Corolla
“ mauvy-pink ” to “purple”, 4-5 mm long, 4-lobed, lobes about 1-5 mm long.
Stamens 4, inserted in the mouth of the corolla tube, filaments ultimately longer than
the corolla. Style ultimately long and slender with a very small terminal stigma.
Found on sandy flats, in swampy ground and on the edge of lagoons. Recorded from Angola,
Northern and Southern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, also alleged to occur in Basutoland.
The only record of this plant in South Africa is a specimen collected by Bryce reputedly from
Machacha Mountain, Basutoland. It has not been collected there since. Bryce collected in Basutoland
and Rhodesia, and it is probable that the locality for that plant was confused.
6544
8. VILLARSIA
Villarsia Vent., Choix 9, t. 9 (1803), pro parte; Benth. in FI. Austr. 4: 374 (1869);
Benth. & Hook, f., Gen. PI. 2: 819 0876); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 581 (1951); nom.
cons. (I.C.B.N. 1956).
Renealmia Floutt., Nat. Hist. 2, 8: 335, t. 47, f. 1 (1777).
Aquatic herbs, stems simple or branched. Leaves basal, long stalked, entire or
irregularly dentate, the cauline alternate when present but usually absent or much
reduced and distant. Cymes lax or congested, sometimes paniculate. Calyx deeply
242
Gentianaceae
divided, 5-lobed. Corolla white or yellow, 5-lobed, tube short. Stamens inserted on
the corolla tube. Ovary with minute basal glands, 1-celled, parietal placentas thickened.
Capsule splitting at the apex, 4-valved.
Species about 10, mostly Australian.
Villarsia capensis ( Houtt .) Merrill in Journ. Arn. Arb. 19: 360 (1938). Type:
Nat. Hist. 2, 8, t. 47, f.l.
Renealmia capensis Houtt., Nat. Hist. 2, 8: 335, t. 47, f. 1 (1777).
Menyanthes ovata Linn, f., Suppl. : 133 (1781). Type: Cape, Thunberg. M. capensis Thunb.,
Prodr. 34 (1794). Type: Cape, Thunberg.
Villarsia ovata (Linn, f.) Vent., Choix 9, t. 9, (1803); Lam., Illustr. 6, t. 929 (1819) and Tabl. Encycl.
3: 580 (1823); Gilg in Pflanzenfam. 4, 2: 107 (1895); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1 : 1119(1909); Marloth,
FI. S. Afr. 3, t. 16 (1932).
Herb, aquatic, varying in size, 5 cm to 1 m tall, when in deep water with long
stems and petioles, in swampy ground short tufted plants. Leaves mostly basal, the
occasional cauline leaves usually much reduced and sessile; basal leaves several to
many, blade ovate-oblong, shorter than the petiole, 1-3-9 cm long, 0-6-4 cm broad,
margin entire or irregularly dentate; petiole varying in length according to depth of
water, 1 -5-84 cm long. Cymes paniculate, terminal. Calyx about 6 mm long, divided
almost to the base; lobes 5, usually apiculate. Corolla yellow; tube slightly shorter
than the calyx; lobes slightly longer than the tube, crenate-fimbriate on the margins
and with hairs at the base within. Stamens inserted in the corolla throat, filaments
short or anthers practically sessile in the long-styled flowers. Ovary with up to 5 basal
glands, 1-celled, broad-based, narrowing into the style which is long or short (hetero-
stylism) and 2-lobed. Capsule short, 4-valved, 2-seeded. Fig. 35: 2.
Found in swampy ground. Recorded from the south-west Cape.
Cape. — Peninsula: Table Mountain, Marloth 349; Burchett 562; Galpin 4342; Esterhuysen
12296. Worcester: Bainskloof, Schlechter 9174; Hexriverberg, Rehmann 2712. Caledon: Viljoens
Pass, Rogers 29248. Swellendam: near Appelskraal, Zeyher 3435. Knysna: Hoogeberg, Keet 982.
Humansdorp: Theron 1836; Clarkson, Thode A 968.
When figured in the Botanical Magazine in 1817 under the name Menyanthes ovata, this species
was referred to as the “ oval-leaved or Cape Buck-bean ”.
Villarsia is named after Dominique Villars, French botanist and physician, 1745-1814.
6545 9. NYMPHOIDES
Nymphoides Hill, The British Herbal 77 (1756); Kuntze, Rev. Gen. 2: 429 (1891),
as Nymphodes; Clapham, Tutin & Warburg, FI. of the British Isles 827 (1952).
Limnanthemum S. P. Gmel. in Nov. Comm. Acad. Petrop. 14, 1: 527 (1769); Benth. & Hook.
f„ Gen. PI. 2: 819 (1876); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 581 (1951).
Aquatic herbs. Leaves alternate or subopposite, orbicular, usually deeply notched
at the base; margin entire, crenate or dentate, Flowers white or yellow, heterostyled,
solitary, in pairs or fascicled at the nodes. Calyx deeply 5-6-lobed. Corolla 5-6-lobed;
tube short with 5-6 tufts of hairs about midway ; lobes variously fimbriate. Stamens 5-6,
inserted at or below the corolla throat; filaments short. Ovary with 5 basal glands,
1-celled; style short or long; stigma 2-lobed. Capsule indehiscent or irregularly
rupturing. Seeds few to numerous.
Found in tropical and temperate regions of both hemispheres.
The genus Limnanthemum has twice been proposed for conservation against Nymphoides but in
both cases it was rejected, first by the Brussels Congress in 1910 and then by the Paris Congress in
1954.
Gentianaceae
243
Nymphoides indica (L.) Kuntze, Rev. Gen. 2: 429 (1891). Type: Rheede, Hort-
Mai. 11, t. 28.
Menyanthes indica L., Sp. PI. ed. I: 145 (1753): Thunb. Prodr. 34 (1794). — var. /? Desr.
in Lam., Encycl. Meth. 4: 90(1791). Type: Senegal, Roussillon. M. orbiculata Lam., Illustr. 1 : 438
(1792). Type: Africa, Vaillant. M. cristata Roxb., PI. Corom. 2: 3, t. 105 ( 1799). Type: t. 105, l.c.
Villarsia indica (L.) Vent., Choix t. 9 (1803); E. Mey., Comm. 186 (1837). V. cristata (Roxb.)
Spreng., Syst. 1 : 582 (1824). V. orbiculata (Lam.) G. Don, Gen. Syst. 4: 169 (1837). V. senegalensis
G. Don, l.c. (1837), based on Menyanthes indica var. (j. Type: Senegal, Roussillon.
Limnanthemum indicum (L.) Griseb., Gen. et Spec. Gent. 436 (1839); Thwait., Enum. PI. Ceyl.
205 (1860). L. thunbergianum Griseb., l.c. 346 (1839); Hill & Prain in F.C. 4, 1 : 1120 (1909). Based
on M. indica sensu Thunb., Prodr. 34 (1794). L. ecklonianum Griseb., l.c. (1839); Hill & Prain, l.c.,
in synonymy. Type: Cape Flats, Eckton. L. forbesianum Griseb., l.c. (1839), partly, as to Forbes,
Mozambique; Hill & Prain, l.c., in synonymy. L. orbiculatum (Lam.) Griseb., l.c. (1839); Baker
& N. E. Br. in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 586 (1904). L. niloticum Kotschy & Peyr., PI. Tinn. 28, t. 9 (1867); Baker
& N. E. Br., l.c. 585 (1904). Type: French Equatorial Africa, near Bongo, de Heuglin. L. brevipedicel-
latum Vatke in Linnaea 40: 220 (1876). Type: Abyssinia, Schimper 1358. L. senegalensis (G. Don)
N. E. Br., l.c. 584 (1904). L. whytei N. E. Br., l.c. 585 (1904). Type: East Africa, Mombasa, Whyte 40.
L. kirkii N. E. Br., l.c. (1904). Syntypes: Zanzibar, Kirk 2; Hildebrandt 1995. L. rautanenii N. E.
Br., l.c. (1904). Syntypes: Angola, Johnston ; Amboland, Rautanen 6. L. abyssinicum N. E. Br., l.c.
584 (1904). Type: Abyssinia, Schimper 1358 (same number as type of L. brevipedicellatum Vatke).
Nymphoides cristata (Roxb.) Kuntze, Rev. Gen. 2: 429 (1891). N. thunbergiana (Griseb.) Kuntze,
l.c. (1891). N. eckloniana (Griseb.) Kuntze, l.c. (1891). N. orbiculata (Lam.) Kuntze, l.c. (1891). N.
forbesianum (Griseb.) Hand.-Mazz. in Oesterr. Bot. Zeitschr. 87: 126 (1938). N. niloticum (K. & P.)
J. Leon., in Bull. Soc. Roy. Bot. Belg. 84: 53 (1951).
Aquatic herbs varying in size and texture according to the depth and permanence
of the water where they grow; apparently glabious but in parts sparsely covered with
stellate hairs; stems short or long, petiole-like (false petioles), bearina leaves, runners,
flowers and rootlets at the nodes which are at or near the base of the leaves. Leaves
floating, green and irregularly and minutely tubercled in parts above, usually reddish
and irregularly pitted below, orbicular to ovate-orbicular with deep sinuses at the
base, 2-16 cm diam., margins entire, crenate or dentate; true petiole 0-5 cm long.
Flowers white, yellow or white with a yellow base, heterostyled, few to many in a fascicle.
Calyx about 6 mm long, deeply 5-6-lobed, lobes narrowly to broadly oblong, sparsely
gland-dotted or pitted. Corolla 5-6-lobed; tube short with 5-6 tufts of hairs on the
nerves alternating with the decurrent filaments and about midway in the tube; lobes
longer than the tube, fimbriate on the inner face to varying degrees, sometimes on the
margins only. Stamens inserted at or below the corolla throat; filaments short, almost
absent in long-styled flowers. Ovary with 5 basal glands which are usually shoitly
ciliate; style short or long, 2-lobed. Capsule indehiscent or irregularly rupturing,
shorter or as long as the persistent, erect calyx. Seeds compressed globose, smooth
to densely and minutely tuberculate, sometimes tubercles obscure and on the rim
only. Fig. 35: 3.
Found in permanent vleis, in pools, pans, swamps and rivers. Recorded from all parts of South
Africa. Also found in tropical Africa, India, south-east Asia, the East Indies, Australia and New
Zealand.
Cape. — Peninsula: Zeyher, 3433; Newlands, Marloth 337. Clanwilliam: Marloth 4385; Rogers
16301. Riversdale: Muir 2960. George: Smith 2782. Humansdorp: Theron 1168. Alexandria:
Johnson 894. Albany: Grahamstown, Galpin 2917. Bathurst: Dyer 2276. Kentani: Pegler 797.
Natal. — Port Shepstone: Mogg 12697. Durban: Medley Wood 83. Ingwavuma: Tinley 257.
Swaziland. — Stewart 8940.
Transvaal. — Ermelo: Burtt Davy 9276. Nelspruit: Malelane, van der Schijff 3098. Pilgrims Rest:
Skukuza, Codd 6073. Pretoria: Hammanskraal, Mauve 1063. Waterberg: Naboomspruit, Galpin
494. Sibasa: Smuts & Gillett 3278.
S.W.A. — Caprivi: Killick <£ Leistner 3228. Ovamboland: de Winter & Giess 7067. Okavango:
de Winter 3962; Dinter 7263.
It has become quite generally the opinion among botanists that this is one variable species and
H. C. D. de Wit has published on the subject in Belmontia, sect. Ill fasc. 2 (1958). The characters
used to distinguish groups within the taxon constantly break down. The flowers may be purely yellow
or white or the corolla tube yellow and the lobes white. With regard to the seeds, these range from
quite smooth to densely and minutely tuberculate and sometimes the extremes are found in plants
growing side by side.
244
APOCYNACEAE
bY L. E. Codd
Trees, erect or scandent shrubs or woody climbers, or perennial, rarely annual,
herbs; sap often milky. Leaves simple, generally opposite, sometimes whorled, rarely
spirally arranged, entire, pinnatinerved; stipules (if present) usually short, intrapetiolar,
rarely one on each side of the petiole, occasionally spinose; glands usually present
in the axils. Inflorescence cymose, compound or much reduced, terminal or pseudo-
lateral or truly axillary. Flowers small to large and then often showy, usually fragrant,
bisexual, regular. Sepals 5, or rarely 4, free or slightly united at the base, rarely forming
a tube, often with glands at the base inside. Corolla gamopetalous, 5-lobed; tube
variously shaped, sometimes with scales, protuberances, ridges, or a corona in the
mouth. Disc annular or cupular or of 2-5 scales, sometimes more or less adnate to the
ovary, rarely 0. Stamens 5, or rarely 4, usually included; filaments often very short;
anthers usually longer than the filaments, free or conniving in a cone, often with an
apical appendage, sometimes produced into long tails, often lobed or distinctly sagittate
at the base, with the foot of the connective sometimes produced into a short appendage.
Ovary superior or slightly inferior, entire and 1-2 chambered with 1 to many ovules
in each chamber, or consisting of 2 distinct carpels; style 1, entire or divided at the base;
stigma various, frequently with a frill or other appendage at the base, entire or shortly
bifid. Fruit baccate, drupaceous, samaroid, or consisting of usually 2 baccate or
follicular mericarps, rarely breaking up into 2 or 4 valves. Seeds various, frequently
compressed, very often with a tuft of hairs at one or both ends, or winged, rarely with
a plumose apical or basal awn; embryo straight; cotyledons flat, rarely folded;
endosperm present or absent.
Found chiefly in tropical regions of both hemispheres. Seventeen genera and 40 species are known
to be indigenous or naturalised in Southern Africa. In addition, several attractive garden plants,
usually with showy, fragrant flowers, have been introduced. These are listed here, as they are not
dealt with further in the text. Among the introduced shrubs and trees are: Nerium oleander L.
(Oleander), Plumeria spp. (Frangipani) and Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) Schum. (Yellow Oleander),
while the climbing plants include: Allamanda cathartica L., Beaumontia grandiflora Wall., Dipladenia
splendens (Hook.) A. DC., Mandevilla laxa (Ruiz & Pav.) Woodson, Trachelospermum jasminoides
Lem. and Vallaris pergularia Burm. f. Vinca major L., a creeping, herbaceous perennial with blue
flowers, is occasionally found as a garden escape, but cannot be classed as a naturalised plant, as is the
case with the related Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don.
Milky latex is present in many members of the family and some, for example Landolphia spp.,
were exploited in the past as a source of rubber. The family is also known for the presence of alkaloids
and among the genera which have been investigated for their poisonous or medicinal properties are:
Acokanthera, Adenium, Catharanthus, Gonioma, Holarrhena, Nerium, Rauvolfia and Strophanthus.
Ovary entire:
Ovary 2-chambered with 1-4, rarely many, ovules in each; shrubs or trees,
rarely scandent:
Unarmed shrubs or trees; inflorescence axillary 1. Acokanthera
Armed shrubs, sometimes scandent; inflorescence terminal or pseudo-
axillary 2. Carissa
Ovary 1 -chambered, with many ovules; woody climbers or, rarely, shrubs
3. Landolphia
Apocynaceae
245
Ovary of 2 separate or almost separate carpels:
Leaves opposite or ternate; stems woody or subherbaceous :
Stems subherbaceous, not exceeding 1-5 m tall 7. Catharanthus
Stems woody; shrubs, trees or climbers:
Fruit baccate or drupaceous:
Fruit baccate; many ovules in each carpel:
Calyx divided almost to the base:
Fruit of 2 large, subglobose mericarps; corolla tube less than 1 cm
long 8. Tabernaemontana
Fruit syncarpous, bilobed; corolla tube exceeding 1 cm in length
9. Ephippiocarpa
Calyx with a distinct tube which is circumscissile at the base. . 10. Voacanga
Fruit a drupe; 2 ovules in each carpel 11. Rauvolfia
Fruit follicular:
Mericarps less than 5 cm long, oblong to linear-oblong, somewhat com-
pressed :
Ovules many in each carpel: leaves oblong to oblanceolate; fruit
longitudinally striate 4. Gonioma
Ovules 2-4 in each carpel; leaves usually broadly ovate-elliptic; fruit
lenticellate 6. Diplorhynchus
Mericarps exceeding 8 cm in length, cylindric or spindle-shaped to linear:
Corolla more or less salver-shaped:
Corolla without appendages in the throat; leaves broadly elliptic
5. Holarrhena
Corolla with scales or appendages in the throat; leaves lanceolate,
oblong or oblanceolate:
Woody climbers; leaves oblong to oblanceolate; scales in corolla
throat free 15. Oncinotis
Trees or shrubs; leaves lanceolate; scales in corolla throat forming
a short corona 17. Wrightia
Corolla tube campanulate to broadly funnel-shaped:
Corolla lacking paired appendages alternating with the corolla lobes;
follicles slender, cylindric 12. Baissea
Corolla with paired appendages alternating with the corolla lobes;
follicles stout, spindle-shaped or linear-oblong. . 16. Strophanthus
Leaves alternate or fascicled; plants with succulent stems:
Stipules minute or absent; anthers produced into long hairy appendages
13. Adenium
Stipules transformed into rigid spines; anthers with only a short, terminal
appendage 14. Pachypodium
6558
1. ACOKANTHERA
Acokanthera G. Don , Gen. Syst. 4: 485 (1838); Endl., Gen. PI. Suppl. 1: 1404
(1841), as Acocanthera; Walp., Rep. 3: 122 (1845), as Akokanthera; Stapf in F.C. 4,
1: 499 (1907); Markgraf in Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin 8: 459 (1923), as Acocanthera;
Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 583 (1951); Codd in Bothalia 7: 448 (1961).
Toxicophlaea Harv. in Hook. Lond. Journ. Bot. 1: 24 (1842); A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 336
(1844).
Shrubs or small trees, unarmed. Leaves thickly coriaceous, opposite or subopposite,
simple, entire, subrotund to lanceolate or oblanceolate; axillary glands 0 or minute;
stipules 0. Inflorescence axillary, usually much contracted, many-flowered, shortly
246
Apocynaceae
pedunculate or sessile, corymbose or shortly racemose. Flowers subsessile, white or
tinged with pink, scented. Calyx small, divided almost to the base, eglandular within;
sepals 5, imbricate, ovate, acute. Corolla salver-shaped; tube cylindric, slightly widened
at the mouth, much longer than the calyx, hairy within; lobes 5, much shorter than
the tube, overlapping to the left. Stamens 5, enclosed in the widened part of the tube;
filaments terete; anthers ovate-oblong, mucronate, sometimes pilose at the apex,
shortly 2-lobed at the base. Disc 0. Ovary entire, 2-chambered, with a single pendulous
ovule in each chamber; style filiform; stigma at the level of the anthers, conic or
cylindric, with a ring of papillae at the base and a minutely 2-lobed hairy tip. Fruit
a globose to ellipsoid berry. Seeds 1 or 2, black or brown, elliptic, somewhat flattened;
embryo straight; cotyledons thin, elliptic to rotund; radicle long; endosperm fleshy.
Found in wooded country in east tropical Africa to South Africa and also occurs in Arabia. The
generic name is derived from the Greek “ acoce ”, a mucrone, and refers to the mucronate anthers.
Acokanthera is closely related to Carissa in floral characters and has been reduced to synonymy
by Pichon. It differs mainly in the inflorescence being axillary, not terminal, and in certain other
minor characters. The presence or absence of spines is not a generic distinction, but may be used for
separating members of the two genera in Southern Africa. In general appearance the two genera
are distinct and can usually be separated without difficulty. There is a practical reason for upholding
Acokanthera because the sap in all species is reported to be highly toxic, which is apparently not the
case in Carissa.
Fruit exceeding 2 cm in length; corolla tube exceeding 1 -3 cm in length:
Fruit ovoid; secondary nerves of leaves indistinct 1. A. oblongifolia
Fruit globose; secondary nerves of leaves fairly distinct 4. Acokanthera sp.
Fruit 0-8-2 cm long; corolla tube 8-11 mm iong:
Leaves ovate-elliptic to oblong or lanceolate, acute or obtuse, secondary and often tertiary
nerves distinct; fruit ovoid, rarely subglobose 2. A. oppositifolia
Leaves broadly elliptic to subrotund, obtuse to rounded at the apex, secondary nerves rather
indistinct 3. A. schimperi var. rotundata
1. Acokanthera oblongifolia ( Hochst .) L. E. Codd in Bothalia 7: 449 (1961). Type:
Natal, Krauss 361 (K, iso.).
Carissa oblongifolia Hochst. in Flora 827 (1844). C. spectabilis (Sond.) Pichon in Mem. Mus.
Hist. Nat. Paris n.s. 24: 132 (1948).
Toxicophlaea spectabilis Sond. in Linnaea 23: 79 (1850). Syntypes: Port Natal, Gueinzius 37;
511.
Acokanthera spectabilis (Sond.) Hook. f. in Bot. Mag. t.6359 (1878); Wood & Evans, Natal
PI. 1: t. 74 (1899); Stapf in F.C. 4, 1 : 501(1907); Phillips in FI. PI. S. Afr. 1 : t. 24 (1921); Markgraf
in Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin 8: 463 (1923). A. venenata var. spectabilis (Sond.) Sim, For. FI. Cape
Col. 270, t. 154, fig. 2 (1907).
Shrub or small tree up to 6 m high, evergreen; branches more or less erect,
sparingly branched, glabrous. Leaves very coriaceous, dark green, glabrous, paler
and sometimes purplish beneath, glossy, broadly elliptic to oblong, oblong-lanceolate
or oblanceolate, 6—12 cm long and 2-5-6 cm broad cuneate to obtuse at the base, apex
obtuse to rounded, mucronate; secondary nerves 7-10 on each side, indistinct; margin
recurved; petiole stout, transversely wrinkled, channelled above, 4-10 mm long.
Inflorescence many-flowered, subsessile, contracted and corymbose or a short dense
raceme of cymes; bracts ovate-lanceolate, 1-5 mm long, caducous. Flowers sessile,
white or tinged with pink, scented. Calyx small, 3-4 mm long, puberulous; sepals
ovate to ovate-lanceolate, ciliate. Corolla salver-shaped; tube cylindric, wider near
the apex and slightly contracted at the throat, 1 • 3-2 • 0 cm long, almost glabrous without,
hairy within; lobes ovate to oblong, acute, 5-7mm long, sparingly puberulous. Stamens 5,
situated near the apex, subsessile; anthers ovate, 1-5 mm long with a minute hairy
apex. Ovary entire, 2-chambered with 1 ovule in each locule; style filiform 1-2-1 -6
cm long; stigma shortly cylindric with a minutely bifid hairy tip. Fruit an ellipsoid
Apocynaceae
247
or subglobose plum-like berry 2-2-5 cm long and 1-5-2 -2 cm in diameter, purplish
black. Seeds 2 or 1 (by abortion), broadly elliptic, flattened, up to 1-5 cm long, and
1 -2 cm broad; cotyledons thin, subrotund; radicle longer than the cotyledons, straight;
endosperm fleshy. Fig. 36: 2.
Found in coastal bush and woodland not far from the coast, in eastern Cape Province and Natal.
Often cultivated.
Cape. — Bathurst: coastal bush, Fletcher 28. East London: Galpin 1850; Mogg 10779; C. A.
Smith 3863.
Natal. — Port Shepstone: Mogg 12740; Shelly Beach, Letty 215. Durban: Medley Wood 4919;
7996; Isipingo, Forbes & Obermeyer 36. Pinetown: Doonside, Wylie s.n.
Closely related to A. oppositifolia , but can usually be distinguished by the longer corolla tube, larger
fruits and indistinct secondary nerves. Sim, l.c., placed it as a variety of A. oppositifolia but there seem
to be sufficient grounds for upholding it as a species.
2. Acokanthera oppositifolia {Lam.) L. E. Codd in Bothalia 7; 448 (1961). Type:
Africa, Sonnerat (P, holo.).
Cestrum oppositifolium Lam. in Tab. Encycl. Bot. 2: 5, t. 112, fig. 2 (1797). C. venenatum Burm.
f.. FI. Cap. Prodr. 5 (1768), non Acokanthera venenata G. Don, Gen. Syst. 4: 485 (1838). Type: South
Africa, Banks (G, holo.!). C. venenatum Thunb., Prodr. 1 : 36 (1794); FI. Cap. ed. Schult. 193 (1823),
nom. illegit. Type: South Africa, Thunberg (UPS).
Sideroxylon toxiferum Thunb., Trav. ed. 3, 1: 156 (1795), nom. nud.
Acokanthera lamarckii G. Don, Gen. Syst. 4: 485 (1838), nom. illegit. Type: as for Cestrum
oppositifolium Lam. A. venatorium E. Mey. in Drege, Zwei Pfl. Doc. 171 (1843); Sond. in Linnaea,
23: 79 (1850), nom. nud. A. venenata sensu Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 94 (1902); F.C. 4, 1: 500(1907);
Sim, For. FI. Cape Col. 270, t. 154, fig. 1 (1907); Marloth, FI. S. Afr. 3, 1 : t. 17 (1932); Brenan &
Greenw., Check-list Tang. Terr. 2: 47 (1949). — var. scabra (Sond.) Markgf. in Notizbl. Bot.
Gart. Berl. 8: 470 (1923). A. venenata (Burm. f.) G. Don ex C. A. Smith in J. S. Afr. For. Ass. 20:
42 (1951), nom. illegit.
Toxicophlaea thunbergii Harv. in Hook. Lond. Journ. Bot. 1: 24 (1842); Thes. Cap. 10, t. 16
(1859); Sond. in Linnaea, 23: 78 (1850), nom. illegit. Type: as for Cestrum venenatum Thunb.
— var. scabra Sond., l.c. Type: based on several syntypes. T. cestroides A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8:
336 (1844). Type: as for Cestrum venenatum Thunb.
Carissa acokanthera Pichon in Mem. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, n.s. 24: 132 (1948), nom. illegit.
C. oppositifolium (Lam.) Pichon in Bull. Jard. Bot. Brux. 22: 109 (1952).
Shrub or small tree 2-4 m high, evergreen; branches more or less erect, sparingly
branched, glabrous or, rarely, puberulous. Leaves very coriaceous, dark green and
glossy above, glabrous or minutely papillose, paler and sometimes purplish beneath,
ovate-elliptic to oblong or oblong-lanceolate, 5-10 cm long and 2-5 cm broad, cuneate
or obtuse at the base, apex acute, rarely obtuse to rounded, mucronate; secondary
nerves 5-10 on each side, usually distinct; margin revolute; petiole stout, transversely
wrinkled, channelled above, 2-5 mm long. Inflorescence many-flowered, subsessile,
contracted and corymbose or a short, dense raceme of cymes; bracts ovate, 1-5 mm
long, caducous. Flowers sessile, white tinged with pink, scented. Calyx small, 2 mm
long, puberulous or glabrous; sepals ovate-lanceolate, acute, often ciliate. Corolla
salver-shaped; tube cylindric, wider near the apex and slightly contracted at the throat,
8-11 mm long, pubescent to subglabrous without, hairy within, lobes broadly ovate,
abruptly acute, 2-2-5 mm long, pubescent. Stamens 5, situated in the throat, sub-
sessile; anthers ovate, 1 mm long, apex almost glabrous. Ovary entire, 2-chambered,
with one ovule in each locule; style filiform, 6-8 mm long; stigma small, conical
with a minutely bifid hairy tip. Fruit an ellipsoid or subglobose berry, either small,
8-12 mm long and 6-8 mm in diameter, or large, 1-4-2 cm long and 1-1-5 cm in
diameter, purplish black. Seeds 2 or 1 (by abortion), broadly elliptic in outline, flattened
on one side, 6 mm long (in small fruits) or up to 1-2 cm long in large fruits. Fig. 36: 1 .
Widespread in wooded places, in a variety of habitats from exposed rocky slopes to scrub forest,
along watercourses and in coastal bush, occurring from southern and eastern Cape Province, through
Natal and Swaziland to the Transvaal. Also recorded from Rhodesia, Portuguese East Africa and
Tanganyika.
2355522—9
248
Apocynaceae
Fig. 36. — 1 , Acokanthera oppositifolia, portion of a flowering branch (cult. Botanic Gardens); la, flower
opened, x 4 (Cochl 1676); 1 b, fruiting twig (Smith 0/222). 2, A. oblongifolia, fruiting twig (Forbes
& Obermeyer 36). 3, A. schimperi var. rotundata, fruiting twig ( Breyer in TRY 17906).
Apocynaceae
249
Cape. — Mossel Bay: Marloth 7679. George: Kaymans River Gat, Drege. Knysna: Plettenberg
Bay, Kapp 29. Port Elizabeth: Enon, Thode A 2703. Alexandria: Olifantshoek Forest Reserve,
Archibald 4479. Albany: near Committees Hotel, Smith 222. Bathurst: Port Alfred, Salisbury 131.
Queenstown: Fincham’s Nek, Galpin 1888. Stutterheim: Kabaku Hills, Acocks 8968; 9008. East
London: Hilner 202; Galpin 3321. Komga: near Komga, Flanagan 879. Kentani: Pegler 4.
Port St. Johns: Ndhluzula Forest, Miller in F.D. Herb. 2998. Lusikisiki: Marais 995.
Natal. — Umzinto: Dumisa, Rudatis 1123. Durban: Berea, Medley Wood 1221. Camperdown:
Harrison, Bayer 7308. Lower Tugela: Stanger, Galpin 12140. Weenen: Umhlumba Mt., Acocks
10515. Dundee: Vants Drift, Code/ 1514. Hlabisa: False Bay, Pole Evans 4706. Ubombo: Aitken
& Gale 2.
Swaziland. — Ngudzi Hill, Miller S/274.
Transvaal. — Ermelo: near Amsterdam, Henrici 5108. Krugersdorp: near Broederstroom,
Leistner 661. Rustenburg: Galpin 11523. Brits: Hartebeestpoort Dam, Pole Evans & Smuts 1491.
Pretoria: Fountains Valley, Vercloorn 457. Belfast: Waterval Boven, Mogg in PRE 15100. Nelspruit:
Kruger National Park, near Pretorius Kop, van der Schijff 962. Lydenburg: Lulu Mts., Mogg 16898.
Potgietersrus: Pyramid Estate, Galpin 903 1 . Letaba: Shiluvane, Junod51\. Petersburg: Blaauwberg,
near Maleboch’s Kraal, Codd 8697. Soutpansberg: 11 miles W. of Louis Trichardt, Prosser 2030.
A variable species, but no useful purpose can be seen in upholding varieties. A form separated
as var. scabra by Markgraf is found between Port Elizabeth and East London with scabrid-puberulous
twigs and leaves, with or without scattered minute papillae. There appear to be two forms as regards
fruit size, one with small fruits 8-12 mm long and 6-8 mm in diameter and one with larger fruits 1 4-2
cm long and 1-1-5 cm in diameter.
As pointed out in Bothalia 7: 448 (1961), Cestrum venenatum Thunb. is an illegitimate homonym
of C. venenatum Burm. f. When G. Don published the name Acokanthera venenata , he cited C. venenatum
Thunb. and C. citrifolium Retz., and thus A. venenata becomes, according to the Rules of Nomenclature,
a superfluous name for C. citrifolium Retz., which is not an Acokanthera.
3. Acokanthera schimperi (A. DC.) Schweinf. in Bol. Soc. Afr. Italia 10: 12 (1891).
Type: Abyssinia, Schimper 254.
var. rotundata L. E. Codd in Bothalia 7: 449 (1961). Type: Kruger National
Park, near Klopperfontein, Codd 5432 (PRE, holo.).
A. sp., Codd, Bot. Surv. S. Afr. Mem. 26: 151 (1951).
Shrub or smail tree up to 3 m high, branches somewhat spreading, sparingly
branched, tomentose, puberulous or, rarely, glabrous. Leaves very coriaceous, glossy
above and paler below, scabrid to glabrous, broadly elliptic to subrotund, 4-7 cm long
and 3 -5-5 -5 cm broad, obtuse to rounded at the base and apex, mucronate; secondary
nerves 5-7 on each side, usually indistinct; margin revolute; petiole stout, transversely
wrinkled, channelled above, 2-6 mm long. Inflorescene many-flowered, subsessile,
corymbose; bracts ovate, 1-5 mm long, caducous. Flowers sessile, white or white
tinged with pink, scented. Calyx small, 2-2-5 mm long, puberulous to tomentulose;
sepals ovate-lanceolate, acuminate. Corolla salver-shaped; tube cylindric, wider at
the apex, 8-9 mm long, pubescent or glabrous without, hairy within; lobes ovate,
obtuse, 4-4-5 mm long and 2 mm broad. Stamens 5, situated in the corolla throat,
slightly exserted; anthers ovate, sparingly hairy, 1-1-5 mm long, shortly mucronate.
base cordate. Ovary entire, 2-chambered, with one ovule in each locule; style filiform,
7-8 mm long; stigma small, conical with a minutely bifid, hairy tip. Fruit a globose or
subglobose berry, 1 • 5-2 cm in diameter, purple when ripe. Seeds 2 or 1 (by abortion),
broadly elliptic to orbicular in outline, flattened, 8-10 mm long and 8-9 mm broad;
embryo straight, cotyledons orbicular, flat ; radicle as long as the cotyledons. Fig. 36 : 3.
In dry wooded places, usually on rocks of granite, sandstone or quartzite, in northern Zululand,
eastern and north-eastern Transvaal and western Southern Rhodesia.
Natal. — Ingwavuma: near Ingwavuma, Codd 2077.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Pole Evans in PRE 9845. Nelspruit: Amajuba Mt., Schagen, Liebenberg
3087; Kruger National Park, Klokwene, van der Schijff 758. Pietersburg: Chuniespoort, Pole Evans
H 19451. Sibasa: Kruger National Park, near Klopperfontein, Codd 5432.
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Apocynaceae
Specimens from Southern Rhodesia and northern Transvaal have markedly scabrid leaves and
tomentulose branchlets but, towards the south, these characters become less evident and from Nelspruit
and Barberton completely glabrous specimens have been recorded. The rounded leaves, relatively
obscure venation and globose fruits serve to distinguish these plants from A. oppositifolia and point
to a closer relationship with the tropical species, A. schimperi.
4. Acokanthera sp.
Tree 15 m tall, glabrous. Leaves elliptic to oblong-elliptic, 6-10 cm long and 3-4
cm broad, cuneate to obtuse at the base, apex obtuse to rounded, usually mucronate;
secondary nerves 7-10 on each side, fairly distinct, tertiary nerves indistinct; petiole
transversely wrinkled, channelled above, 4-6 mm long. Flowers not seen. Fruit
globose, plum-like, 2-2-3 cm in diam., orange, drying blackish; seeds 2 or 1 (by
abortion).
Known from one gathering in montane forest in Swaziland.
Swaziland.- — Piggs Peak, Kings Forest, fruiting May 1958, Ben Dlamini s.n. (PRE, NBG).
This appears to be a distinct species, allied to A. oblongifolia (Hochst.) L. E. Codd, but differing
in the somewhat larger, globose fruits, which are reported by Prof. Compton, whose native assistant
collected the specimen, to be orange in colour, not blackish-purple as is the case with A. oblongifolia.
Furthermore, A. oblongifolia grows only to about 6 m tall and is known from coastal bush from about
East London to Durban. The leaves of the Swaziland plant have fairly distinct secondary nerves,
more so than in A. oblongifolia. Flowers are desired before a definite conclusion on its status can
be reached.
Excluded Species
A. lycioides (R. & S.) G. Don, Gen. Syst. 4: 485 (1838), based on Cestrum lycioides R. & S., Syst. 4:
558 (1819). Placed as a synonym of Lydian dnereum Thunb. by Wright in F.C. 4, 2: 117 (1904).
A. pubescens (R. & S.) G. Don. l.c., based on Cestrum pubescens R. & S., l.c. Type not seen but, from
the description, it appears also to be a species of Lydum.
A. venenata G. Don., l.c., based on Cestrum venenatum Thunb. and C. dtrifolium Retz. As C. venenatum
Thunb. is an illegitimate name, A. venenata G. Don must be regarded as a synonym of C. dtrifolium.
The type of the latter species has been examined and it proves to be a species of Cestrum, a genus
not represented in our indigenous flora.
6559
2. CARISSA
Carissa L., Mant. 1: 7 (1767), nom. cons.; Juss., Gen. 140 (1789); Stapf in F.C. 4,
1: 496 (1907); Phill. , Gen. ed. 2: 583 (1951); Pichon in Mem. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris,
n.s. 24: 130 (1948), pro parte, excl. Sect. Acokanthera.
Carandas Rumph., Herb. Amboin. Auct. 57, t. 25 (1755).
Arduinia Mill, ex L., Mant. 1: 7 (1767); E. Mey., Comm. 191 (1837), as Arduina; K. Schum.
in Pflanzenfam. 4, 2: 126 (1895), as Arduina.
Antura Forsk., FI. Aegypt. Arab. 63 (1775).
J asminonerium Kuntze, Rev. Gen. 2: 414 (1891).
Shrubs or small trees, much branched, spiny, sometimes scandent; spines opposite,
simple or forked, often very stout. Leaves leathery, opposite, simple, entire, broadly
ovate to ovate-lanceolate, petiolate; axillary; stipules 0; axillary glands very small
or 0. Inflorescence terminal or pseudo-axillary, usually much contracted, umbellate
or corymbose, rarely a cyme. Flowers subsessile, often conspicuous, white or tinged
with pink, scented. Calyx small, divided almost to the base, eglandular within or rarely
multigland ular; sepals 5 or very rarely 4, imbricate, ovate, acute. Corolla salver-shaped;
tube cylindric, slightly wider below the mouth or near the middle, hairy within, sometimes
densely hairy in the throat; lobes longer or shorter than the tube, overlapping to the
Apocynaceae
251
right or to the left. Stamens as many as the corolla lobes, enclosed in the widened part
of the corolla tube; filaments short, slender; anthers linear-oblong, sometimes apiculate.
Disc 0. Ovary entire, 2-chambered with 1-4, rarely many, ovules in each chamber;
style filiform; stigma usually at the level of the anthers, elliptic or subglobose, usually
with a 2-lobed hairy tip. Fruit a globose to oblong berry. Seeds usually 1-4 rarely
more, flat, irregularly shaped; testa rough or smooth; embryo straight; cotyledons
flat, elliptic; radicle about as long as the cotyledons; endosperm fleshy.
Found in Africa, Asia and Australia, usually associated with scrub or forest. Six species are
recognised in South Africa. The generic name is probably derived from the Sanskrit name “ Oorissa ”
for one of the Indian species.
The spines in Carissa are modified peduncles, the bifurcate spines being derived from the cymose
inflorescence. For further notes see Markgraf in Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin, 15: 455 (1942).
The genus may be divided into two sections, namely:
Section 1. — Carissa: Corolla-lobes overlapping to the right; ovules 1-4 in each cell; anthers
inserted near the throat; spines simple or absent.
Section 2. — Arduina: Corolla-lobes overlapping to the left; ovules 1-many in each cell;
anthers inserted at the middel of the tube or near the throat; spines bifurcate, rarely simple.
Corolla lobes overlapping to the right; spines simple 1. C. edulis
Corolla lobes overlapping to the left; spines bifurcate, or rarely simple:
Flowers 4-merous 2. C. tetramera
Flowers 5-merous:
Corolla lobes 1-5-3 -5 cm long, usually 2-3 times longer than the tube; fruit 3-5 cm long,
many seeded 3. C. macro car pa
Corolla lobes 2-12 mm long, usually shorter than the tube; fruit up to 1-6 cm long, 1 or
2-seeded :
Corolla lobes 2-5 mm long; tube 6-9 mm long; leaves 1-7 cm long:
Corolla lobes 2 mm long, broader than long; fruit black when ripe 4. C. haematocarpa
Corolla lobes 3-5-5 mm long, longer than broad; fruit usually red when ripe. .5. C. bispinosa
Corolla lobes 9-12 mm long, tube 11-14 mm long; leaves 5-10 cm long 6. C. wyliei
1. Carissa edulis Vahl, Symb. Bot. 1: 22 (1790); Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 89 (1902);
Engl. & Drude, Veg. der Erde 9, 1, 1: 117 (1910); Brenan & Greenw., Check-list
Tang. Terr. 2: 48 (1949). Type: Arabia, Mount Hadiens, Forskall.
Antura hadiensis G. F. Gmel., Syst. 405 (1791). Type: as for C. edulis Vahl.
Arduina edulis (Vahl) Spreng., Syst. 1: 669 (1825).
Carissa dulcis Schumach. & Thonn., Beskr. Guin. PI. 166 (1827). Type: Guinea, Aflaumbe
Island, Thonning. C. tomentosa A. Rich., Tent. FI. Abyss. 2: 30 (1851). Type: Abyssinia, Tchelikote
Province, Ant. Petit. C. pilosa Schinz in Verhandl. Bot. Ver. Brand. 30: 258 (1888). Type: South
West Africa, Grootfontein, Schinz. C. edulis var. tomentosa (A. Rich.) Stapf in F.T.A. 4. 1 : 89 (1902);
F.C. 4, 1: 497 (1907).
Jasminonerium edule (Vahl) Kuntze, Rev. Gen. PI. 2: 415 (1891). J. tomentosum (A. Rich.)
Kuntze, l.c. (1891). J. dulce (Schum. & Thonn.) Kuntze, l.c. (1891).
Azima pubescens Suesseng. in Mitt. Bot. Munchen, 1: 334 (1953). Syntypes: South West Africa,
Grootfontein District, Walter 346; 810 (M!).
Shrub, sometimes straggling or scandent, up to 4 m high, spiny, much branched,
young branches glabrous or tomentose, sap milky; spines simple, rigid, usually straight,
2-4 cm long. Leaves coriaceous, ovate to ovate-elliptic or ovate-lanceolate, rarely
subrotund, 2-5-6 cm long and 1-8-3 cm broad, rounded or subcuneate at the base,
apex acute and often mucronulate, rarely obtuse, usually paler below, glabrous or
pubescent; secondary nerves 3-5 on each side, indistinct; petiole 1-4 mm long,
channelled above; axillary glands present, very small; stipules 0. Inflorescence
corymbose; bracts linear, 3 mm long, caducous. Flowers white, tinged with purple,
subsessile, scented. Calyx 3-4 mm long, pubescent; sepals 5, lanceolate, acuminate.
Corolla salver-shaped; tube cylindric, widest near the apex, 1-3-1 -8 cm long glabrous
without, hairy within; lobes ovate-oblong to oblong-lanceolate, acute, 4-9 mm long.
252
Apocynaceae
overlapping to the right, pubescent above. Stamens 5, inserted towards the apex:
anthers subsessile, 2 mm long. Ovary entire, 2-chambered with 2 ovules per locule:
style filiform, 8-10 mm long; stigma elliptic, apex hairy. Fruit a berry, subglobose to
ovoid, 6-11 mm in diameter, purple to black, edible. Seeds 2-4, flat, ovoid; testa
rough, hard.
Widespread in tropical Africa extending to southern Arabia and southwards to South West Africa
and the Transvaal, associated with tropical bushveld and scrub forest.
Transvaal. — Pilgrims Rest: Bushbuck Ridge, Acocks 12893. Lydenburg: on road to Penge,
Story 4095. Letaba: Shiluvane, Junod s.n. Sibasa: near Lake Funduzi, Gi/lett 3071. Pietersburg:
near Boyne, Gerstner 5380; Blaauwberg, Codd & Dyer 9194; 9195. Soutpansberg: near Wylliespoort,
Pole Evans 1947; near Louis Trichardt, Rodin 4003; Galpin 9464.
S.W.A. — Caprivi Strip: near Katima Mulilo, Codd 7106. Okavango: Watt 37. Grootfontein :
Otavi, Auros, Dinter 5595; farm Heidelberg, Walter 346 (M); farm Otjirukaka, Walter 810 (M).
The long synonymy listed by Stapf, l.c., has not been investigated in its entirety. There is a good
deal of variation, especially in leaf size, pubescence and corolla size. The typical form is glabrous
and the more pubescent form was distinguished by Stapf as C. edulis var. tomentosa (A. Rich.) Stapf.
He records only the latter form from South Africa in Flora Capensis, but the glabrous form is found
here also. The two may be found side by side (e.g. Codd & Dyer 9194, 9195) and are otherwise
indistinguishable. There are also intermediate stages where scattered hairs are found on the lower
leaf surface only, or only on the main nerves, so no advantage can be seen in upholding separate
varieties. The pubescent form is evidently absent from West Tropical Africa.
2. Carissa tetramera ( Sacleux ) Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 91 (1902); Brenan &
Greenw., Check-list Tang. Terr. 2: 48 (1949). Syntypes: Zanzibar, Boivin s.n.; Dupar-
quet s.n.; Sacleux s.n.
Arduina tetramera Sacleux in Journ. de Bot. 7: 312 (1893).
Shrub, spiny, much branched, up to 3 m high; branches divaricate, often puberu-
lous, rarely pubescent when young, becoming glabrous; sap milky; spines bifurcate,
rarely simple, 2-5 cm long, arising usually in pairs at the apex of a shoot and decussate
to the apical leaves, persistent, often bearing in the angle of the fork a reduced or
abortive inflorescence. Leaves coriaceous, ovate to ovate-oblong or oblong-lanceolate,
2- 4-5 cm long and 1-5-2 -4 cm broad, truncate to rounded at the base, apex acute
to obtuse, usually mucronulate, glabrous or, rarely, puberulous, shiny above, paler
below; secondary nerves 5-12, usually distinct; petiole short, up to 2 mm long,
channelled above; axillary glands present; stipules 0. Inflorescence cymose, contracted,
sessile at the ends of the branchlets or in the spine-forks, puberulous; bracts lanceolate,
acuminate or spine tipped, 3 mm long. Flowers relatively small, white, tinged with red,
scented, subsessile. Calyx 2 mm long, puberulous; sepals 4, the inner 2 shorter,
ovate, acute to acuminate. Corolla salver-shaped; tube cylindric 9-14 mm long,
glabrous or puberulous without, hairy within; lobes 4, rarely 5, ovate to rotund,
3- 5 mm long, overlapping to the left, pubescent above. Stamens 4, very rarely 5,
inserted at the middle; anthers subsessile, 1-5 mm long. Disc 0. Ovary entire,
2-chambered with up to 8 ovules in each cell; style 3-4 mm long; stigma some distance
below the anthers, ellipsoid, apex bifid, hairy. Fruit a berry, subglobose, 7-10 mm
in diameter, purple to black, edible. Seeds 4-8, flat, irregularly ovoid in outline;
testa rough, hard. Fig. 37: 4.
Distributed from Tanganyika southwards to the eastern Transvaal and Zululand, occurring as an
undershrub in tropical scrub forest or in coastal bush.
Natal. — Zululand, Bayer 1477. Hlabisa: False Bay, Gerstner 4747; 4796; 4931; near Hluhluwe
Station, Acocks 13103. Ubombo: Mkuzi Game Reserve, Ward 3523. Ingwavuma: Ndumu Game
Reserve, Ward 2475 (NH).
Transvaal. — Nelspruit: Kruger National Park, near Malelane, Codd 6098. Sibasa: K.N.P.,
Punda Milia, van der Schijff 975.
Apocynaceae
253
Pig. 37.—1, Carissa bispinosa var. bispinosa, portion of flowering branch (Letty 350); la, corolla opened,
X 5. 2, C. bispinosa var. acuminata, portion of flowering branch ( van der Berg 24); 2a, corolla
opened, X 5. 3, C. haematocarpa, portion of flowering branch ( Acocks 11963). 4, C. tetramera,
portion of branch flowering and fruiting (Gerstner 4931).
254
Apocynaceae
3. Carissa macrocarpa ( EckI .) A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 336 (1844). Type: Cult.
Uitenhage, Ecklon.
Arduina macrocarpa Eckl. in S. Afr. Quart. Journ. 1: 372 (1830). A. grandiflora E. Mey., Comm.
191 (1837); Brooks, Natal, t. 11 (1876); K. Schum. in Pflanzenfam. 4, 2: 126 (1895). Type: between
Umsikaba and Port Natal, Drege.
Carissa grandiflora (E. Mey.) A. DC., l.c., 335 (1844); Saunders, Ref. Bot. 5: t. 300 (1873); Hook,
f. in Bot. Mag. t. 6307(1877); Wood & Evans, Natal PL 1,1: t. 14 (1898); Stapf in F.C. 4, 1: 497
(1907); Sim, For. FI. Cape Col. t. 155 (1907); Phill. in FI. PI. S. Afr. 6: t. 226 (1926); Marloth, FI.
S. Afr. 3, 1: t. 18 (1932).
Jasminonerium grandiflorum (E. Mey.) Kuntze, Rev. Gen. PI. 2: 415 (1891).
Shrub up to 4 m high, twiggy, densely branched, evergreen, spiny; branches
divaricate, glabrous; sap milky; spines once or twice bifurcate, 2^-5 cm long, arising
usually in pairs at the apex of a shoot and decussate to the apical pair of leaves, often
bearing an inflorescence in the angle of the fork, persistent, rigid, becoming woody.
Leaves coriaceous, broadly ovate to ovate-elliptic or subrotund 2-5-6 cm long and
1 • 7-3 • 5 cm broad, truncate to obtuse at the base, apex obtuse to acute, mucronate,
glabrous, glossy dark green above, paler below; secondary nerves 5-7 on each side,
obscure; petiole short, up to 5 mm long, channelled above; axillary glands conspicuous;
stipules 0. Inflorescence cymose, contracted, few-flowered, sometimes reduced to 1,
subsessile at the ends of the branchlets or sometimes in the fork of a spine, glabrous;
bracts ovate to lanceolate, acuminate 3-4 mm long, deciduous; pedicels up to 3 mm
long. Flowers large, variable in size, heterogamous, white, scented. Calyx 4-7 mm
long, glabrous; sepals 5, ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate, acuminate. Corolla salver-
shaped; tube cylindric, 9-14 mm long, glabrous without, hairy within; lobes 5, oblong
to elliptic, 1 • 5-3 • 5 cm long and 4-6 mm broad, narrowed towards the base, apex
rounded, overlapping to the left, glabrous. Stamens 5, inserted at the middle of the
tube, anthers subsessile, of two lengths in different plants, 1-5 mm (and apparently
sterile) or 2-5 mm long. Disc 0. Ovary entire, 2-chambered, each with many ovules;
style of two lengths in different plants, the longer about 6 mm long (in flowers with
short, sterile anthers), the shorter 3-4 mm long, thus the stigma either level with or
distinctly below the anthers; stigma ellipsoid. Fruit a berry, ovoid, pointed, up to
5 cm long and 3-5 cm in diameter, red, with milky latex, edible. Seeds 16 or more,
peltate, flat, irregularly elliptical in outline; testa papillose, hard; embryo straight;
cotyledons broadly elliptical, slightly longer than the radicle; endosperm plentiful,
horny.
Found in coastal bush never far from the sea, often on sand dunes, from Humansdorp to Zululand
and extending into the southern coastal regions of Mozambique. Widely cultivated in relatively warm
areas where frosts are not severe.
Cape. — Humansdorp: Slang River, Phillips 3360. Willowvale: Gora River Mouth, Hilner 505.
Port St. Johns: Gatpin 3453; Flanagan 2567 ; Pegler 1550.
Natal. — Umzinto: Sezela, Smuts s.n. Pinetown: Umkomaas, Bruyn 229. Durban: Grant
s.n.; Isipingo Beach, Ward 516. Lower Tugela: Stanger Beach, Pentz 369. Mtunzini: Thode A 1536.
No specimens representative of Ecklon’s type material have been located, but his description is
unmistakable.
Medley Wood, Natal PI. 1: t. 14 (1898), draws attention to the heterogamy which exists in this
species and states that those plants with longer styles and relatively short, undeveloped anthers are
functionally female, while those with short styles and fertile anthers do not set fruit and are thus func-
tionally male. Actually, it has been noted that short-styled plants also set occasional fruits.
Common names are Natal Plum and Amatungula. The fruits make an excellent jam.
Apocynaceae
255
4. Carissa haematocarpa ( Eckl .) A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 336 (1844). Type:
Uitenhage, Ecklon.
Arduina haematocarpa Eckl. in S. Afr. Quart. Journ. 1: 372 (1830). A. ferox E. Mey., Comm.
191 (1837). Syntypes: (a) Camdeboo, Drege; (b) near Cookhouse, Drege', (c) near Zwartkops River,
Drege.
Carissa ferox (E. Mey.) A. DC., l.c. 335 (1844); Marloth, FI. S. Afr. 3, 1 : t. 18e (1932). C. arduina
sensu Stapf in F.C. 4, 1: 498 (1907), partly, as to syn. C. haematocarpa and C. ferox.
Jasminonerium haematocarpum (Eckl.) Kuntze, Rev. Gen. PI. 2: 415 (1891). ./. ferox (E. Mey.)
Kuntze, l.c. (1891).
Shrub up to 3 m high, twiggy, densely branched and very spiny, evergreen; branches
divaricate, minutely papillose or puberulous to pubescent, very rarely glabrous in the
young stage; bark greenish, wrinkled, sap milky; spines once or twice bifurcate,
2-4-5 cm long, arising usually in pairs at the apex of a shoot and decussate to the
apical pair of leaves, persistent, green, becoming stout and woody. Leaves coriaceous,
ovate-elliptic to elliptic, 1 -5-2-8 cm long and 1-1-5 cm broad, truncate to obtuse at
the base, rarely subcordate, apex obtuse to acute, mucronate, glossy dark green above,
paler below, puberulous to minutely papillose or glabrous, lower surface often wrinkled;
secondary nerves 4-6 on each side, obscure; petiole short, up to 3 mm long, channelled
above; axillary glands small; stipules 0. Inflorescence cymose, contracted, few-
flowered, subsessile; bracts linear-lanceolate, 1-5 mm long; pedicels up to 1 mm long,
puberulous. Flowers small, white, scented. Calyx 2-5-3 mm long, puberulous;
sepals 5, ovate, acute or, rarely, acuminate. Corolla salver-shaped; tube cylindric,
6-7 mm long, slightly wider towards the mouth, pubescent or glabrous without, hairy
within especially at the throat; lobes 5, broadly ovate to subrotund, 2 mm long and
3 mm broad, apex truncate to obtuse, usually minutely mucronulate, overlapping to
the left, usually pubescent on both surfaces. Stamens 5, inserted towards the apex
of the tube; anthers subsessile 1-5 mm long. Ovary entire, 2-chambered, each with
1 or 2 ovules; style filiform 4 mm long; stigma level with the anthers, ellipsoid, minutely
bifurcate at the apex. Fruit a berry, ovoid or subglobose, 6-8 mm long and 4-5 mm
in diameter, black or bluish-purple, edible. Seeds 1 or 2, irregularly elliptical in outline;
testa rough, hard. Fig. 37: 3.
Occurs in dry, karroid bushveld in southern and eastern Cape Province, Namaqualand and the
southern part of South West Africa.
Cape. — Worcester: Veld Reserve, van Breda 248. Swellendam: Bonnievale, Marloth 11809.
Uitenhage: Ecklon & Zeyher 428 (SAM); Zeyher 3416 (SAM); “Aloes ”, /. L. Drege 3125. Alexandria:
Bushmans River Poort, Archibald 5329. Peddie: Line Drift, Sim in Herb. Galpin 6282. Albany:
Lindsteclt 16. Bedford: Theron 1811. Pearston: Buflfelshoek Pass, Acocks 11963. Cradock: Henrici
4578. Graaff Reinet: Oudeberg Pass, Theron 707. Namaqualand: Richtersveld, Marloth 12323.
S.W.A. — Warmbad, Dinter s.n.
Closely allied to C. bispinosa, but differs in the shorter and more rounded corolla lobes. The
shorter and more elliptic-ovate leaves and the purple to black fruits are also helpful in separating
C. haematocarpa.
5. Carissa bispinosa (L.) Desf. ex Brenan in Mem. N.Y. Bot. Gard. 8: 502 (1954);
Desf., Tabl. Ecol. Bot. 78 (1804), nom. nud.; Merxm. in Mitt. Bot. Miinchen 17-18:
399 (1957). Type: Mill., Ic. 2: t. 300 (1760).
Shrub or semi-climber up to 5 m high, evergreen, twiggy, divaricately branched,
spiny; young branches minutely papillose or puberulous, rarely glabrous but becoming
glabrous with age, dark green or brownish, wrinkled or smooth; sap milky; spines
once or twice bifurcate or sometimes simple, sometimes very small or absent, 0-5-5
cm long, green or brownish, slender or stout and woody, persistent. Leaves very
variable, coriaceous or thinly coriaceous, generally ovate, broadly ovate, ovate-elliptic
or ovate-lanceolate, 1-7 cm long and 0-8-3 -5 cm broad, obtuse, truncate or cordate
at the base, apex obtuse to acute, mucronate, glossy dark green above, paler below,
glabrous or subglabrous; secondary nerves 6-8 on each side, obscure; petiole short.
256
Apocynaceae
up to 3 mm long, channelled above; axillary glands small; stipules 0. Inflorescence
cymose, compact or somewhat open, few- to many-flowered; subsessile or with peduncles
up to 2 cm long; bracts linear 1 ■ 5 mm long; pedicels 1-3 mm long, puberulous. Flowers
small, white, scented. Calyx 2-5-3 mm long, glabrous or puberulous; sepals ovate-
lanceolate to lanceolate-subulate, acuminate. Corolla salver-shaped; tube cylindric
6-9 mm long, slightly wider at the position of the anthers, glabrous or puberulous
without, hairy within, especially at the throat; lobes 5, ovate to ovate-lanceolate,
3 • 5-5 mm long and 1 • 5-2 • 5 mm broad, acute to abruptly acuminate, overlapping
to the left, glabrous or puberulous. Stamens 5 inserted at or above the middle of the
tube; anthers subsessile, 1-5 mm long. Ovary entire, 2-chambered, each with one
ovule; style filiform, 1 -5-4 mm long; stigma level with the anthers, elhpsoid, minutely
bifurcate at the apex. Fruit a berry, ovoid to oblong 1-1-6 cm long and 4-6 mm in
diameter, red, edible. Seeds 1 or 2, irregularly elliptic in outline; testa papillose,
thinly coriaceous; endosperm 0 or very scanty.
Found in wooded places from the south-western Cape Province to Natal, Swaziland, Transvaal
and Mozambique, extending northwards to Nyasaland and westwards to Bechuanaland and South
West Africa.
The aggregate species is characterised by the small flowers with one ovule per locule while, with
rare exceptions, the young branches are minutely papillose or puberulous. There is considerable
variation in leaf size, shape and texture, and size of spines. Two varieties are recognised.
Spines robust, up to 5 cm long, bifurcate, twice bifurcate or simple; leaves thickly coriaceous,
rarely exceeding 3 cm long, usually broadly ovate (a) var. bispinosa
Spines slender, rarely exceeding 2-5 cm long, bifurcate, occasionally absent or nearly so; leaves
thinner, up to 6 cm long, broadly ovate to ovate-lanceolate ( b ) var. acuminata
(a) var. bispinosa. Codd in Bothalia 7: 450 (1961).
Arduina bispinosa L., Mant. 1: 52 (1767); Lodd., Bot. Cab. 4: t. 387 (1819); E. Mey., Comm.
191 (1837); K. Schum. in Pflanzenfam. 4, 2: 126 (1895).
Lycium cordatum Mill., Gard. Diet. ed. 8: No. 10 (1768), nom. illegit. Type: as for Arduina
bispinosa L.
Carissa arduina Lam., Diet. 1: 555 (1785), nom. illegit.; A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 334 (1844);
Stapf in F.C. 4, 1: 498 (1907), partly; Marloth, FI. S. Afr. 3, 1 : t. 18 (1932). C. myrtoides Desf.,
Cat. Hort. Paris ed. 3: 398 (1829). Type: Cult. Hort. Paris, specimen in Herb. Webb (FI), according
to A. DC., l.c. C. cordata Dinter in Fedde Rep. Beih. 53: 112 (1928), nom. nud. C. cordata (Mill.)
Fourc. in Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Afr. 21: 82 (1934). C. dinteri Markgf. in Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin
15: 750 (1942). Type: South West Africa, Otavifontein, Dinter 5359 (PRE, iso.). C. bispinosa (L.)
Desf. ex Brenan in Mem. N.Y. Bot. Gard. 8: 502 (1954), partly, excl. spec, cited.
J asminonerium bispinosum (L.) Kuntze, Rev. Gen. 2: 415 (1891).
Shrub up to 3 m high, much branched, strongly spiny; spines stout, bifurcate,
twice bifurcate or simple, 2-5 cm long. Leaves coriaceous, ovate to broadly ovate,
1-3 (rarely to 5) cm long, truncate or cordate at the base. Anthers situated near the
apex of the corolla tube. Style 3-4- 5 mm long. Fruit ovoid, 1-1 • 3 cm long. Fig. 37: 1.
Found in karroid scrub, bushveld and coastal scrub vegetation, usually in relatively hot, dry
situations, in southern and south-eastern Cape Province, central and western Transvaal and northern
South West Africa.
Cape. — Swellendam: Grootvadersbosch, Marloth 13182. Uitenhage: Zuurberg, Holland 313.
Port Elizabeth: Swartkops, Theron 637. Albany: near Grahamstown, Gane 8. Bathurst: Port
Alfred, Tyson s.n.; Kowie, Britten 743. East London: Cave Rock, Acocks 9037.
Natal. — Ubombo: Mkuzi Game Reserve, Ward 3550.
Transvaal. — Nelspruit: Kruger National Park, near Pretoriuskop, van der Schijff 99. Lyden-
burg: Sekukuniland, Barnard 133. Pietersburg: Sand River, Gerstner 5683. Waterberg: Elands-
poort, Verdoorn 2410. Warmbaths: near Warmbaths, Thode 1730; Gerstner 5308. Pretoria: near
Pretoria, Burtt Davy 754; Fountains Valley, Verdoorn 577 ; Wonderboom, Phillips 3027. Brits: Harte-
beestpoort Dam, Smuts & Pole Evans 1495. Rustenburg: Galpin 11522; Marikana, Turner 13;
Zwartruggens, Sutton 803.
S.W.A. — Grootfontein: Otavi, Dinter 5359; farm Kumkauas, Kinges 2907; near Grootfontein,
de Winter 3698.
Apocynaceae
257
The typical variety is characterised vegetatively by the more twiggy appearance, due to shorter
internodes and more frequent branching; the smaller, thickly coriaceous and more broadly ovate
leaves; and the more robust spines, which are usually bifurcate, but may be twice bifurcate or simple.
In addition, the anthers tend to be situated at the apex of the corolla tube and, as the stigma accompanies
the anthers, the style in var. bispinosa tends to be longer, usually 3-4 mm long.
An odd form occurs at high altitudes in the central Transvaal and is represented by the following
specimens: Lydenburg District, summit of Lulu Mountains, 4,800 ft, Mogg 16963; Barnard & Mogg
995; Pietersburg District, Wolkberg, 6,000 ft, Gerstner 5657. In these specimens the branches are
extremely twiggy with very numerous, relatively short, robust, bifurcate spines; the leaves are small,
broadly ovate, almost cordate-based, 1—1 - 5 cm long; and the flowers are smaller than usual. They
may represent a distinct variety, but are clearly very closely related to var. bispinosa.
In some specimens from the eastern Cape Province, the robust spines are twice bifurcate, while
from the central and western Transvaal and South West Africa specimens are found with simple spines.
The latter character is more marked towards the west; thus specimens from Pretoria and Warmbaths
show usually bifurcate spines with occasional simple ones, while from South West Africa simple spines
often predominate. Specimens from the western Transvaal tend to be intermediate in the degree of
development of simple spines and, in addition, some specimens differ in being completely glabrous,
a condition not encountered elsewhere in this species. C. dinteri Markgraf is based mainly on the
presence of simple spines and cannot, therefore, be separated even as a variety; in all other respects
it is not distinguishable from var. bispinosa.
Although extreme forms of var. bispinosa and var. acuminata are sufficiently distinct to have justified
their being regarded as distinct species, there is a certain amount of intergradation; the following
specimens are in some respects intermediate between the two varieties and cannot readily be classified.
Cape. — Knysna: Theron 979. Alexandria: Bushman’s River Mouth, Johnson 1015. King
William’s Town: Amabele, Liebenberg 3124; Kei Road, Comins 1406. Stutterheim: Acocks 9235;
Kologha Forest, Acocks 9170. East London: Munro 49.
Natal. — Estcourt: Tabamhlope, West 1145. Bergville: Mont-aux-Sources, Bayer & McClean
114. Hlabisa: Dukuduku Forest, Forest Dept. 47. Ingwavuma: Lake Sibayi, Aitken & Gale 5.
Swaziland.— Gollel, Miller S/110.
Transvaal. — Nelspruit: near Pretoriuskop, van der Schijff 491; 864.
(b) var. acuminata ( E . Mey.) L. E. Codd in Bothalia 7: 451 (1961). Type; Between
Umzimvubu and Umsikaba Rivers, near large waterfall, Drege.
Arduina acuminata E. Mey., Comm. 191 (1837); K. Schum. in Pflanzenfam. 4, 2: 126 (1895).
A. erythrocarpa Eckl. in S. Afr. Quart. Journ. 4: 372 (1830). Type: Uitenhage District, Krakakamma
and Addo, Ecklon (BOL!). A. megaphylla Gand. in Bull. Soc. Bot. France 65: 59 (1918). Type:
Cape Province, East London, Galpin 3452.
Carissa acuminata (E. Mey.) A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 335 (1844); Wood, Natal. PI. 3, 1: t. 203
(1900). C. erythrocarpa (Eckl.) A. DC., l.c. (1844). C. arduina sensu Stapf in F.C. 4, 1 : 498 (1907),
partly, as to syn. C. acuminata, C. erythrocarpa. C. bispinosa sensu Brenan in Mem. N.Y. Bot. Gard.
8: 502 (1954), partly, as to spec, cited.
Shrub up to 5 m high, sparingly branched, usually spiny; spines slender, bifurcate,
0-5-2- 5 (rarely to 3-5) cm long. Leaves thinly coriaceous to coriaceous, ovate to
ovate-lanceolate, 2-5-7 cm long, truncate to obtuse at the base. Anthers situated
near the middle or towards the apex of the corolla tube. Style 1-5-3 (rarely to 3-5)
mm long. Fruits ovoid-oblong, 1-2-1 -5 cm long. Fig. 37: 2.
Found usually in fairly dense woodland such as forest margins and scrub forest in the southern
and south-eastern Cape Province, Natal, Swaziland, eastern and northern Transvaal and extending
to eastern Southern Rhodesia and Nyasaland.
Cape. — Riversdale: Muir 153. George: Kaimans Gat, Prior s.n. Somerset East: Scott Elliot
in Flerb. Galpin 94. King William's Town: near Frankfort, Comins 1430. East London: Quigney,
Galpin 3320. Komga: near Komga, Flanagan 71. Kentani: Pegler 532.
Natal. — Umzinto: Dumisa, Rudatis 1133. Durban: Medley Wood 11383. Lower Tugela:
Nonoti, Medley Wood 11394. Eshowe: Thode A 1247. Ingwavuma: Gwaliweni Forest, Bayer 763.
Estcourt: West 160. Bergville: Natal National Park, Galpin 10398; Cathedral Peak Forest Station.
Killick 1216.
O.F.S. — Harrismith: Oliviershoek Pass, Schweickerdt 900.
Swaziland.— Hlatikulu Forest, Compton 28165.
Transvaal. — Ermelo: Mavieriestad, Pott 4910. Barberton: Rimers Creek, Galpin 648; Lomati
Valley, Thorncroft 1164. Pilgrim’s Rest: Sabie Floek Forest, Burtt Davy 1540. Letaba: Woodbush,
Hutchinson 2266; Westfalia Estate, Scheepers 361; New Agatha, McCallum 694. Sibasa: Pepeti
Falls, Smuts & Gillett 3181 ; near Sibasa, Codd & Dyer 4517. Soutpansberg: Hanglip, Gerstner 5995 ;
Helpmekaar, Eastwood in Flerb. Burtt Davy 1295.
258
Apocynaceae
6. Carissa wyliei N. E. Br. in Kew Bull. 165 (1906); Stapf in F.C. 4, 1 : 498 (1907).
Type: Zululand, Ngoya, Wylie in Herb. Wood 7898 (K, holo.).
Scandent shrub, unarmed or with very small spines; branches slender, dichoto-
mously branched, glabrous with pale green bark; spines bifurcate, 3 mm long, arising
in pairs at the apex of the shoot and decussate to the apical pair of leaves, persistent.
Leaves coriaceous, ovate, 5-10 cm long and 2- 5-4- 5 cm broad, rounded to shortly
obtuse at the base, apex acute, mucronate, glabrous, dull to glaucous green above,
paler below; secondary nerves 7-9 on each side, rather indistinct; petiole short, up to
3 mm long, channelled above; axillary glands present; stipules 0. Inflorescence a
contracted cyme, 3-6-flowered, subsessile; bracts linear-lanceolate, 1-5 mm long,
ciliate, deciduous; pedicels 3 mm long. Flowers fairly large, white tinged with red,
scented. Calyx 3 mm long; sepals 5, lanceolate, acuminate, ciliate, otherwise glabrous.
Corolla salver-shaped; tube cylindric, 11-14 mm long, glabrous without, hairy within,
especially at the throat; lobes 5, lanceolate- oblong, acute, 9-12 mm long, overlapping
to the left, glabrous above. Stamens 5, inserted at the middle; anthers subsessile
1-5 mm long. Disc 0. Ovary entire, 2-chambered with 2 ovules in each cell; style
1-5 mm long; stigma some distance below the anthers, ellipsoid, apex bifid, hairy.
Fruit a berry, ellipsoid-oblong, 10-12 mm long and 5 mm in diameter, red. Seeds
usually 1 or 2, flat, elliptic, 6-8 mm long, testa rough, hard.
A forest undershrub, sometimes scandent, found in forests at Ngoye and near Eshowe, with one
record from Port St. Johns.
Cape. — Port St. Johns: East Gate, Schonland 4210.
Natal. — Mtunzini: Ngoye Forest, Wylie in Herb. Wood 8631; 10350; Gerstner 3825; Ward
3458; Wells & Edwards 93. Eshowe: Lawn 273 (NH); Hlinza Forest, Lawn 736.
The specimen from Port St. Johns is included here although it has smaller flowers and smaller
and less glaucous leaves than the specimens of typical C. wyliei.
6562
3. LANDOLPHIA
Landolphia Beauv., FI. Owar. 1 : 54, t. 34 (1806), nom. cons.; Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 30
(1902); F.C. 4. 1 : 492(1907); Phill., Gen. ed. 2; 584(1951); Pichon in Mem. I.F.A.N.
35: 40 (1953).
Vahea Lam., Tabl. Encycl. Bot. 2; 292 (1793).
Ancylobothrys Pierre in Bull. Soc. Linn. Paris n.s. 1: 91 (1898); Pichon, l.c. 272 (1953).
Shrubs or woody climbers climbing by sensitive inflorescences or tendrils (modified
inflorescences), rarely dwarf shrubs or under-shrubs, glabrous or hairy; sap milky.
Leaves leathery, opposite, simple, entire, shortly petioled, penninerved; axillary glands
minute, obscure, or subulate to filiform. Stipules 0. Inflorescence terminal, many-
flowered, corymbose or paniculate. Flowers small to medium-sized, sessile or pedicelled,
white or often tinged with red or purple, scented. Calyx small, leathery, eglandular,
divided almost to the base. Corolla salver-shaped ; tube more or less narrowly cylindric,
widened and staminiferous usually near the base, but sometimes near or above the
middle, mouth somewhat constricted, glabrous; lobes 5, overlapping to the left, usually
longer than the tube. Stamens 5; filaments short; anthers ovate to lanceolate, dehiscing
to the base, base minutely 2-lobed. Disc 0. Ovary entire, 1-celled, glabrous or hairy;
ovules numerous from 2 parietal placentas; style terete; stigma level with the base
of the anthers, conical from a thickened base, shortly bifurcate. Fruit a globose or
pear-shaped berry, up to the size of a small orange. Seeds few or many, embedded
in pulp; embryo straight; cotyledons irregularly undulate, thin; endosperm carti-
laginous.
Apocynaceae
259
Found in Africa and the Mascarene Islands; three species occur in South Africa, recorded from
the Transvaal and Natal. Several species yield a rubber from the coagulated latex, which was at one
lime an article of trade under the name African or Madagascar Rubber. M. Landolphe, after whom
the genus is named, was commander of the expedition to West Africa to which P. de Beauvois was
attached as botanist.
Pichon, l.c. reinstates Ancylobothrys as a genus distinct from Landolphia, basing his view on the same
evidence listed by Stapf in Flora Capensis, when he placed Ancylobothrys as a section of Landolphia.
As the differences are largely questions of degree, for example, density of inflorescence, length of
corolla, etc., it is considered that Stapf’s view is more tenable. The characters of the two sections are
as follows:
Section 1. — Landolphia. Flowers in terminal corymbs, rarely in elongated panicles. Corolla-tube
3-6 mm long, inflated and staminiferous between the middle and the mouth, rarely at the middle;
lobes 3-6 mm long, not ciliate. Ovary hairy or glabrous. Fruit with a hard rind having a concentric
sclerenchymatous layer. Species in South Africa: L. kirkii.
Section 2. — Ancylobothrys (Pierre) Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 32 (1902). Flowers in clusters on the ends
of the branches of terminal, more or less sensitive panicles. Corolla-tube 6-20 mm long, slightly
inflated and staminiferous near the base; lobes 6-20 mm long, ciliate along the outer edge. Ovary
hairy. Fruit with a hard rind having no sclerenchymatous layer. Species in South Africa: L. capensis
and L. petersiana.
Corolla tube 3-5 mm long, lobes 4-6 mm long 1. L. kirkii
Corolla tube 6-14 mm long, lobes 1 • 1—2 ■ 4 cm long:
Pubescence on corolla tube grey to pale brown; leaves 4 (rarely 3 • 5)— 1 1 cm long, secondary
veins slightly oblique, rather indistinct, 3-7 mm apart. 2. L. petersiana
Pubescence on corolla tube rusty-red; leaves 2-5-3 -5 (rarely up to 4-5) cm long; secondary
nerves spreading at right angles, distinct, 2 5-3 -5 mm apart 3. L. capensis
1. Landolphia kirkii Dyer in Kew Report 1880; 39, 42 (1881); Dewere in Ann.
Soc. Sci. Brux. 19: 138 (1895); Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 55 (1902); Thistleton-Dyer
in Hook., Ic. PI. 28: t. 2755 (1903); Sim, For. FI. P.E.A. 85, t. 79 (1909); Engl. &
Drude, Veg. der Erde 9, 1, 1: 224 (1910). Type: Portuguese East Africa, Shupanga,
Kirk s.n. (K, holo.).
Vahea kirkii (Dyer) Sadeb. in Jahrb. Hamb. Wiss. Aust. 9: 226 (1891), in syn. V. elastica Kl.
ex Dew., l.c. (1895), in syn., nom. nud.
Landolphia kirkii var. delagoensis Dew., l.c. 140 (1895). Type: Portuguese East Africa, Junod
s.n. L. delagoensis (Dew.) Pierre in Bull. Soc. Linn. Paris n.s. 1 : 15 (1898). L. polyantha K. Schum.
in Bot. Jahrb. 28: 452 (1900). Type: Tanganyika, Usaramo, Goetze 5. L. elastica Vatke ex Dew.,
l.c. 138 (1895), in syn., nom nud.
Scandent shrub or woody climber with branched tendrils (modified inflorescences);
young branches rusty-tomentose or finely tomentose, later glabrescent; bark reddish
brown with small whitish lenticels; sap milky, rubbery. Leaves subcoriaceous,
petiolate, lanceolate to oblong, rarely ovate or elliptic, 3-8 cm long and 1-5-2 -8 cm
broad, thinly pubescent on both surfaces, more densely so on the midrib below, becoming
glabrescent, base obtuse, apex tapering to a blunt acumen; midrib shallowly channelled
above, prominent below, secondary nerves 10-12 on each side, slightly oblique, indistinct;
petiole 4-6 mm long. Inflorescence a simple and shortly pedunculate corymb or,
occasionally, branched and more elongate, sometimes passing into tendrils, rusty
pubescent or finely tomentose; bracts minute, ovate. Flowers small, whitish, scented;
pedicels very short. Calyx 2 mm long, divided almost to the base, pubescent; sepals
broadly ovate, obtuse, thinner at the margins. Corolla salver-shaped; tube 4-5 mm
long, somewhat spindle-shaped, inflated above the middle, narrowed below and con-
stricted at the throat, pubescent without; lobes linear-oblong, 4 mm long, subacute
or obtuse. Stamens situated above the middle of the tube; anthers ovate, less than
1 mm long. Ovary entire, ovoid, glabrous; ovules numerous; style columnar, less
than 1 mm long; stigma situated at the base of the anthers, cylindrical from a
thickened base, apex bifid. Fruit globose to almost pear-shaped, 4-8 cm in diameter.
Seeds numerous, variously compressed, embedded in a stringy pulp, 11-14 mm long;
cotyledons thin; endosperm horny.
260
Apocynaceae
A much-branched climber in tropical bush and forest in northern Transvaal and coastal districts
of Zululand, often plentiful. Common in Mozambique, extending through tropical Africa to Somaliland.
Natal. — Hlabisa: near Hlabisa, Acocks 13059; Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Ward 2933; Dukuduku
Forest, Lawn 1940 (NH). Ubombo: Mkusi Game Reserve, Gerstner 3105. Ingwavuma: near Kosi
Bay, Rodin 4698; Ndumu Game Reserve, Gerstner 3422 (NH).
Transvaal. — Sibasa: near Punda Milia, Codd & Dyer 4557; Pepeti Falls, Smuts & Gillett 3222:
near Lake Fundusi, Codd & Dyer 4500. Soutpansberg: Wylliespoort, Pole Evans 3759; Schlesinger's
Sawmill, Gerstner 5916; farm Zoutpan 193, Obermeyer, Schweickerdt & Verdoorn 172.
The coagulated latex produces a high quality rubber. The pulp surrounding the seeds is edible
though said to be somewhat stringy.
2. Landolphia petersiana ( Klotzsch ) Dyer in Kew Report, 1880: 42 (1881); Stapf
in F.T.A. 4, 1: 47 (1902); F.C. 4, 1: 493 (1907); Sim, For. FI. P.E.A. 85 (1909).
Type: Portuguese East Africa, Sena, Peters s.n.
Willughbeia petersiana Klotzsch in Peters, Reise Mossamb. Bot. 1: 281 (1862). W. senensis Kl.,
l.c. 282 (1862). Type: Portuguese East Africa, Sena, Peters s.n.
Landolphia senensis (Kl.) K. Schum. in Engl., Pflanzenw. Ostafr. B: 453 (1895). L. monteiroi
Dyer ex Stapf in Kew Bull. 51 (1907); F.C. 4, 1: 494 (1907); Codd, Bot. Surv. S. Afr. Mem. 26: 155
(1951). Type: Delagoa Bay, Monteiro 37. L. scandens F. Didr. var. petersiana (Kl.) Hall. f. in Jahrb.
Hamb. Wiss. Aust. 17, Beih. 3: 82 (1900), and possibly other vars. also. L. angustifolia K. Schum.
in Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berl. 1: 25 (1895). Type: Tanganyika, Usambara, Holst 2220. L. petersiana
var. angustifolia (K. Schum. ex Engl.) Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 48 (1902), and possibly other vars. also.
Ancy/obothrvs petersiana (Kl.) Pierre in Bull. Soc. Linn. Paris, n.s. 1: 91 (1898); Pichon in Mem.
I.F.A.N. 35; 290 (1953).
Pacouria petersiana (Kl.) S. Moore in J. Linn. Soc. Bot. 37: 180 (1905); Pichon in Mem. Mus.
Hist. Nat. Paris, n.s. 24: 144 (1948).
Scandent shrub or woody climber, rarely a reduced shrublet about 25 cm high,
inflorescences acting as tendrils; young branches rusty pubescent to tomentose, later
glabrescent; bark reddish or greyish brown with numerous small lenticels; sap milky,
rubbery. Leaves subcoriaceous, petiolate, very variable, from oblanceolate-oblong to
ovate-lanceolate, 4-1 1 cm long and 1 • 5-4-5 cm broad, thinly pubescent on both surfaces
when young, soon becoming glabrous, dark above, paler below, base obtuse, apex
rounded to subacute; midrib shallowly channelled above, prominent below; secondary
nerves somewhat indistinct, slightly oblique, 3-7 mm apart; petiole 6-8 mm long.
Inflorescence paniculate, rarely simple, usually elongate, 5-17 cm long, bearing clusters
of sessile flowers at the ends of short, spreading or recurved branches, rhachis sensitive,
often acting as a tendril, rusty pubescent to glabrescent all over; bracts small, ovate-
lanceolate, acute to subacute, rusty tomentose. Flowers relatively large, variable in
size, white, sweetly scented. Calyx 3-4 mm long, divided almost to the base, rusty
tomentose; sepals oblong-lanceolate, acute. Corolla salver-shaped; tube 10-14 mm
long, subcylindric, slightly wider and staminiferous 2-3 mm above the base, then
narrowing and eventually widening slightly to the throat, grey pubescent without:
lobes oblong, oblique, 1-7-2 -4 cm long, ciliate, apex obtuse. Stamens situated near
the base of the tube; anthers ovate-oblong, acute to obtuse, 2 mm long. Ovary entire,
globose, puberulous; ovules numerous; style columnar, 1 mm long; stigma situated
at the base of the anthers, cylindrical from a thickened base with a conical, bifid apex.
Fruit globose 4 - 5-6 cm in diameter. Seeds ovoid, compressed 10-15 mm long, embedded
in a soft pulp; cotyledons thin; endosperm horny.
Found in tropical bush and scrub forest in northern Transvaal and coastal districts of Zululand.
extending through tropical east Africa to Somaliland.
Natal. — Mtunzini: Mtunzini beach, Gerstner 3564 (NH). Hlabisa: Gerstner 5010; near
Mtubatuba, Acocks 13084. Ingwavuma West 2098; Lake Bangazi, Tinley 238.
Transvaal. — Sibasa: near Punda Milia, Codd & Dyer 4592; 4592a; van der Schijff 939. Sout-
pansberg: Wylliespoort, Story 5944.
Apocynaceae
261
The species shows considerable variation and several varieties have been published, but there are
so many intermediates that it appears unpractical to attempt a subdivision of the species. The leaves
vary from oblong and rounded at the apex to ovate-lanceolate, acute. The flowers vary also in size,
but there is no correlation between flower size and leaf-shape. L. monteiroi Dyer ex Stapf is merely
a large-flowered form of L. petersiana. On deep sandy soils in northern Zululand a dwarf shrub form
occurs with erect sparingly branched stems sometimes only 25-30 cm high, and relatively small, often
unbranched inflorescences.
The rubber yielded by this species is considered to be inferior to that of L. kirkii. The pulp
surrounding the seeds is edible.
3. Landolphia capensis Oliv. in Hook., Ic. PI. 13: t. 1228 (1877); Stapf in F.C.
4, 1: 495 (1907); Phillips in FI. PI. S. Afr. 9: t. 352 (1929); Marloth, FI. S. Afr. 3:
t. 17 (1932); Verdoorn, Edible Wild Fr. Transv. Bull. 185: 45, t. 7 (1938); Miller in
Journ. S. Afr. Bot. 18: 71 (1952). Lectotype (Pichon): Transvaal, hills near Pretoria,
McLea sub. Bolus No. 3098 (K).
Pacouria capensis (Oliv.) S. Moore in Journ. Bot. Lond. 41: 403 (1903).
Ancylobothrys capensis (Oliv.) Pichon in Mem. I.F.A.N. 35: 297 (1953).
Scandent shrub, much branched, often making a dense bush 1-2 m high or rambling
up to 5 m high with inflorescence sensitive, acting as tendrils; young branches rusty
pubescent, older branches glabrescent; bark reddish or greyish brown with scattered
brown lenticels; sap milky, rubbery. Leaves coriaceous, petiolate, oblong, elliptic-
oblong or ovate-oblong, 2 -5-4 -5 cm long and 1-2 cm broad, pubescent on both
surfaces when young, usually glabrescent with age, dark above and paler below, base
obtuse, apex rounded; midrib shallowly channelled above, prominent below; secondary
nerves distinct, spreading almost at right angles, 2 -5-3 -5 mm apart; petiole 4-6 mm
long. Inflorescence paniculate, rarely simple, usually elongate, 3—1 3 cm long, bearing
clusters of sessile flowers at the ends of short, spreading or recurved branches, rhachis
sensitive often acting as a tendril, rusty pubescent to glabrescent all over; bracts small,
ovate-lanceolate, acute to subacute, rusty-tomentose. Flowers relatively large, white,
sweetly scented, produced in large numbers. Calyx 3-4 mm long, divided almost to
the base, rusty-tomentose; sepals oblong-lanceolate, acute to subobtuse. Corolla
salver-shaped; tube 6-11 mm long, subcylindric, slightly wider and staminiferous
2 mm above the base then narrowing and eventually widening slightly to the throat,
rusty-pubescent without; lobes oblong, slightly oblique, 1 • 1-2 cm long, ciliate, obtuse
to rounded. Stamens situated near the base of the tube; anthers ovate-oblong acute
to obtuse, 1-5 mm long. Ovary entire, globose, pubescent; ovules numerous; style
columnar, about 1 mm long; stigma situated at the base of the anthers, cylindrical
from a thickened base, apex bifid. Fruit globose to somewhat pear-shaped, densely
and finely reddish tomentose when young, yellowish when ripe 3 • 5-5 cm in diameter.
Seeds few to many, ovoid, 10-12 mm long, embedded in a soft pulp; cotyledons thin;
endosperm horny.
A characteristic species of dry, bush-covered, rocky situations in the central, northern and western
Transvaal, extending to the adjoining parts of northern Natal and eastern Bechuanaland. Oliver
records it as “ also amongst the Diamond Fields plants of Mr. W. Tuck ”, but no specimens definitely-
collected in the northern Cape Province have been seen.
Natal. — Newcastle: ingogo, Mogg 7615.
Transvaal. — Middelburg: Olifants River Gorge, Mogg 22478. Heidelberg: Thode A431.
Springs: Waaikraal, Naude 6562. Johannesburg: Dyke in Herb. Marloth 8051. Pretoria: Wonder-
boom, Burtt Davy 2672; Meintjies Kop, Smith 112; Waterkloof, Verdoorn 153. Waterberg: near
Nylstroom, Smuts & Gillett 3346. Potgietersrus : Pyramid Estate, Galpin 9028. Pietersburg: Blaauw-
berg, Leeman 78; Smuts & Pole Evans 894. Soutpansberg: Smuts s.n. Krugersdorp; Witpoortjie
Falls, Mogg 21375. Brits: Hartebeespoort Nek, Prosser 1298. Potchefstroom : Theron 1001. Rus-
tenburg: Pegler 965; Sutton 894; Galpin 11520. Marico: van der Merwe 27.
Fruits edible, known as Wild Apricot or Wild Peach. A relatively uniform species allied to L.
petersiana but with a more inland distribution in South Africa.
262
Apocynaceae
6581 4. GONIOMA
Gonioma E. Mey., Comm. 188 (1837); Stapf in F.C. 4, 1; 503 (1907); Phill., Gen.
ed. 2: 584 (1951).
Shrub or small tree. Leaves opposite or 3-4-nate, simple, entire. Stipules 0.
Axillary glands few, minute. Inflorescence a terminal corymb. Flowers small, fragrant.
Calyx small, eglandular within; sepals 5, free, ovate-elliptic, imbricate. Corolla salver-
shaped; tube cylindrical, much longer than the calyx, scarcely widened above the
middle, without appendages, pilose within; lobes 5, shorter than the tube, overlapping
to the left. Stamens 5, included, inserted about the middle of the corolla tube;
filaments short, filiform; anthers longer than the filaments, lanceolate, acute. Disc 0.
Ovary of 2 free carpels; style shorter than the corolla tube, terete; stigma at the level
of the anthers, somewhat thickened, ovate, 2-lobed at the apiculate apex; ovules
numerous in each cell, multiseriate. Mericarps 2, follicular, coriaceous, oblong or
linear-oblong, apiculate, subterete, straight or slightly curved. Seeds flat, broad-
cuneate or subrectangular, winged at each end; embryo straight; cotyledons flat,
thin, elliptic; radicle stout, terete, about as long as the cotyledons; endosperm
cartilaginous.
A monotypic genus endemic to the Cape Province. The generic name is derived from the Greek
“ gonia ”, an angle, in reference to the oblong follicles spreading at right angles to the peduncle.
Gonioma kamassi E. Mey., Comm. 189 (1837); Stapf. in F.C. 4, 1: 503 (1907);
Sim, For. FI. Cape Col. 271, t. 110 (1907). Syntypes: near Yanstadens River, Drege ;
near Meul River, Drege.
Tabernaemontana camassi Eckl. in S.A. Quart. Journ. 371 (1830). Type: Ecklon.
Gonioma kamassi var. brachycarpum E. Mey., l.c. (1837). Type: near Galgebosch, Drege.
Shrub or small tree up to 6 m (rarely 10 m) in height, with all parts glabrous:
sap watery. Leaves opposite or 3-4-nate, thinly coriaceous, subsessile to shortly
petiolate, glossy dark green above, paler below, oblong to oblanceolate, acute to
obtuse, narrowly cuneate at the base, 4-10 cm long and 1-2-8 cm broad, lateral nerves
usually obscure, margin revolute; petiole 2-5 mm long. Stipules 0. Inflorescence
terminal, corymbose, compact, 2- 5-4- 5 cm long and 2-5-4 cm broad. Flowers small,
white to yellowish-white, sweetly scented; pedicels 0-5-2 mm long. Calyx small,
cup-shaped, eglandular within; sepals 5, free, ovate, obtuse to rounded, 1-5-2 mm
long. Corolla salver-shaped, tube cylindrical, 6-7 mm long, scarcely widened above the
middle, somewhat constricted, without appendages, pubescent within; lobes ovate to
orbicular, 2 mm long, auricled at the base; nectary not present. Stamens inserted
about the middle of the corolla tube; anthers lanceolate, 1-5 mm long, apiculate.
obtusely 2-lobed at the base; filaments filiform, 0-5 mm long. Disc 0. Ovary of 2
free carpels, glabrous, 2-2-5 mm long; stigma thickened, 1 mm long, with an apiculate,
bilobed apex; ovules 12-16 in each cell, pluriseriate. Fruit of 2 widely divergent meri-
carps; mericarps follicular, coriaceous, oblong in outline, 2-5-4 cm long and 1—1 - 4
cm broad, subterete, straight or slightly curved, longitudinally ribbed, drying light
brown, abruptly apiculate, dehiscing along the upper face. Seeds numerous, flat,
imbricate, broad-cuneate to rectangular, winged on one or both sides, 8-15 mm long
including the wings, 5-6 mm wide, embryo straight, visible through the subtranslucent
cartilaginous, endosperm; cotyledons flat, thin, broadly elliptical, slightly longer than
the radicle
Distributed from Knysna to Pondoland in forests not far from the coast, where it is often a common
constituent.
Cape. — George: Wilderness, Mogg 1 188. Knysna: Kapp 115; Deep Walls Forest Reserve, Rodin
1163. Humansdorp: Storms River, Keel 585; Clarkson, Thocie A960. Port Elizabeth: Van Stadens
fass, Aeocks 13739; Van Staadensberg, Macowan s.n.; forests of Krakakamma between Port
Apocynaceae
263
Elizabeth and Van Staadensberg, Zeyher 3413. Uitenhage: near Strandfontein and Matjiesfontein.
Drege s.n. Alexandria: Zuurberg, Sanatorium Forest, Britten 6592. Albany: near Grahamstown,
Galpin 267; near Grahamstown, Story 3238. East London: Munro PS 47. Komga: Flanagan 367.
Lusikisiki: Fraser in F.D. Herb. 6530.
With regard to the specific epithet, the spelling camassi, although older, is an orthographic variant
of /camassi and, as such, cannot be taken up in the genus Gonioma. There is no evidence in E. Meyer's
publication that he was basing his epithet on the Ecklon specific name. Thus the decision by C. A.
Smith in Journ. S. Afr. For. Ass. 20: 42 (1951) that the citation for the species should be G. camassi
(Eckl.) E. Mey. appears to be incorrect.
Commonly known as Kamassi or Kamassiwood. The timber is yellowish, dense, hard and close-
grained. Sim states that it has been exported to England under the name Boxwood and that it is equal
to Buxus for engraver’s work and for fancy turnery.
6582 5. HOLARRHENA
Holarrhena R. Br. in Mem. Wern. Soc. 1: 62 (1809); Hook. f. in Hook., FI. Brit.
India 3; 644 (1882); Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1: 161 (1902).
Physetobasis Hassk. in Versl. en Med. Kon. Akad. Wetensch. 5: 99 (1857); Flora 40: 104
(1857).
Shrubs or trees. Leaves opposite or subopposite, simple, entire, membranous,
shortly petioled or subsessile, glandular towards the base of the petiole. Stipules 0.
Inflorescence a terminal or pseudo-axillary corymb, many-flowered. Flowers white,
fragrant. Calyx small, eglandular within or with 2-5 glands alternating with the
sepals; sepals 5, ovate-lanceolate to subulate. Corolla salver-shaped; tube slender,
subcylindric, slightly widened below the middle, throat contracted; lobes 5, overlapping
to the right. Stamens 5, inserted near the base of the corolla tube; anthers included,
oblong-lanceolate to linear, mucronate, rounded at the base; filaments short, filiform.
Disc 0. Ovary of 2 free carpels; style very short, filiform; stigma ellipsoid to fusiform,
apex entire or 2-toothed, viscous. Mericarps 2, follicular, divaricate, slender, terete,
often falcate. Seeds numerous, subterete, grooved on the flat (ventral) side, with a
tuft of hairs at the apex; cotyledons broad, complicate; radicle short; endosperm
scanty.
Found in tropical Africa and India. One species recorded from South Africa. The generic name
means “ entire anthers ”.
Holarrhena pubescens (Buch.-Ham.) Wall., Cat. No. 1673 (1829); G. Don, Gen.
Syst. 4: 78 (1838); A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8; 413 (1844). Syntypes: India, Buchanan-
Hamilton (BM).
Echites pubescens Buch.-Ham. in Trans. Linn. Soc. 13: 524 (1822). E. antidysenterica (L.) Roxb.
in Flemm. in As. Res. 1 1 : 166 (1810), partly, as to specimens and plate in Herb. Roxb. and the Rheede
part of the Murray reference.
Nerittm antidysentericum L., Sp. PI. 1: 209 (1753), partly, as to Rheede, “ Codaga Pala ”, Hort.
Mai. 1: t. 47 (1678), non Wrightia antidysenterica (L.) R. Br.
Holarrhena antidysenterica (L.) Wall., Cat. No. 1672 (1829). partly, as to specimens in Herb.
Wall.; A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 413 (1844), partly, as to Wight, Ic. t. 439 and the relevant part of
Echites antidysenterica Roxb. (see above). H. codaga G. Don, Gen. Syst. 4: 78 (1838); Wight, Ic.
PI. Ind. Or. 4, 2: No. 10, t. 1297 (1848). Type: “ Codaga Pala ”, Rheede, l.c. (1678). H. malaccensis
Wight, Ic. PI. Ind. Or. 4, 2: No. 5, t. 1298 (1848). Type: Malacca, ex Herb. Wight (K). H. febrifuga
Kl. in Peters, Reise Mossamb. Bot. 277 (1861); Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 162 (1902); Sim, For. FI. P.E.A.
88 (1909); Brenan & Greenw., Check-list Tanganyika Terr. 2: 50 (1949); Codd, Bot. Surv. S. Afr.
Mem. 26: 154, t. 143 (1951). Type: near Sena and other places, Peters s.n. (B). — var. glabra
Oliv. in Trans. Linn. Soc. 29: 108 (1875), nom. nud. H. tettensis Kl., l.c. 278 (1861). Type: Tette.
Sena, Peters s.n. (B). H. glabra Kl., l.c. 279 (1861). Type: Tette, Peters s.n. (B). H. fischeri K. Schum.
in Engl., Pflanzenw. Ost.-Afr. C: 316 (1895); Pflanzenfam. 4, 2: 137 (1895). Type: Usuri in
Unyamwezi, Fischer 378 (B, holo., K, fragment).
Chonemorpha pubescens G. Don in Sweet, Hort. Britt, ed. 3: 458 (1839). C. antidysenterica
Wight, Ic. PI. Ind. Or. 2: No. 5, t. 439 ( 1 840^43), partly, as to plant figured.
264
Apocynaceae
Shrub or small tree up to 4 m high, said to reach a height of 8 m in tropical
Africa; sap milky, bark rough and corky; young branches more or less pubescent
or tomentose, later glabrescent, dotted with lenticels. Leaves opposite or subopposite
on shoots bearing inflorescences, thin-textured, broadly elliptic to oblong, rarely ovate
or roundish, rounded to obtuse at the base, apex rounded, usually abruptly and shortly
acute to acuminate, 7-14 cm long and 4-7 cm broad, sparingly to densely pubescent
on both surfaces, often glabrescent, rarely glabrous or with scattered hairs on the nerves:
nerves 8-12 on each side, widely spreading; petioles 4-8 mm long, channelled above
with a few glands at the base of the petiole on the inner surface. Stipules 0. Inflorescence
usually sub-axillary or leaf-opposed, corymbose, dense, often tomentose, rarely glabrous;
peduncle 1-1-5 cm; bracts linear 4-6 mm long. Flowers white, fragrant; pedicels
5-9 mm long. Calyx of 5 free sepals, eglandular within; sepals linear-subulate, 4-6
mm long, pubescent. Corolla salver-shaped ; tube cylindric, slender, usually puberulous.
slightly wider near the base and apex, 1-2-1 -5 cm long, densely pubescent within;
lobes oblong, slightly shorter than the tube, 1 • 1-1 -4 cm long. Stamens 5, inserted near
the base of the tube; anthers oblong-lanceolate, apiculate, 1-5 mm long; filaments
minute, 0-5 mm long. Disc 0. O vary of 2 free carpels, glabrous; style columnar,
slightly compressed, broader towards the apex, 1-1-5 mm long; stigma slightly
thickened, broader at the base, blunt at the apex. Fruit of 2 mericarps, pendulous,
scarcely spreading; mericarps follicular, slender, more or less constricted between the
seeds, thinly coriaceous, 20-28 cm long and 2 -5-3 -5 mm in diameter, surface smooth.
Seeds numerous, linear to linear-oblong, striated, 9-11 mm long with a dense tuft of
hairs 2 -5-3 -5 cm long at the apex, grooved; cotyledons broad, complicate; radicle
short, straight, 2-3 mm long; endosperm very scanty.
Recorded from wooded quartzite ridges and sandy flats at relatively low altitudes in north-eastern
Transvaal. Fairly widely distributed in tropical east and central Africa and in India.
Transvaal. — Sibasa: near Sibasa, Codd 6896; near Lake Fundusi, Hutchinson 2201; Kruger
National Park, near Punda Milia, Lang in TRV 32126; Lamont s.n.; Rowland Jones 1 ; van der Schijff
953; 1896; 3154; 3337; Acocks 16799 ; Codd 4236.
Specimens from India have in general shorter sepals and more acute to acuminate leaves but there
are intermediates making it impossible to separate the African material as a distinct species, and no
advantage can be seen in attempting to maintain varieties. The nomenclature of the species is com-
plicated by the fact that Linnaeus based his species Nerium antidysentericum (Sp. PI. ed. 1 : 209) on
a mixture of two entities, now included in two different genera, Wrightia and Holarrhena. The two
entities are: (a) “ FI. zeyl. 107. Mat. med. 102 ”; this is represented by a specimen in Herb. Herm. vol. 4:
76, now in the British Museum, which is accepted as the type of the Linnaean epithet, combined as
Wrightia antidysenterica (L.) R. Br. in Mem. Wern. Soc. 1: 73 (1809); and ( b ) the second entity,
" Codaga Pala, Rheede, mal. 1. p. 85. t. 47 ”, which is the plant now under discussion, and to which
Roxburgh (1810) applied the epithet Echites antidysenterica. However, Roxburgh apparently did not
distinguish between the two Linnaean entities; although the specimens and plate in Herb. Roxb. are
equivalent to the Codaga Pala, his citation includes a reference to Murray, App. Medic. 1 : 828 (1790).
which leads one to Linn., Sp. PI. ed. 2: 306 and Burmann, Thes. Zeyl., etc. Thus the epithet Echites
antidysenterica Roxb. must be regarded as a combination based on, and having the same type as, the
Linnaean epithet Nerium antidysentericum (see above). The earliest valid epithet for the Codaga Pala
thus appears to be Echites pubescens Buch.-Ham. (1822), which was transferred to Holarrhena by
Wallich (1829).
6589
6. DIPLORHYNCHUS
Diplorhynchus Welw. ex Fic. & Hiern in Trans. Linn. Soc. Ser. 2, 2: 22 (Dec. 1881);
Benth. ex Oliv. in Hook., Ic. PI. t. 1355 (Oct. 1881), nomen; Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1: 105
(1902); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 584 (1951); K. Schum. in Pflanzenfam. 4, 2: 142 (1895),
as Diplorrhynchus.
Neurotobium Bail), in Bull. Soc. Linn. Paris, I: 749 (1888); K. Schum. in Pflanzenfam. 4, 2; 154
(1895).
Apocynaceae
265
Shrubs or small trees. Leaves opposite, simple, entire, petioled. Stipules 0.
Axillary glands obscure or 0. Inflorescence a terminal, often lax, panicle. Flowers
fairly small, fragrant. Calyx small, eglandular within; sepals 5, almost free, ovate,
pubescent. Corolla salver-shaped; tube much longer than the calyx, cylindrical to
subcampanulate, without appendages, slightly widened above the middle and constricted
at the mouth, glabrous within; lobes 5, oblong to linear-oblong, overlapping to the
left. Stamens 5, included, inserted in the widened part of the tube; filaments short;
anthers ovate, acute, longer than the filaments, bilobed at the base. Disc 0. Ovary
of 2 free carpels; style shorter than the corolla tube, terete; stigma at the level of
the anthers, thickened, with a bifid apiculus; ovules 2-4 in each carpel. Mericarps 2.
follicular, woody, spreading, oblong, compressed, sometimes slightly curved, apiculate.
lenticellate, dehiscent. Seeds 2-4, compressed, winged; cotyledons oblong; endosperm
scanty; radical short, lateral.
Treated here as a monotypic genus, occurring in tropical and southern Africa. The impression
gained from literature that the genus occurs also in Brazil is erroneous and is clarified by Pichon in
Bull. Mus. Nat. Hist. Nat. 2, 19: 368 (1947). The first publication of the generic name by Oliver in
Hook., Ic. PI. t. 1355, in October 1881, when he described Diplorhynchus mossambicensis, was without
a supporting generic description. The fact that he makes a short reference in addition to another
species, D. psilopus , renders the provisions of Article 41 of the Rules, relating to the validity of generic
names in cases of monotypic genera, inapplicable. Thus Diplorhynchus Oliver must be regarded as a
name only and does not invalidate Diplorhynchus Ficalho & Hiern, effectivelv described in December
1881.
The generic name is derived from the Greek words for “ double beak ” in reference to the two
beak-like follicles.
Diplorhynchus condylocarpon (Muell.-Arg.) Pichon in Bull. Mus. Nat. Hist. Nat. 2.
19: 368 (1947); Brenan in Mem. N.Y. Bot. Gard. 8: 503 (1954). Type: Africa,
probably Angola, “ Quirengue ”, collector unknown.
Aspidosperma condylocarpon Muell.-Arg. in Mart., FI. Bras. 6: 55 (1860).
Diplorhynchus mossambicensis Benth. ex Oliv. in Hook., Ic. PI. t. 1355 (1881), nom. illeg.; K. Schum.
in Pflanzenfam. 4, 2: 142 (1895); Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1: 107 (1902); Codd, Bot. Surv. S. Afr. Mem.
26: 152 (1951). Type: Zambesia, Shire Highlands, Buchanan s.n. (K, holo.). D. psilopus Welw. ex
Fic. & Hiern in Trans. Linn. Soc. 2, 2: 23 (1881). Type: Angola, Welwitsch 5982 (BM, holo.).
D. angolensis Biittner in Verhandl. Bot. Ver. Brandenb. 31: 85 (1890). Syntypes: Angola, Quango,
Buttner 404; Angola, Malange, von Mechow 193. D. welwitschii Rolfe in Bol. Soc. Brot. 11: 85 (1893).
Syntypes: Angola, Cazengo Distr., Welwitsch 5968; Malange, Marques 16. D. angustifolia Stapf
in F.T.A. 4, 1: 107 (1902). Syntypes: Tanganyika, Ugalla, Kabombue, Bohm 28A; Portuguese E.
Africa, lower Zambesi opposite Sena, Kirk s.n. D. condylocarpon subsp. mossambicensis (Benth. ex
Oliv.) Duvign. et al. in Bull. Soc. Roy. Bot. Belg. 84: 266 (1952); — var. mossambicensis f. mossam-
bicensis', — f. angustifolius (Stapf) Duvign., l.c. ; — var. psilopus (Welw. ex Fic. & Hiern)
Duvign., l.c., f. psilopus', — f. microphylla Duvign., l.c. Type: Transvaal, Galpin 8857. D. con-
dylocarpon subsp. angolensis (Biittn.) Duvign., l.c. (1952).
Neurolobium cymosum Baill. in Bull. Soc. Linn. Paris, 1: 749 (1888). Type: " Bresil ”, collector
unknown.
Shrub or small tree up to 7 m in height; branchlets minutely greyish tomentose
when young, eventually glabrescent; bark greyish-brown; lenticels few, obscure.
Leaves thinly coriaceous, oblanceolate, obovate, oblong-elliptic, elliptic or, rarely,
broadly ovate, rounded or cuneate at the base, obtuse to abruptly acuminate, glabrous
to softly pubescent on both surfaces, shiny above, lateral nerves 8-16 on each side,
parallel; petiole slender, 1-2-3 cm long; blade 3-7 cm long and 1-8-4 cm broad.
Inflorescence terminal, paniculate, contracted or lax, pubescent or, rarely, subglabrous,
2-8 cm long. Flowers small, white to yellow, fragrant; pedicels 2-4 mm long. Calyx
small, pubescent to subglabrous; sepals free almost to the base, 1-5 mm long, ovate,
obtuse to rounded. Corolla salver-shaped; tube 2-5-3 mm long, slightly widened
above the middle and constricted and thickened at the throat, glabrous within; lobes
oblong, linear-oblong or oblanceolate, 4-5-6 mm long and 1 mm broad, apex rounded,
usually pilose above. Stamens inserted about the middle of the corolla tube; anthers
1 mm long. Ovary of 2 free carpels, glabrous; style 1 mm long; stigma thickened.
266
Apocynaceae
Fig. 38. — Diplorhynchus condylocarpon; flowering branch ( Acock v nq?nv Q ^ , .
ttidinal section of flower, x 6:'c. gynoccium* X u'S.3' x' 10 'e stamens’ JX
r. transverse sect, on of ovary. 10: g. whole fruit and section showing "he wingS seed! '
Apocynaceae
267
with a bifid apiculus; ovules 2-4 in each carpel. Fruit of 2 mericarps spreading widely
at about 180°; mericarps follicular, leathery to woody, oblong, compressed, often
slightly curved, 3 -5-4 -5 cm long and 2 cm broad, cuneate at the base, apex blunt,
apiculate, dehiscing along one edge; surface rough, dark brown, dotted with paler
lenticels. Seeds 2-4, compressed, with the funicle in the middle of one face, winged,
with the wing of the basal seed or seeds at the apex, and of the upper seeds at the base
of the seed. Fig. 38.
Found in warm, dry, usually rocky situations in the northern Transvaal, where it is often locally
common, and northern South West Africa, extending to the neighbouring tropical territories as far north
as the Congo and Tanganyika.
S.W.A. — Okavango: Andara Mission Station, de Winter & Wiss 4281; Katwitwi, de Winter
3846; Tondora, Strey 2671 ; near Bagani, Watt 3 ; S. of Runtu, Maguire 1592. Grootfontein: Schoen-
felder 264.
Transvaal. — Soutpansberg: Schlesinger’s Sawmill, Gerstner 5943. Sibasa: Rambuda Location,
van Warmelo 51; Kruger National Park, Punda Milia, Codd & Dyer 4535; van der Schijff 952. Pot-
gietersrus: Praizen, Burtt Davy 2283 ; near Grassvalley, Meeuse 9614. Waterberg: Bokpoort, Galpin
11595; 11690; Farm Naauwpoort, Galpin 11669; Krantzberg, near Nylstroom, Prosser 1725; near
Warmbaths, flowers white, Acocks 13905; flowers orange, Acocks 13920. Pretoria: Trichaardt’s
Poort, C. A. Smith 3472.
There is such a range of variation in characters such as leaf shape and pubescence that it appears
impracticable to attempt to subdivide the complex into several species, as was done in the Flora of
Tropical Africa, or into infra-specific units, as outlined by Duvigneaud et al.
6597
7. CATHARANTHUS
Catharanthus G. Don , Gen. Syst. 4; 95 (1837); Pichon in Mem. Mas. Hist. Nat. Paris
n.s. 27: 237 (1948); Lawrence in Baileya, 7: 113 (1959).
Lochnera Reichb., Consp. 134 (1828), nom. nud.,- Reichb. ex Endl., Gen. PI. 583 (Aug. 1838);
K. Schum. in Pflanzenfam. 4, 2: 145 (1895); Stapf in F.C. 4, 1: 504 (1907).
Ammocallis Small, FI. S.E. United States, 935 (1903).
Perennial, rarely annual, herbs or sub-shrubs. Leaves opposite, simple, entire,
shortly petioled, penninerved; axillary glands numerous in a fringe. Stipules 0.
Flowers axillary, solitary or paired, fairly large, white or pink. Calyx small to medium-
sized, divided almost to the base; sepals 5, subulate. Corolla salver-shaped; tube
slender, cylindric, slightly widened near the mouth; mouth constricted, velvety within,
without appendages; lobes large, overlapping to the left. Stamens 5 in the widened
part of the tube; filaments very short; anthers free from the stigma, ovate-lanceolate,
acute, shortly and obtusely 2-lobed at the base. Disc replaced by two long, linear glands ;
glands alternating with the carpels. Ovary of 2 free carpels; style filiform; stigma
depressed-capitate with a long hyaline reflexed frill at the base and a minute obtuse
2-lobed apiculus surrounded by a very short erect membranous rim; ovules numerous,
2-seriate. Mericarps 2, follicular, cylindric, slightly spreading. Seeds numerous, small;
testa rugose; hilum lateral; cotyledons flat, shorter than the radicle; endosperm
scanty.
Indigenous in India and Madagascar. One species widely distributed as a weed in tropical and
subtropical regions and naturalised in South Africa. The generic name is derived from the Greek
“ katharos ”, pure, and “ anthos ”, flower, in reference to the neatness and beauty of the flowers.
Catharanthus G. Don ( = Lochnera Reichb. ex Endl.) is maintained as distinct from Vinca L. by
most modern authorities, chiefly on corolla characters. In Catharanthus the corolla is salver-shaped,
the tube being narrowly cylindrical, constricted at the apex, with the mouth closed by dense, short
hairs. In Vinca the corolla tube is narrowly funnel-shaped, the tube not being constricted at the apex,
while the mouth is open, or is closed by scale-like appendages (see Lawrence, l.c.). One species of
Vinca , V. minor L., is cultivated in South Africa and has been recorded as a garden escape in parts
of the Cape Province; it is a perennial herb with prostrate stems and blue flowers.
268
Apocynaceae
Catharanthus roseus ( L .) G. Don, Gen. Syst. 4: 95 (1837); Pichon in Mem. Mus.
Hist. Nat. Paris, n.s. 27: 237 (1948); Lawrence in Baileya, 7: 118 (1959). Type:
Mill., Fig. PI. Gard. Diet. 2: t. 186 (1757).
Vinca rosea L., Syst. Nat. ed. 10: 944 (1758); Bailey, Cycl. Hort. 3471 (1953). V. speciosa Salisb.,
Prodr. 147 (1796), nom. illegit.
Pervinca rosea (L.) Moench, Meth. 463 (1794).
Lochnera rosea (L.) Reichb. ex Endl., Gen. PI. 583 (1838); Stapf in F.C. 4, 1: 504 (1907).
Anmwcallis rosea (L.) Small, FI. S.E. United States, 935 (1903).
SufFrutex up to 1 m high, perennial, woody at the base, herbaceous above; stems
glabrous or thinly pubescent. Leaves opposite, obovate, oblong or oblanceolate, apex
rounded or, rarely, subacute, apiculate, base cuneate, 4-8 cm long and 1-3 cm broad,
membranous to thinly coriaceous, glabrous or finely pubescent; secondary nerves
indistinct; petiole 2-5 mm long; axillary glands forming a fringe, the outer longer
than the inner. Stipules 0. Flowers axillary in the upper leaves, solitary or paired,
subsessile, pink or white, or white with a pink centre. Calyx divided nearly to the
base; sepals 5, linear-subulate, 4-6 mm long, glabrous or pubescent. Corolla salver-
shaped; tube slender cylindric, 2 -3-2 -6 cm long and 2-2-5 mm in diameter, mouth
constricted, thickened, pubescent; lobes broadly obovate, apiculate, 1-6-2 cm long.
Stamens 5, inserted near the mouth; anthers 2 mm long, subsessile. Disc replaced
by 2 linear-subulate glands 2 mm long alternating with the carpels. Ovary of 2 free
carpels; style filiform, stigma at the level of the anthers, capitate with a reflexed hyaline
frill at the base; ovules numerous, 2-seriate. Fruit of two follicular mericarps (or one
by abortion) erect, slightly spreading; follicles 2 -5-3 -5 cm long, cylindric, striate.
Seeds numerous, oblong, 2 mm long, black, rugose, grooved on one face; cotyledons
flat, slightly shorter than the radicle; endosperm scanty.
A weed of waste places in warm, dry areas, sometimes cultivated in gardens. Thought to be a
native of Madagascar, but now widely naturalised in the tropics and subtropics of both hemispheres.
Cape. — Mossel Bay: Wart & Brandwijk 2310. Port St. Johns: Howlett 47.
Natal. — Without locality: Cooper 2749. Durban: Schlechter 2881; Medley Wood 8695. New
Hanover: Nagle Dam, Wells 1062. Pietermaritzburg: McClung s.n. Tower Tugela: Darnall,
Schmidt 24. Eshowe: Lawn 171 (NH).
Transvaal. — Nelspruit: Kruger National Park, Skukuza, van der Schijff 3184. Pretoria: Codd
9869. Rustenburg: Rose-lnnes 166. Waterberg: Nylstroom, Watt & Brandwijk 2276. Pilgrims
Rest: Bushbuck Ridge, Forest Officer 43. Sibasa: Kruger National Park, Punda Milia Camp, Codd
6536. Soutpansberg: near Louis Trichardt, Prosser 2014.
S.W.A. — Caprivi Strip: Carson 938.
Commonly known as the Madagascar Periwinkle. The plant is used medicinally and there is
a persistent belief that it is beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. However, Watt & Brandwijk state:
“ any benefit derived by aiabetics from the plant is due probably to the weak digitalis and purgative
actions ”.
6603
8. TABERNAEMONTANA
Tabernaemontana L., Sp. PI. ed. 1: 210 (1753); Gen. PI. ed. 5: 100 (1754); Pichon
in Not. Syst. 13: 230 (1948).
Panduca Noronha ex Thou., Gen. Nov. Madag. 10 (1806).
Conopharyngia G. Don, Gen. Syst. 4: 91 (1838); Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1: 139 (1902); F.C. 4, 1: 505
(1907); Phi 11., Gen. ed. 2: 585 (1951).
Gahunia K. Schum. in Bot. Jahrb. 23: 224 (1896).
Shrubs or trees. Leaves opposite, simple, entire, relatively large, shortly petioled,
penninerved. Stipules united into a very short tubular sheath, usually with many
resiniferous glands within. Inflorescence a terminal or pseudo-axillary corymb, rarely a
panicle or reduced to a few-flowered cyme. Flowers fragrant, usually large and showy
Apocynaceae
269
or medium-sized, rarely small. Calyx relatively small with several minute glands at
the base inside; sepals 5, almost free, ovate, imbricate. Corolla salver-shaped, usually
white, often fleshy; tube cylindrical, spindle- or barrel-shaped, widest at or below the
middle, sometimes twisted, naked in the mouth, usually tomentose within; lobes 5,
overlapping to the left, as long as the tube, elliptic, with a broad ear on one side.
Stamens 5, included or shortly exserted, more or less free or conniving into a cone,
inserted in the widest part of the tube, subsessile; filaments reduced to a callus swelling;
anthers ovate-lanceolate, apiculate, sagittate at the base. Disc present or absent.
Ovary of 2 free carpels; style relatively short, compressed; stigma cylindric, grooved,
with an entire or lobed projecting rim or short frill at the base and a minute 2-lobed
apiculus, more rarely elliptic or globose, delicately papillose, not grooved, with usually
a toothed rim at the base and a conspicuous 2-fid papillose apiculus as long as or longer
than the rest of the stigma; ovules numerous in each cell. Mericarps 2, baccate, usually
more or less globose or ovoid, smooth or rarely keeled or warty, with milky latex.
Seeds numerous, embedded in a fleshy pulp, more or less ellipsoid, deeply grooved
ventrally with many narrow grooves on the back; embryo straight; cotyledons flat,
elliptic; endosperm fleshy, ruminate.
Found in tropical America, tropical and subtropical Africa, Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands ;
two species occur in South Africa. The genus commemorates Jacob Theodore of Bergzabern, Heidel-
berg, physician and herbalist of the sixteenth century, who latinized his name to Tabernaemontanus.
Stapf in Flora Capensis placed the two South African species in Conopharyngia, which he kept
distinct from Tabernaemontana. When Pichon reviewed the group in 1948, he concluded that a broader
concept of Tabernaemontana should be adopted and placed Conopharyngia and certain other genera
in synonymy. On the basis of Pichon’s classification, which is preferred to that of Stapf, T. ventricosa
falls in Subgenus Sarcopharyngia (Stapf) Pichon and T. elegans in Subgenus Leptopharyngia (Stapf)
Pichon. If a narrow view of generic limits were adopted, it is evident that a new genus would be needed
to accommodate T. elegans.
Corolla tube up to 3 ■ 5 mm in diameter; calyx 4-5 mm long; fruit more or less smooth or wrinkled,
not warty 1 . T. ventricosa
Corolla tube up to 1-5 mm in diameter; calyx 1-5-2 mm long; fruit warty 2. T. elegan *
1. Tabernaemontana ventricosa Hochst. ex A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 366 (1844);
Sim, For. FI. Cape Col. 271, t. 155, f. 3 (1907). Type; Natal, Krauss s.n. (K, iso.,
numbered 146).
Conopharyngia ventricosa (Hochst. ex A. DC.) Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1; 149 (1902); F.C. 4, 1: 506
(1907); Sim. For. FI. P.E.A. 87 (1909); Henkel, Woody PI. Natal Zul. 148 (1934).
Tree 4-8 m high with all parts glabrous; sap milky. Leaves opposite, sub-
coriaceous, glossy dark green above, paler below, oblong to oblong-oblanceolate, base
cuneate to rounded, apex acute to acuminate, 9-17 cm long and 3-5-6 cm broad;
secondary nerves indistinct, 1 1-17 on each side, widely spreading; petiole 5-12 mm long.
Stipules united into a short tubular sheath 2 mm long. Inflorescence corymbose,
dense; peduncle stout, 3-7 cm long; bracts ovate acute 4-5 mm long. Flowers white,
fragrant, fairly large, up to 2-5 cm in diameter, thick textured; pedicels 3-6 mm long.
Calyx cup-shaped, 4-5 mm long; sepals 5, imbricate free almost to the base, rot undate;
margin minutely fimbriate; glands present at the base of each sepal. Corolla salver-
shaped; tube spindle-shaped to urceolate 8-10 mm long, thickest below the middle,
glabrous, thickened within the throat; lobes ovate-oblong, 10-12 mm long, auriculate
at the base, overlapping to the left, margin crisped. Stamens 5, inserted just below the
middle of the tube, subsessile with the filament reduced to a callus swelling; anthers
lanceolate, sagittate, 5-6 mm long, narrowly acuminate, the apices at the throat of the
corolla or slightly exserted. Disc consisting of a raised ridge. Ovary of two free carpels,
glabrous; style columnar, compressed, broader towards the apex. 4-5 mm long; stigma
thickened, cylindric, grooved, with an entire or lobed projecting rim at the base. Fruit
270
Apocynaceae
of 2 mericarps spreading at 180°; mericarps baccate, coriaceous, ellipsoid to oblong,
4 -5-5 -5 cm long and 2-5-3 cm thick, surface smooth or wrinkled, not warty. Seeds
numerous, embedded in a fleshy pulp, ovoid-triquetrous, 9-11 mm long, brown, deeply
grooved ventrally, surface slightly wrinkled; endosperm fleshy, ruminate. Fig. 39: 2.
Found in the coastal forests of Natal, often in dense shade, with one record, which requires
confirmation, from north-eastern Transvaal. Specimens apparently referrable to this species have
been seen from Melsetter, Southern Rhodesia, and the neighbouring mountainous area of Portuguese
East Africa. Sim, l.c. records the species from the coastal swamps of eastern Pondoland, but it is
thought that he confused the species with Voacanga dregei E. Mey., a species superficially similar which
occurs in such situations, and is not listea by Sim. The plant he illustrated (Plate 155, fig. 3) is, however,
T. ventricosa.
Natal. — Without locality, Gerravd 1423. Hlabisa: Ward 2255. Mtunzini: Port Durnford,
Fair in F.D. FTerb. 7719; 7720; 7721. Eshowe: Forest near Eshowe, Codd 1858. Inanda: Medley
Wood 5487. Durban: Medley Wood 9661.
Transvaal. — Shingitsi Reserve (north-eastern Transvaal), Boswell s.n.
The tropical species T. usambarensis K. Schum. is very similar to T. ventricosa, though the
mericarps are described as “ orange-like, subglobose, 2\ inches in diameter ” while in T. ventricosa
they are ellipsoid to oblong.
2. Tabernaemontana elegans Stapf in Kew Bull. 24 (1894); K. Schum. in Pflanzenw.
Ost-Afr. C: 316 (1895). Syntypes: Portuguese East Africa, Kirk s.n. (K); Monteiro
55 (K).
Conopharyngia elegans (Stapf) Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1: 149 (1902); F.C. 4, 1: 506 (1907); Sim, For-
FI. P.E.A. 87, t. 80, fig. A (1909); Brenan & Greenw., Check-list Tang. Terr. 2: 49 (1949); Codd,
Bot. Surv. S. Afr. Mem. 26: 152, t. 141a (1951).
Shrub or small tree up to 8 m high with all the parts glabrous; sap milky.
Leaves opposite, subcoriaceous, oblong, oblong-lanceolate, to ovate-lanceolate, 9-20
cm long and 5-7 cm broad, glossy dark green above, paler below, base narrowly to
broadly cuneate, apex obtuse, acute or, occasionally, acuminate; secondary nerves
13-22 on each side widely spreading; petiole 1-2-5 cm long; bracts ovate, char-
taceous, caducous. Stipules united into a short tubular sheath 2 mm long. Inflorescence
loosely corymbose or paniculate; peduncle 3-5 cm long. Flowers relatively small,
up to 1-5 cm in diameter, white, fragrant, fleshy, pedicels 4-7 mm long. Calyx cup-
shaped, 1 -5-2 mm long; sepals 5, imbricate, free almost to the base, rotundate, margin
entire; glands present at the base of each sepal. Corolla salver-shaped; tube cylindric,
6-7 mm long and 2-5 mm in diameter, constricted below the middle and wider at the
throat, glabrous without, pubescent within, not thickened within at the throat; lobes
linear-oblong, 8-10 mm long, oblique at the base, overlapping to the left, margin entire.
Stamens 5, inserted at the constriction below the middle of the tube, subsessile, filament
slightly thickened, not forming a callus; anthers lanceolate, sagittate, apiculate, 2-5
mm long, included, the apices 2-3 mm from the throat. Disc 0. Ovary of 2 free
carpels; style terete, 1 mm long; stigma subulate, papillose, 2-fid from an ellipsoid
base. Fruit of 2 mericarps spreading at 180°; mericarps baccate, coriaceous to woody,
subglobose, 6-7 cm long and 4-5 cm thick, beaked, with 2 lateral and one dorsal ridge,
freely covered with numerous suberous warts. Seeds numerous, embedded in a fleshy
pulp, ovoid-triquetrous, 1-4-1 -7 cm long, light brown, grooved ventrally, surface
slightly wrinkled; endosperm fleshy, ruminate. Fig. 39: 1.
Occurs in the eastern and north-eastern Transvaal lowveld, usually in riverine woodland, and in
Zululand in association with coastal scrub forest. Also found in Portuguese East Africa, Rhodesia
and Tanganyika.
Natal. — Hlabisa: False Bay, Ward 2454; Gerstner 4722; Inyalazi River, Gerstner 5208.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Koniatipoort, Pole Evans H 16855. Nelspruit: Kruger National Park,
near Crocodile Bridge, van der Schijff 3991. Sibasa: near Makonda, Munro s.n.; Kruger National
Park, Rowland Jones 2; Pafuri Camp, Codd 4220; Codd <6 Dyer 4628; Rodin 4603; Punda Milia,
van der Schijff 472; 954.
Apocynaceae
271
Fig. 39. — 1, Tabernaemontana elegans, portion of flowering branch ( van der Schijff 3991); la, bud,
X 2; lb, opened flower, X 2; lc, base of flower sectioned to show the gynoecium and disc, X 2;
Id, stigma and style, X 3; le, longitudinal section of ovary, X 6. 2, T. ventricosa, flower sectioned
to show disc, gynoecium and stamens (Fair 7720); 2a, style and stigma, x 3. 3, Voacanga thouarsii,
flower sectioned to show disc, gynoecium and stamens ( Ward 3843); 3a, style and stigma, x 3.
272
Apocynaceae
6607a
9. EPHIPPIOCARPA
Ephippiocarpa Markgf in Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin, 8: 309 (1923).
Shrub or small tree, glabrous. Leaves opposite, simple, entire, petiolate, penni-
nerved; axillary glands present. Stipules early caducous. Inflorescence terminal,
cymose, few-flowered. Flowers fairly large, fragrant. Calyx subfoliaceous with several
minute glands at the base inside; sepals 5, almost free, broadly oblong, imbricate.
Corolla salver-shaped; tube cylindric to tubular, broader above the insertion of the
stamens; lobes 5, overlapping to the left, as long as the tube, ovate to broadly elliptic,
margin entire. Stamens 5, included, conniving in a cone, inserted in the widened part
of the tube, subsessile; anthers lanceolate, acuminate, shortly sagittate. Disc obscure.
Ovary of 2 almost free carpels, glabrous; style filiform, somewhat compressed; stigma
subglobose with a narrow fringe at the base and a mucronate, bifid apex; ovules
numerous in each locule. Fruit baccate, semi-syncarpous, several-seeded. Seeds
oblong-ellipsoid, longitudinally striated and rough; cotyledons flat; endosperm
ruminate.
A monotypic genus related to Callichilia Stapf, but differs mainly in the two-lobed, syncarpous
fruits. The generic name is derived from “ ephippium ”, a saddle, no doubt in reference to this character.
Ephippiocarpa orientalis (5. Moore) Markgf. in Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin 8; 310
(1923). Type: Portuguese East Africa, Boka, lower Buzi River, Swynnerton 1148.
Callichilia orientalis S. Moore in Journ. Linn. Soc. 40: 139 (1911).
Shrub or small tree up to 3 m high, glabrous in all parts; branchlets slender,
divaricate, bark pale green. Leaves membranous, lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate,
7-12 cm long and 2 -5-3 -5 cm broad, cuneate at the base, apex acute to acuminate;
secondary nerves 7-10 on each side, rather indistinct, widely spreading; petiole 5-10
mm long, channelled above with small tooth-like glands in the axils. Inflorescence
cymose, terminal, few-flowered, glabrous; peduncle slender, 1-1-7 cm long; bracts
oblong, 4-4-5 mm long, rounded at the apex, caducous; pedicels 1-1-4 cm long.
Flowers white, fragrant, fairly large, up to 2 • 5 cm in diameter. Calyx large, imbricate,
divided almost to the base; sepals broadly oblong, 8-9 mm long, rounded at the apex,
usually reflexed, with several minute glands at the base of each sepal within. Corolla
salver-shaped, glabrous; tube 1-5 cm long, at first narrowly cylindrical and 2 mm in
diameter for 1 cm, then widening abruptly to a broader, cylindrical portion enclosing
the stamens, 5 mm long and 3-3-5 mm in diameter, not thickened nor constricted
at the throat; lobes ovate to broadly elliptical, 1-4-1 -6 cm long and 8-10 mm broad,
rounded at the apex, delicately veined, overlapping to the left, margin entire. Stamens 5.
inserted above the middle in the enlarged part of the tube, subsessile, filaments extended
as raised longitudinal ridges in the tube; anthers lanceolate, acuminate, shortly sagittate,
3-5 mm long, shortly mucronate, the apices nearly reaching the corolla throat. Disc
obscure consisting of an annular thickening. Ovary of two almost free carpels, glabrous;
style filiform, somewhat compressed, broader towards the apex, 9-10 mm long;
stigma subglobose with a narrow fringe at the base and a mucronate, bifid apex 0-5
mm long; ovules numerous in each locule. Fruit baccate, two-lobed, 2-5 cm long and
2-2-5 cm in diameter, several-seeded. Seeds oblong-ellipsoid, 6-7 mm long and 3-3-5
mm in diameter; testa brown, longitudinally striated and rough.
An understorey shrub of coastal forests on sandy soil in Portuguese East Africa and northern
Zululand, where it is locally common.
Natal. — Ingwavuma: Lake Sibayi area, Tinley 196; 213; Maputa area, Manguzi Forest, Tinley
317; Ward 3225. Hlabisa: St. Lucia system, Feely & Ward 28.
Apocynaceae
273
6612 10. VOACANGA
Voacanga Thou., Nov. Gen. Madag. 10 (1806); K. Schum. in Pflanzenfam. 4. 2: 149
(1895); Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 151 (1902); F.C. 4, 1 : 507 (1907); Pichon in Ball. Mus.
Nat. Hist. Nat. Paris 2, 19: 409 (1948); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 585 (1951).
Diems Reinw. in Blume, Cat. Hort. Buiteng. 47 (1823).
Orchipeda Blume, Bydr. 1026 (1826).
Piptolaena Harv. in Hook. Lond. Journ. Bot. 1: 25 (1842).
Amitlaria Hochst. in Flora 24: 670 (1841).
Cyclostigma Hochst. in Endl., Gen. Suppl. 2: 56 (1842).
Pootia Miq. in Versl. en Med. Kon. Akad. Wetensch. 6: 192 (1857).
Shrubs or trees. Leaves opposite, simple, entire, relatively large, shortly petioled,
penninerved; leaf bases united into a rim or short sheath; axillary glands present.
Stipules absent, obscure or distinct. Inflorescence terminal, frequently paired, corymbose
or umbellate, rarely racemose. Flowers usually large and showy, white, yellow or
greenish to violet brown, sometimes unpleasantly scented. Calyx tubular or sub-
campanulate, with a ring or zone of scattered glands within near the base, early
circumscissile at the base and deciduous or more persistent; lobes 5, shorter than the
tube, obtuse, imbricate. Corolla salver-shaped, often fleshy; tube cylindrical, con-
stricted below the middle and at the mouth with callus thickenings round the often
very narrow orifices and with prominent filamental ridges within; lobes 5, overlapping
to the left, ovate, unequal at the base. Stamens 5, sessile; anthers adnate by a broad
base to the corolla tube, ovate-lanceolate, deeply sagittate. Disc usually annular,
fleshy, surrounding the base of the ovary or cupular and concealing the ovary, rarely
reduced to an inconspicuous ring. Ovary of 2 free or rarely connate carpels; style
columnar, thickened upwards, compressed; stigma subcapitate, 5-grooved, with a
fleshy wavy ring or frill at the base; ovules numerous in each cell. Mericarps 2, baccate,
globose or pear-shaped, with a sticky latex. Seeds numerous, embedded in fleshy
pulp, ellipsoid, grooved ventrally; testa grooved or ruminate; embryo straight;
cotyledons flat, elliptic; radicle cylindric, longer than the cotyledons; endosperm
fleshy.
Found in Africa, the Mascarene Islands and the Malay Archipelago, with one species recorded
from South Africa. The generic name is derived from a vernacular name for a species in Madagascar.
Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult., Syst. Veg. 4: 439 (1819); Rolfe in Journ.
Bot. Lond. 21: 202 (1883); Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 154 (1902); Sim, For. FI. P.E.A. 87,
t. 81 (1907); Brenan & Greenw., Check-list Tang. Terr. 2: 57 (1949); Pichon in Bull.
Mus. Nat. Hist. Nat. ser. 2, 19: 415 (1948). Type: Madagascar, Thouars s.n. (P).
V. dregei E. Mey., Comm. 189 (1837); Stapf in F.C. 4, 1: 508 (1907); Henkel, Woody PI. Nat.
and Zul. 148 (1934). Type: Between Umkomaas and Durban, Drege s.n. (K). V. thouarsii var. dregei
(E. Mey.) Pichon, l.c. V. ohtusa K. Schum. in Pflanzenfam. 4, 2: 149 (1895); Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 153
(1902). Type: Belgian Congo, Niamniam, Schweinfurth 3741.
Annularia natalensis Hochst. in Flora, 24: 670 (1841). Type: Natal, Kratiss s.n. (BM).
Cyclostigma natalense (Hochst.) Hochst. in Endl., Gen. Suppl. 2: 56 (1842); in Flora, 27: 828
(1844).
Piptolaena dregei (E. Mey.) A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 357 (1844); Harv., Gen. S.A. PI. ed. 2: 246
(1868).
Tree 5-15 m high with all parts glabrous; sap milky. Leaves opposite and
decussate, crowded towards the tips of the branches, subcoriaceous, dull when dry.
oblong-oblanceolate, 8-16 cm long and 2 -2-5 -5 cm broad, base narrowly cuneate,
apex broadly rounded or rarely obtuse, usually with scattered acarodomatia on the
lower surface; secondary nerves 8-12 on each side, widely spreading, indistinct; petiole
0-8-2 -2 cm long. Stipules small, united in an interpetiolar rim or short sheath;
274
Apocynaceae
axillary glands present. Inflorescence usually arising in pairs, terminal, dense, few-
flowered consisting of racemosely arranged reduced cymes; peduncle stout, 2-5-8 cm
long; bracts broadly ovate, obtuse, early caducous. Flowers fairly large, up to 4-5
cm in diameter, fleshy, white to yellowish, unpleasantly scented; pedicels 5-7 mm
long. Calyx wide tubular, 1-1-4 cm long and 1 cm in diameter, early circumscissile
at the base with numerous glands within; lobes short, rounded, 3^4 mm long and
6-7 mm broad. Corolla salver-shaped, tube slightly longer than the calyx subcylindric,
slightly constricted above the middle, twisted above the constriction; lobes broadly
obcordate, 1 ■ 5-2-2 cm long and 2 cm broad, overlapping to the left. Stamens 5, inserted
near the corolla mouth, sessile with the filament reduced to a callus swelling; anthers
lanceolate, sagittate, 5-6 mm long, exserted for half their length. Disc cupular entire
or almost so, subequal to or exceeding the ovary, persistent. Ovary of 2 free carpels,
glabrous; style columnar, thickened upwards, compressed, 10-12 mm long; stigma
thickened, shortly cylindric, grooved, with a frill at the base, apex blunt. Fruit of
usually 2 mericarps; mericarps baccate, globose, 7-9 cm in diameter, with a thick
coriaceous rind and sticky latex, smooth, green, mottled with whitish or yellowish
spots, dehiscing longitudinally. Seeds numerous, yellow, embedded in a fleshy pulp,
ovoid, often triquetrous, 8-11 mm long, grooved and deeply infolded ventrally, surface
obscurely ruminate; embryo straight; cotyledons flat, elliptic; radicle slightly longer
than the cotyledons; endosperm fleshy. Fig. 39: 3.
In coastal forests of Natal and Pondoland, usually associated with open glades, stream banks or
swampy places; also in similar habitats in Mozambique and Angola, extending through tropical
Africa to Tanganyika, Uganda and the Cameroons.
Cape. — Lusikisiki: Mkambati Leper Institution, Marais 975.
Natal. — Port Shepstone: Gatpin 11433. Pinetown: Medley Wood 3841 (NH). Lower Tugela •’
Umhlali, Dyer & Bayer 4337; Darnall, Ferguson in NH 28722. Mtunzini: Port Durnford, Fair in F.D.
Herb. 7722; 7723; Ngoye, Wylie s.n. in Herb. Wood. Eshowe: Lawn 181 (NH). Hlabisa: Ward
3044 (NH); 3483. Ingwavuma: Maputaland, West 864; Kosi Bay, Rodin 4704.
Pichon draws attention to the variation found in the shape of the disc. In the typical form
occurring in Madagascar and in east and west tropical Africa, the disc is large and encloses the ovary.
In the plants found in South Africa and Mozambique, the disc is smaller, enclosing only the lower
half of the ovary. For this reason, he separated the southern form as var. dregei. No other distinguishing
characters can. however, be found and the fact that the disc seen in specimens from Northern Rhodesia
and Nyasaland is somewhat intermediate leads to the conclusion that the variety is not worth upholding.
6619 11. RAUVOLFIA
Rauvolfia L., Sp. PI. ed. 1: 208 (1753); Gen. PI. ed. 5: 98 (1754); K. Schum. in
Pflanzenfam. 4, 2: 153 (1895); Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1: 108 (1902); F.C. 4, 1: 501
(1907), as Rauwolfia; Pichon in Mem. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris n.s. 27: 153 (1948);
Phi 11 . , Gen. ed. 2: 586 (1951). Rao in Ann. Miss. Bot. Gard. 43: 253 (1956).
Ophioxylon L„ Sp. PI. ed. I: 1043 (1753).
Dissolaena Lour., FI. Cochinch. 137 (1790).
Cyrtosiphonia Miq., FI. Ind. Bat. 2: 401 (1856).
Hetirckia Muell.-Arg. in Flora 53: 168 (1870).
Trees or shrubs, usually glabrous. Leaves opposite or whorled, often large, simple,
entire, shortly petioled, penninerved; axillary glands numerous in a dense fringe or
in clusters. Stipules 0. Inflorescence a terminal or pseudo-axillary, peduncled, usually
many-flowered simple or compound umbel or corymb, rarely a raceme. Flowers
small, white or yellowish. Calyx small, divided almost to the base or united into a
shallow, 5-toothed cup, eglandular within; sepals or segments 5, imbricate. Corolla
salver-shaped; tube cylindrical, slightly widened below the mouth, very rarely just
below the middle; mouth constricted, without appendages; lobes 5, shorter than the
Apocynaceae
275
tube, overlapping to the left. Stamens 5, in the widened part of the tube; filaments
short, terete, anthers free from the stigma, ovate, acute to obtuse, shortly 2-lobed at
the base. Disc annular or cup-shaped, entire or slightly lobed. Ovary of 2 free or
coherent carpels; style subterete; stigma capitate or shortly cylindric, minutely papillose
and slightly viscous, with a basal deflexed rim and a very short slightly bilobed apiculus
arising from a shallow depression; ovules 2 in each cell, collateral. Mericarps 2 (or
often 1 by abortion) free or more or less united, drupaceous; pyrenes crustaceous,
1-2 seeded, more or less compressed. Seeds ovoid; cotyledons flat; radicle cylindric.
longer than the cotyledons; endosperm fleshy.
Found in the tropics of both hemispheres with one species in South Africa. Economically important
as the source of drugs such as reserpine , which is obtained chiefly from the Indian species, R. serpentina
(L.) Benth. The spelling of the generic name has been the cause of some concern. Plumier founded
the genus in 1703 to commemorate Leonhart Rauwolf, a German physician who travelled widely in
the sixteenth century in search of drug plants. As was then common practice, Plumier latinised the
name to Rauvolfia. Linnaeus took up the genus, using this spelling consistently in all his works, and
thus it is the correct spelling to use according to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature,
although many subsequent authors have preferred Rauwolfia. For a full discussion, see “ Rauwolfia :
Botany, Chemistry and Pharmacology ” by Woodson et at., Boston, 1957.
Rauvolfia caffra Sond. in Linnaea 23: 77 (1850); Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 110 (1902):
F.C. 4, 1: 502 (1907); Phillips in Journ. S. Afr. Bot. 12: 111 (1946); Codd, Bot
Surv. S. Afr. Mem. 26: 156, t. 144 (1951); Brenan in Mem. N.Y. Bot. Gard. 8: 502
(1954). Type: Transvaal, Magaliesberg, Zeyher 1183.
R. natalensis Sond. in Linnaea 23: 78 (1850); Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1: 111 (1902); F.C. 4, 1: 502
(1907); Sim, For. FI. Cape Col. 270, t. 156 (1907); For. FI. P.E.A. 86 (1909); Brenan & Greenw..
Check-list Tang. Terr. 2: 54 (1949). Type: Port Natal, Gueinzius 183.
Tree 7-16 m high and up to 1-5 m in diameter, with all parts glabrous; bark
smooth; sap watery, bitter. Leaves in whorls of 3-5, often unequal, lanceolate, long
oblong or oblanceolate, acute to acuminate, long cuneate at the base, 12-28 cm long
and 2-5-6 cm broad, dark green and shiny above, paler below, thinly coriaceous;
secondary nerves 20-30 on each side, spreading at a wide angle; petiole 1-3-5 cm
long; axillary glands forming a dense fringe. Stipules 0. Inflorescence much branched
with dense cymes at the ends of secondary or tertiary branchlets of large umbels:
peduncle 2-6 cm long; bracts minute. Flowers white, small, waxy; pedicels 1 mm
long. Calyx cup-shaped, 1 mm long, 5-toothed or lobed. Corolla salver-shaped:
tube cylindric to subcampanulate, thickened towards the apex, 3-4-5 mm long, mouth
densely filled with whitish hairs; lobes ovate, 1 mm long. Stamens 5, inserted above
the middle; anthers ovate, cordate, 0-5-1 mm long; filaments very short, terete.
Disc cup-shaped, sinuate. Ovary of 2 carpels, connate in flowering stage, more or less
fused in fruit or often only one developing; style terete, 1 -5-2 mm long; stigma papil-
lose, capitate, consisting of a thickened annular ring with a basal deflexed rim and a
short, truncate, bilobed apex; ovules 2 in each cell, collateral. Fruit drupaceous,
subglobose to obovoid, at first green and smooth, becoming black and wrinkled when
ripe. Seeds 1 or 2, ovoid, compressed, bony; cotyledons flat; endosperm thin, fleshy.
A tree of forests and wooded stream banks, usually near water, found in northern, eastern and
central Transvaal, the coastal belt from Natal to the Transkei and in tropical east Africa as far north
as the Congo, Kenya and Tanganyika.
Cape. — Kentani: Pegler 1135. Mqanduli: near Coffee Bay, Story 4133. Transkei: Mzwane
Forest, Fegen in PRE 3358. Umtata: Ntambalala, Fegen in PRE 5921 . Port St. Johns: Galpin 9550;
Flanagan 2559. Lusikisiki: Egossa, Sim 2440.
Natal. — Umzinto: Umkomaas, Lansdell 16 (NH). Durban: Clairmont, Medley Wood 1571.
Ndwedwe: Umzinyati, Medley Wood 648 (NFI). Mtunzini: Port Durnford, Fair in F.D. Herb. 7724.
Eshowe:Ta»v« 145 (NH). Lower Umfolosi: Gerstner 2758 (NH). Hlabisa: Ward 1568.
Transvaal. — Magaliesberg, Burke 113. Brits: Hartebeestpoort Dam, Smuts & Pole Evans 1322:
Magaliesberg, opposite Wolhuterskop, Innes & Story 1386; Jacksonstuin, Obermeyer 401; Marais
893. Barberton: Avoca, Galpin 1061; near Louws Creek, Hutchinson 2486. Nelspruit: Schagen.
276
Apocynaceae
Liebenberg 3048. Letaba: Magoebaskloof, Gerstner 5471; upper Selati River, Smuts & Gillett 3557.
Sibasa: Rodin 4114; Georgenholz, Makonda, Westphal 7; Kruger National Park, Punda Milia,
Lang in TRV 3263. Soutpansberg: Wylliespoort,Po/e Evans 3737; Elim, Obermeyer 818; nearSoutpan,
Galpin 15151.
Commonly known as the Quinine Tree, though its prophylactic effects against malaria are open
to doubt. Phillips in Journ. S. Afr. Bot. 12: 111 (1946), places R. natalensis Sond. as a synonym of
R. caffra Sond. and this view is accepted. It seems probable that the synonymy should be extended
to include the two tropical African species, R. ochrosioides K. Schum. and R. obliquinervis Stapf.
6663 12. BAISSEA
Baissea A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 424 (1844); Benth. & Hook, f., Gen. PI. 2: 719
(1876); K. Schum. in Pflanzenfam. 4, 2: 172 (1895); Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1: 203 (1902);
Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 586 (1951).
Perinerion Baill. in Bull. Soc. Linn. Paris 1: 758 (1888); K. Schum., l.c. 174 (1895).
Woody climbers, often very tall. Leaves opposite, simple, entire, shortly petioled,
penninerved. often acuminate; axillary glands absent. Stipules 0. Inflorescence terminal
or axillary, paniculate or corymbose, rarely a few-flowered cyme. Flowers relatively
small, white or purple, usually fragrant. Calyx small, divided almost to the base,
eglandular or with 5 glands; sepals 5, imbricate, lanceolate, ovate-lanceolate or
rotundate. Corolla funnel-shaped or campanulate, usually widest or slightly constricted
at the mouth, glabrous within, usually with fleshy projecting calli or scales just above
the insertion of the stamens; lobes 5, longer than the tube, mostly very narrow, over-
lapping to the right. Stamens 5, inserted above the base of the corolla tube; filaments
very short, stout; anthers conniving in a cone round the style, lanceolate, apiculate,
long sagittate at the base, polliniferous in the upper part only, with the foot of the
connective hollowed out. Disc saucer-shaped or cupular, subtruncate, sinuate or
5-lobed. Ovary of 2 free carpels, slightly inferior, subtruncate, usually pubescent;
style shorter than the stamens; stigma ellipsoid with 5 pits and with a small, 2-lobed
apex. Mericarps 2, follicular, usually cylindric and slender. Seeds linear-lanceolate
to oblong, truncate at the tip with a deciduous apical coma; cotyledons flat; radicles
short; endosperm rather copious, fleshy.
The genus, according to Stapf in Flora of Tropical Africa, is confined to Africa, the Indian and
Malayan species referred by some authors to Baissea being excluded; one species enters our area in
northern South West Africa. According to De Candolle, the genus is named “ in honour of de la
Baisse, alias Sarrabat ”, presumably a noteworthy person of the French Republic.
Baissea wulfhorstii Schinr in Bull. Herb. Boiss. 4: 816 (1896); Stapf in F.T.A.
4, 1: 207 (1902). Type: South West Africa, Amboland, Omupanda, Wulfhorst 2.
A climbing shrub up to 3 m tall; young branchlets rusty pubescent sometimes
becoming glabrescent; sap milky. Leaves small, opposite, subsessile, subcoriaceous,
ovate-lanceolate, lanceolate or elliptic-oblong, obtuse or subacute, rounded to cuneate
at the base, 2-3-2 cm long and 8-10 mm broad, thinly pubescent above and below-,
sometimes becoming glabrescent; petiole 1-1-5 mm long, pubescent. Stipules 0.
Inflorescence of 1 -few-flowered cymes, axillary towards the ends of the branchlets or
clustered in terminal panicles, usually flowering very freely; peduncle 1-2-1 -7 cm,
rusty pubescent; bracts subulate 1-5-2 mm long. Flowers whitish, striped with red
or mauve-pink in the throat, with the lobes tipped with yellow, fragrant; pedicels
2-4 mm long. Calyx small, divided almost to the base, rusty pubescent, eglandular;
lobes spreading, lanceolate-oblong, 2-5 mm long. Corolla tube broadly funnel-shaped,
widest at the mouth, 4-5 mm long, pubescent without and glabrous within; calli
above insertion of anthers obscure; lobes linear, often recurved, 1 -8-2-2 cm long.
Stamens 5. inserted near the base of the tube; anthers 2 mm long, lanceolate, acuminate.
Apocynaceae
277
Fig. 40. — Baissea wulfhorstii, flowering branch ( Codd 7361); a, section through flower to show the
disc, gynoecium and anthers conniving in a cone round the style, X 5; b, section opened to show
the anther faces, x 5; c, disc, carpels, stigma and style, x 10; d, transverse section of the ovary,
x 10; e, fruit ( Miller B 153); f, seed with coma of hairs.
278
Apocynaceae
sagittate at the base; filaments very short, stout. Disc saucer-shaped, sinuate. Ovary
of 2 free carpels, sparingly pubescent at the apex; style pubescent, 1 mm long, columnar,
broader towards the apex; stigma thickened, ovoid, with a short bifid apiculus; ovules
numerous. Fruit of two follicles, pendulous, more or less parallel; follicles linear-
cylindric 10-20 cm long and 5 mm in diameter, rusty tomentose. Seeds numerous,
linear-oblong, 1-2-1 -4 cm long, brown, grooved on one side, truncate at the tip with
a coma of brownish spreading hairs about 2-5 cm long at the apex; cotyledons flat,
narrow; radicle short; endosperm fairly copious, fleshy. Fig. 40.
Occurs in open woodland on deep, sandy soil in the northern part of South West Africa and the
adjoining regions of Angola, Northern Rhodesia and northern Bechuanaland.
S.W.A. — Caprivi: Katima Mulilo, van den Berg s.n. Okavango: near Runtu, de Winter 3735;
3753; near Katere, Watt 32; 8. Grootfontein: Narugas, Schoenfelder 976; near Gam, Story 5335.
Stapf includes B. spectabilis Hua (1898), based on Antunez 591 from Huilla, Angola, in synonymy
under B. wulfhorstii but, as 1 have seen no material of it, it is omitted here.
6680
13. ADENIUM
Adenium R. & S., Syst. Vee. 4: 41 1 (1819); Stapf in F.C. 4, 1 ; 513 (1907); Phill. , Gen.
ed. 2: 587 (1951).
Succulent shrubs; stems often large and swollen at the base with fleshy branches.
Leaves alternate or in spirals, often in terminal fascicles, simple, entire, sessile or shortly
petioled; axillary glands conspicuous, several in each axil. Stipules minute or 0.
Inflorescence a few-flowered subsessile terminal cyme. Flowers usually showy, pink
red or purple, or sometimes partly white. Calyx divided almost to the base; lobes 5,
lanceolate or subulate, eglandular within. Corolla funnel-shaped or campanulate
from a short cylindric base; lobes 5, about as long as the tube, ovate or obovate, over-
lapping to the right, with paired, small or obscure scales in the mouth alternating with
the lobes, more or less confluent and forming obtriangular pockets. Stamens 5, inserted
at the base of the widened part of the corolla tube; filaments very short; anthers
conniving in a cone and fused with the stigma, lanceolate, with long filiform terminal
appendages, sagittate at the base, polliniferous in the upper portion only, with the
foot of the connective bearing a small projection in the centre and a brush-like cushion
below. Disc 0. Ovary of 2 free carpels; style cylindric, short; stigma capitate with
a basal rim and a minute bifid apiculus; ovules numerous, pluriseriate. Mericarps
follicular. Seeds linear-oblong with a deciduous tuft of hairs at each end; embryo
straight; cotyledons folded; radicle large, contorted; endosperm very thin or 0.
Natives of Africa, Socotra and Arabia; 4 species in South Africa. When Forskahl described
S’erium obesuin, the basionym of Adenium obesum (Forsk.) R. & S., from Melhan in Arabia, he recorded
the Arabian vernacular name for the plant as “ Oddaejn ” or “Aden” and it is from the latter that
Roemer & Schultes derived the generic name.
The upper, wide part of the corolla more or less pubescent within; terminal anther appendages
reaching to the corolla mouth or exserted:
Leaves obovate to oblong-obovate, glabrous, 3-8 cm broad; flowers usually appearing before
the leaves 1. A. obesum var. multiflorum
Leaves linear-lanceolate to linear-oblong, pubescent, 5-12 mm broad; flowers appearing with
the leaves 2. A. oleifolium
The upper, wide part of the corolla quite glabrous within; terminal anther appendages short,
included:
Leaves 1 3 cm broad, apex acute to rounded, rarely emarginate; secondary nerves indistinct
3. A. swazicum
Leaves 5 8 cm broad, apex usually emarginate; secondary nerves distinct 4. A. boehmianum
Apocynaceae.
279
1. Adenium obesum ( Forsk .) R. & S. Syst. Veg. 4: 411 (1819). Type: Arabia,
Melhan, Forskahl.
var. multiflorum (Klotzsch) L. E. Codd in Bothalia 7 : 452 (1961). Type: Portuguese
East Africa, Tete, Peters s.n.
A. multiflorum Klotzsch in Peters, Reise Mossamb. Bot. 279, t. 44 (1861); Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1:
229 (1902); F.C. 4, 1: 514 (1907); Phillips in FI. PI. S. Afr. 1: t. 16 (1921); Codd, Bot. Surv. S. Afr.
Mem. 26: 151, Plate 5 (1951).
Succulent shrub 60 cm-3 m high with stem swollen and often tuberous at the base,
bearing 1-several aerial branches. Branches erect, tapering, sparingly branched,
glabrous except at the apex when young; bark greyish white, smooth. Leaves clustered
at the ends of the branches, obovate or oblong-obovate, 7-12 cm long and 3-8 cm broad,
cuneate at the base, apex obtuse, rounded or retuse, often apiculate, semi-succulent
when fresh, subcoriaceous when dry, glabrous; secondary nerves rather indistinct,
8-11 mm apart; petiole up to 6 mm long; glands present in the axil. Inflorescence
terminal, cymose, contracted, several-many-flowered, preceded by numerous deciduous,
triangular pubescent bud scales; bracts lanceolate, tomentose, 6-7 mm long; pedicels
up to 6 mm long. Flowers showy, whitish to pale pink with a darker pink margin to
the corolla lobes, appearing before or, in less severe climates, with the leaves. Calyx
villous, 1-1-2 cm long; lobes lanceolate, acuminate. Corolla tomentose without;
tube 2-2-3 cm, narrowly cylindrical at the base for 6-8 mm then campanulate-infundi-
buliform for 1 -6-2-4 cm, 6 mm broad at the throat, glabrous or pubescent within the
narrow basal portion, pubescent in the upper part; throat scales small, confluent,
forming a 2-lobed pocket between the lobes; lobes glabrous, obovate to rotund, 1-8-2
cm long, apex acute or obtuse and abruptly apiculate. Stamens 5, subsessile, the points
of attachment produced as 5 tomentose ridges in the tube; anthers lanceolate, sagittate,
5-7 mm long, polliniferous in the upper part, tomentose on the back, with hairy apical
tails up to 2 cm long, exserted. Ovary of 2 free carpels, glabrous; style filiform 10-12
mm long; stigma capitate with a deeply lobed basal rim. Fruit of two follicular
mericarps eventually spreading at 180°; follicles 9-15 cm long and 1-1-2 cm in diameter,
subcylindrical, tapering at each end, densely white tomentose. Seeds numerous, linear,
brown, striate, 7-9 mm long with a coma of brownish hairs up to 2 cm long at each
end. Fig. 41 : 1.
Found in dry lowveld woodland among rocks or on sandy slopes and flats in northern Zululand,
eastern Swaziland and eastern and northern Transvaal, extending into east and west tropical Africa.
Natal. — Ubombo: Mkuzi River, Galpin 13313. Ngotshe: Candover Estates, Liebenberg s.n.
Ingwavuma: Shemula’s Pont, Ward 2357.
Swaziland.- — Near Gollel, Rodin 4721; Malonia, Gerstner in NH 22953 (NH).
Transvaal.— Barberton: near Komatipoort, Keet 1489. Nelspruit: Kruger National Park,
Potts 3662; Malelane Rest Camp, Codd 6147; near Skukuza, Codcl 5495. Pilgrims Rest: Kruger
National Park, Gudzane Dam, van der Schijff 631. Letaba: Selati River, Pole Evans H. 18862; Taylor
638; Klein Letaba, Mathewman in PRE 4067; near Gravelotte Station, Galpin 13528. Sibasa: Kruger
National Park, Shingwidzi Rest Camp, van der Schijff 856; Punda Milia, Codd s.n. Soutpansberg:
Njelele River, Munro s.n.; Messina, Galpin 9183; near Chipise, Codd 3007.
An examination of the tropical African material has led to the conclusion expressed in Bothalia
7: 452 (1961) that A. multiflorum Klotzsch cannot be separated at the species level from plants on
which the following names, listed chronologically, have been based: A. obesum (Forsk.) R. & S.,
A. honghel A. DC., A. speciosum Fenzl, A. arabicum Balf. f., A. micranthum Stapf and A. coetanum
Stapf. However, it is considered that the more southern plants may be separated as a variety on the
basis of the more acute corolla lobes, with crisped margins and a deeper pink hue than is found in the
typical plants. The complex requires further study, especially in the field, before a clearer understanding
of the variation can be obtained throughout the entire range of the species. Common names: Impala
Lily, Sabie Star.
2355522—10
280
Apocynaceae
Pig. 41. — 1, Adenium obesum var. multiflorum, portion of flowering branch ( Codd 6147); la, anther
with the appendage cut off, x 7; lb, anther-appendage cut from figured anther, x 7; lc branchlet
bearing the fruit, 2 follicles. 2, Pachypodium saundersii, portion of flowering branch ( Kirton
s.n.); 2a, anther, x 7; 2b, stigma and style, x 7.
Apocynaceae
281
2. Adenium oleifolium Stapf in Kew Bull. 1907: 53 (1907); F.C. 4, 1: 514 (1907).
Syntypes: Transvaal, without locality, Todd 23; Bechuanaland, Bakwena Territory,
near Sirorume River, Holub s.n.
A. lugardii N. E. Br. in Kew Bull. 1909: 119 (1909). Type: Bechuanaland, Palapye, Lugard
269 (K, holo.). A. oleifolium var. angustifolium Phillips in FI. PI. S. Afr. 3: t. 105 (1923). Type: Cult,
in Pretoria; plant collected near Upington, Borcherds in PRE 2598 (PRE, holo.!).
Succulent shrublet 12-40 cm high with a swollen, tuberous, largely submerged
stem up to 10 cm in diam., bearing 1-several branches. Branches erect, rapidly tapering,
sparingly branched, pubescent when young, glabrous with age; bark greyish-white,
sometimes corky or wrinkled. Leaves clustered at the ends of the branches, linear-
lanceolate to linear, 5-5-11 cm long and 4-13 mm broad, subsessile, apex obtuse to
acute, often mucronate, cuneate at the base, frequently folded along the midrib, semi-
succulent when fresh, subcoriaceous when dry, covered with a short dense pubescence
especially on the underside; surface wrinkled when dry, secondary nerves obscure;
glands present in the axil. Inflorescence terminal, cymose, few-flowered, sessile,
tomentose; bracts linear, 4-6 mm long ; pedicels very short. Flowers showy, pale pink
to red, more intense towards the margin, appearing with the leaves. Calyx white
tomentose, 5-7 mm long; lobes ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate. Corolla tomentose
without; tube 2 -2-3 -4 cm long, narrowly cylindrical at the base for 4-7 mm then
campanulate-infundibuliform for 1 -8-2-3 cm, 8-15 mm broad at the throat, pubescent
within the upper, broader portion, glabrous below; lobes spreading, ovate, acute,
apiculate, 1-1-3 cm long, puberulous; throat scales forming pockets between the
lobes. Stamens 5; filaments 2-4 mm long, pilose, the points of attachment produced
as 5 tomentose ridges in the tube; anthers lanceolate, sagittate, 6-7 mm long, polini-
ferous in the upper part, tomentose on the back, with hairy apical tails 1 ■ 8-2 cm long
reaching the corolla throat. Ovary of 2 free carpels, glabrous; style filiform, 1-4-1 -7
cm long; stigma capitate with a narrow basal rim. Fruit of two follicular mericarps
eventually spreading to reflexed; follicles 8-11 cm long, subcylindrical, tapering at
each end, finely pubescent. Seeds numerous, linear-oblong, brown, striate, 1-2-1 -5
cm long with a coma of brownish hairs up to 3 cm long at each end.
Found on stony ridges, limestone outcrops or loose sand in south-eastern Bechuanaland, northern
Transvaal and northern Cape Province; also recorded from Warmbad District, South West Africa,
by Dinter in “Neue und wenig bekannte Pflanzen Deutsch-Siidwest-Afrikas”, p. 13 (1914).
Cape. — Hay: Kheis, Acocks 1791. Prieska: Buchuberg, Bryant 543; Buchuberg Dam, Fame
s.n. Gordonia: Upington, C. A. Smith 2370; 2374; 2375; Pole Evans 2143; Watt & Brandwijk
2494; Kotze 840; plant collected near Upington and cultivated in Pretoria, Borcherds s.n.; Clifton
Oos, Leistner 1941 (KMG); Kalahari Gemsbok Park, Leistner 1847 (KMG); Blauw Bosch, Wilman
1877 (KMG).
Transvaal.— Soutpansberg: Dongola Reserve, Pole Evans 4572.
No justification can be found for upholding the var. angustifolium as there are intermediates
connecting it with the typical form.
3. Adenium swazicum Stapf in Kew Bull. 1907: 53 (1907); F.C. 4, 1: 513 (1907);
Wood, Natal PI. 6, 4: t. 600 (1912); Phillips in FI. PI. S. Afr. 17: t. 664 (1937).
Syntypes: Swaziland, Rathbone sub Bolus Hb. No. 6208; Saunders s.n.; Medley
Wood 3511.
Succulent shrublet with swollen basal stem 10-15 cm in diameter, most of which
is below ground, bearing 1-several aerial branches. Branches erect, simple or sparingly
branched, 15-30 cm high and 1-1-5 cm in diameter, young parts pubescent becoming
glabrous with age, greenish white when dry. Leaves clustered at the ends of the branches,
oblanceolate to oblong-oblanceolate, subsessile, 6-13 cm long and 1-3 cm broad,
often folded along the midrib, narrowing gradually to the cuneate base, apex abruptly
acute to apiculate or rounded, rarely emarginate, softly pubescent especially on the
lower side, ultimately more or less glabrescent, softly fleshy and glaucous when fresh,
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drying subcoriaceous; secondary nerves indistinct, 4-7 mm apart; petiole up to
3 mm long, glands present in the axil. Stipules minute, early deciduous. Inflorescence
a terminal or pseudo-axillary few-flowered cyme, tomentose; bracts lanceolate 4 mm
long; pedicels 5-8 mm long. Flowers showy, pink or mauve to deep reddish purple,
usually darker in the throat, varying considerably in size, appearing with the leaves.
Calyx 6-10 mm long, pubescent; lobes lanceolate, acuminate. Corolla subcampanulate
to funnel-shaped; tube 2-5-5 cm long, narrowly cylindrical for 5-7 mm then widening
abruptly, densely tomentose without, glabrous within the upper widened portion,
tomentose below the stamens ; lobes obovate, rounded, 1 ■ 5-3 cm long and equally
broad, glabrous. Stamens 5, lanceolate, sagittate, subsessile; anthers 6-7 mm long
polliniferous in the upper half, tomentose below, with hairy apical tails up to 1 • 2 cm
long, reaching within 3 mm of the mouth of the corolla tube. Ovary of 2 free carpels;
style filiform 6-8 mm long, thickened towards the apex; stigma capitate with a basal
rim, apex minutely bifid; ovules numerous. Fruit not seen.
In lowveld woodland, usually on sandy, brackish flats, in the eastern Transvaal, Swaziland and
northern Zululand. Also recorded from southern Mozambique.
Natal. — Cult. Botanic Gardens, Durban, stated to be originally from Zululand, Jameson s.n.
(NH).
Swaziland. — Stegi Flats, Rodin 4536; St. Phillips Mission Station, Gerstner in NH 22949 (NH).
Transvaal. — Barberton: near Hectorspruit, J. M. Kirk s.n.; Hutchinson 2544. Nelspruit:
Kruger National Park, Stevenson-Hamilton s.n.; Malelane, van der Schijff 2558 ; Codd 5227.
4. Adenium boehmianum Schinz in Verhandl. Bot. Ver. Brandenb. 30: 259 (1888);
Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 227 (1902); Phillips in FI. PI. S. Afr. 18: t. 701 (1938). Syntypes:
South West Africa, Amboland, Olukonda, Schinz ; Upingtonia and in northern and
north-eastern Flereroland, Schinz.
Succulent shrub 0-6-1 -5 m high with stem swollen at the base, bearing several
to many aerial branches. Branches erect sparingly branched, white-tomentose when
young, becoming scabrid; bark greyish-white, rough. Leaves clustered at the ends of
the branches, obovate, 8-14 cm long and 5-8 cm broad, usually folded along the midrib,
base cuneate, apex usually emarginate, coriaceous, densely tomentose on both surfaces;
secondary nerves distinct, 5-7 mm apart; petiole up to 7 mm long; glands present
in the axil; stipules minute or often not visible. Inflorescence terminal, cymose, several-
flowered, tomentose; bracts ovate-lanceolate, 5-7 mm long; pedicels 5-10 mm long.
Flowers showy, pink to mauve and darker in the throat, appearing before or, usually,
with the leaves. Calyx 6-8 mm long, densely tomentose; lobes lanceolate, acuminate.
Corolla tomentose without; tube 3-4 cm long, narrowly cylindrical at the base for 5-7
mm then campanulate-cylindrical, 1 cm in diameter, glabrous within except at the
point of insertion of the stamens; throat scales obscure; lobes obovate to rotund up
to 2 cm long and equally broad, glabrous. Stamens 5, subsessile; anthers lanceolate,
sagittate, 5-7 mm long, polliniferous in the upper part, tomentose below with hairy
apical tails up to 1 - 5 cm long, reaching within 5 mm of the mouth of the corolla tube.
Ovary of 2 free carpels; style filiform, 6-8 mm long, thickened towards the apex; stigma
capitate with a lobed basal rim, apex minutely bifid. Fruit of 2 follicular mericarps at
first ascending, eventualy spreading at 180°; follicles 10-18 cm long, subcylindrical,
tapering at each end, densely white-tomentose. Seeds numerous, linear, brown, striate,
7-9 mm long with a coma of brownish hairs at each end 2-5-3 cm long.
Occurs in dry, rocky places in north-central and north-western South West Africa, and in southern
Angola.
S.W.A.— Windhoek: Khomas Highlands, Kinges 2479; near Otjimbingwe, de Winter 2646;
Okakewa, van Breda s.n. Outjo: Fuller s.n. (also cult, in Pretoria); Saratoga, Steyn in PRE 22548;
near Kaman.iab, de Winter 3063; Story 5648. Grootfontein: Otjikoto, Jensen s.n. Kaokoveld:
Kapupa Valley, Story 5648.
The sap is extremely bitter and is a source of arrow poison used by the Heikom bushmen.
Apocynaceae
283
6681
14. PACHYPODIUM
Pachypodium Lindl. in Bot. Reg. t. 1321 (1830); Stapf in F.C. 4, 1: 515 (1907); Phill.,
Gen. ed. 2: 587 (1951); Pichon in Mem. Inst. Sci. Madag. Ser. B, 2: 98 (1949).
Belonites E. Mey., Comm. 187 (1837).
Succulent shrubs or small trees up to 6 m tall, stems usually large and swollen at
the base. Leaves alternate or spirally arranged, often in terminal fascicles, simple,
entire, sessile or shortly petioled, axillary glands absent. Stipules transformed into
rigid spines in pairs, forming a swollen cushion at the base. Inflorescence cymose,
sessile or peduncled, few or many flowered. Flowers usually showy, pink, purple or
yellow or sometimes partly white. Calyx small, divided almost to the base, eglandular
within; lobes 5, ovate to oblong linear. Corolla salver-shaped, funnel-shaped or
subcampanulate; tube constricted near the base, cylindric or broadly cylindric below,
tubular to campanulate above; lobes 5, shorter than or almost equalling the tube,
overlapping to the right. Stamens 5, inserted above the constriction; anthers subsessile,
conniving in a cone, lanceolate, with only a short terminal appendage, sagittate, pollini-
ferous in the upper part only, with a projection near the foot of the connective and often
a brush-like cushion below. Disc cupular, slightly 5-lobed or replaced by 2-5 distinct
glands. Ovary of 2 free carpels; style cylindric or compressed, short; stigma
subcylindric with an annular rim or membrane at the base, very obscurely 2-lobed;
ovules numerous, pluriseriate. Mericarps follicular, cylindric or spindle-shaped.
Seeds ovate to oblong with an apical tuft of hairs; embryo straight; cotyledons flat;
endosperm 0 or very scanty.
Natives of Africa and Madagascar with 5 species in South Africa. The generic name is derived
from the Greek words for “ thick foot ”, in reference to the swollen stems, often partly submerged,
of most species.
Corolla tube campanulate, funnel-shaped or wide-tubular above the insertion of the stamens:
Stem columnar, up to 2 m high, not or sparingly branched; leaves velvety on both sides
1. P. namaquanum
Stem swollen at the base, often partly submerged, from which arise comparatively slender
branches frequently dividing again; leaves hispidulous below 2. P. bispinosum
Corolla salver-shaped; tube subcylindrical, dilated at the insertion of the stamens and usually
gradually attenuate towards the mouth:
Leaves lanceolate to linear, 4-6 times as long as broad, not exceeding 1 cm in width . . 3. P. succulentum
Leaves obovate-elliptic, about twice as long as broad, exceeding 1 cm in width:
Leaves sparingly pubescent on the midrib below and margin fimbriate, otherwise glabrous
4. P. saundersii
Leaves minutely tomentose on both surfaces 5. P. lea/ij
1. Pachypodium namaquanum ( Wyley ex Harv.) Welw. in Trans. Linn. Soc. 27:
45 (1869); Stapf in F.C. 4, 1: 515 (1907); Marloth, FI. S. Afr. 3, 1: 62, t. 25-28
(1932); Dyer in FI. PI. S. Afr. 20: t. 771 (1940). Syntypes: Namaqualand, Lieut.
W. Paterson ; A. Wyley (TCD).
Adenium namaquanum Wyley ex Harv., Thes. Cap. 2: 11, t. 117 (1863).
Succulent plant 1-5-2 -5 m high; stem subcylindrical, simple or, rarely, branched,
10-30 cm in diameter at the base, tapering to 8-10 cm in diameter at the apex, closely
tubercled throughout, each tubercle armed with a pair of long, straight, spreading
persistent, stipular spines 3-7 cm long, subtending an abbreviated shoot with one or
more short spines, up to 1 • 5 cm long. Leaves crowded at the apex, subsessile, obovate-
oblong, oblong or oblanceolate, 8-12 cm long and 2-6 cm broad, grey-green, densely
velvety on both sides with stellate hairs, apex obtuse to acute, base narrowly cuneate,
margin crisped, petiole indistinct. Inflorescence a few-flowered, shortly peduncled
cyme arising from the leaf axil and inflorescences clustered at the apex of the stem;
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Apocynaceae
bracts oblong, acute, 1-1 -2 cm long; pedicels very short, villous; flowers yellow-green,
suffused with deep red in the throat. Calyx 8-10 mm long, villous; lobes oblong,
acute. Corolla tubular, 2-5-5 cm long, narrowly cylindrical at the base for 5-10 mm
then expanding abruptly to 8-10 mm in diameter and increasing slightly towards the
throat, loosely pubescent without and within; lobes oblong, rounded, 5-8 mm long.
Stamens 5, lanceolate, sagittate, 6-7 mm long, united in a cone, subsessile, inserted
at the apex of the narrow part of the tube. Disc cupular, obscurely lobed. Ovary
of 2 free carpels; style filiform; stigma subcylindrical, with a basal rim, level with the
centre of the anthers. Fruit of 2 follicular mericarps 2-5-4 cm long, tapering to the
apex, densely grey pubescent. Seeds numerous, obovate, compressed, tubercled, 4 mm
long with an apical coma of whitish hairs 8 mm long; cotyledons flat, shorter than
the radicle; endosperm 0.
Inhabits extremely dry, rocky slopes in northern Namaqualand and southern South West Africa.
Cape. — Namaqualand: near Pella, Pole Evans 2251 ; Pella road, Henrici 2233; near Steinkopf.
Leistner 800; Richtersveld, Krapohl in Herb. Marloth 5367; lower Orange River, Marloth s.n.; near
Helsberg, Rodin 1567.
S.W.A. — Warmbad: S.W. of Sperlingsputz, Dyer & Verdoorn 3641. Keetmanshoop: Klein
Karas, Wallace s.n. Luderitz: Lorelei Copper Mines, de Winter & Giess 6341.
Paterson, Narr. Four Journ. 124 (1789), published an excellent illustration of the species prepared,
according to Dyer in S.A. Biol. Soc. Pamphlet 14: 51 (1948), probably by Capt. Gordon. The plants
impart a striking effect to the landscape and are known by the names “ Half-mens ” and “ Elephant
Trunk The tips of the stems are almost invariably tilted to the north at an angle of about 30°.
2. Pachypodium bispinosum ( L.f ) A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 424 (1844); Stapf
in F.C. 4, 1 : 516 (1907); Bolus in S. Afr. Gard. 22; 83 (1932). Type: Cape Province
Thunberg (S, lecto.!).
Echites bispinosa Linn, f., Suppl. 167 (1781); Thunb., Prodr. 37 (1794); FI. Cap. ed. Schult. 232
(1823); Ait., Hort. Kew ed. 2, 2: 69 (1811).
Be Ionites bispinosa (Linn, f.) E. Mey., Comm. 188 (1837).
Pachypodium glabrum G. Don, Gen. Syst. 4: 77 (1838), nom. illegit. Type: as above. P. tuberosum
sensu Lodd., Bot. Cab. 17: t. 1676 (1830). — var. loddigesii A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 424 (1844).
Type: the plate in Lodd., Bot. Cab., l.c.
Succulent shrublet with a large, half- to almost fully-submerged tuberous stem
up to 18 cm in diameter bearing several to numerous slender branches. Branches
erect or spreading, simple or sparingly branched, 12-45 cm high and 5-10 mm in
diameter; young stems pubescent, soon becoming glabrous; bark wrinkled. Leaves
sessile, scattered on long shoots and in sessile fascicles (short shoots), the latter from
the axils of the former, lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, 2-4 cm long and 2-7 mm broad,
asperulous to glabrous above, hispidulous to hirsute below, especially along the midrib;
margin recurved; stipules spiny, forming a cushion around the base of the leaf with
a depression in the centre after the leaf has shed; spines on long shoots in pairs, 1-2 cm
long with often a third short intrastipular spine placed proximally, those of the short
shoots clustered and much shorter; spine cushions puberulous, soon becoming glabrous.
Inflorescence terminal on the long and short shoots and hence often apparently axillary,
cymose, few to 1-flowered, sessile; bracts small, lanceolate, deciduous; pedicels 2-3-5
mm long, glabrous. Flowers purple to pink, the lobes usually paler, rarely white.
Calyx 3-4 mm long, glabrous or scantily puberulous; sepals ovate, acute. Corolla
subcampanulate to funnel-shaped; tube 1-4—2 cm long, narrowly cylindrical for
4 6 mm then widening abruptly to 7-8 mm in diameter and usually increasing slightly
towards the throat, glabrous without, hairy below the stamens within; limb slightly
oblique, scarcely spreading; lobes broadly obovate to rotund 5-7 mm long, apex
lounded. Stamens 5; anthers lanceolate, sagittate, 5 mm long, united in a cone,
Apocynaceae
285
subsessile, inserted at the apex of the narrow part of the tube. Disc cupular, deeply
5-lobed, almost obscuring the ovary. Ovary of 2 free carpels; style filiform; stigma
subcylindrical with a basal rim. Fruit of 2 follicular mericarps 4-6 • 5 cm long, tapering
at each end, grey pubescent. Seeds numerous, ovoid, compressed, 4-5 mm long with
an apical coma of whitish hairs 2 cm long; cotyledons flat, rotund, shorter than the
radicle; endosperm 0.
Found in dry, rocky situations in the eastern Cape Province, often associated with succulent scrub
vegetation.
Cape. — Ladismith: 17 miles E. of Ladismith, Liebenberg 710. Humansdorp: Kabeljouw, Burtt
Davy 12046. Uitenhage: Thode A679. Graaff-Reinet: Sister Tarcisia 84; Thode A595. Somerset
East: between Zuurberg Range and Klein Bruintjies Hoogte, Drege s.n.; near Winterfontein, Acocks
11998. Port Elizabeth: Swartkops River, Zeyher s.n. Albany: farm Hounslow, 13 miles N. of
Grahamstown, Galpin 13262; Committee Flats, Dyer 132; Blaauwkrantz, Schonland 399. Bathurst:
between Bushmans River and Kariega River at Jagersdrift, Ecklon & Zeyher s.n.; between Blaauw-
krantz and Kowie River, Burchell 3880. Alexandria: Archibald 5979.
The typification of P. bispinosum and P. succulentum presents some difficulty because Linn. fil.
evidently confused the two species in his descriptions. Under Echites succulent a he states: “ foliis
. . . subtus tomentosis, corollis infundibuliformibus ”, while E. bispinosa he describes as: “ foliis
. . . glabris corollis hypocrateriformibus ”. Actually the species with the tomentose leaves has
the hypocrateriform corolla and vice versa. E. Meyer in his Comm. PI. (1837) corrected the confusion
and his interpretation has since been followed. Thunberg specimens of both species were received
on loan from Stockholm and lectotypes have been designated in Bothalia 7: 453 (1961), which will
obviate further confusion.
3. Pachypodium succulentum ( L.f .) A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 424 (1844); Stapf
in F.C. 4, 1: 517 (1907); Phill. in FI. PI. S. Afr. 1 : t. 21 (1921); Marloth, FI. S. Afr.
3, 1 : t. 18, fig. 23 (1932). Type: Cape Province, Thunberg (S, lecto. !).
Echites succulenta L.f., Suppl. 167 (1781); Thunb., Prodr. 37 (1794); FI. Cap. ed. Schult. 232
(1823).
Pachypodium tuberosum Lindl. in Bot. Reg. t. 1321 (1830). Type: the Bot. Reg. plate. P. tomen-
tosum G. Don, Gen. Syst. 4: 77 (1838), nom. illegit. Type: based on E. succulenta L.f. P. griquense
L. Bol. in S. Afr. Gard. 22: 84 (1932). Type: cult. Kirstenbosch (NBG 991/22), originally from
Moritzfontein, Kimberley, Wilman s.n. (BOL, holo.!). P. jasminiflorum L. Bol., l.c. (1932). Type:
Williston, Fraserburg, Enge/brecht s.n. (BOL, holo.!).
Belonites succulenta (L.f.) E. Mey., Comm. 187 (1837).
Barleria rigida Spreng. ex Schltr. in Linnaea 14: 304 (1840), nom. nud.
Succulent shrublet with a large half-submerged tuberous stem up to 15 cm in
diameter bearing several slender branches. Branches erect, simple or sparingly branched,
15-60 cm high, 6-12 mm in diameter at the base and tapering gradually; young stems
grey tomentellous, older stems glabrous with wrinkled, brownish bark. Leaves sessile,
scattered on long shoots and in sessile fascicles (short shoots), the latter in the axils
of the former, linear to linear-lanceolate, 1 - 7—4 - 5 cm long and 2-8 mm broad,
pubescent above, densely tomentose below; margin recurved; stipules spiny, forming
a cushion around the base of the leaf with a depression in the centre after the leaf has
shed; spines on long shoots in spreading pairs 2-2-5 cm long with often a third short
intrastipular spine arising proximally, those of the short shoots shorter; spine cushions
tomentellous. Inflorescence terminal, in few-flowered sessile cymes; bracts lanceolate,
small, early deciduous; pedicels 6-10 mm long, pubescent. Flowers crimson or shades
of pink, rarely white, usually with a darker median stripe on the corolla lobes. Calyx
3-5-8 mm long, tomentellous; sepals lanceolate, acute. Corolla salver-shaped; tube
subcylindrical, 1-1-8 cm long, narrow and 1-5-2 mm in diameter for 5-6 mm, then
abruptly widening to 3-4 mm and later expanding or slightly constricted at the throat,
longitudinally grooved, tomentose without, glabrous within except below the stamens;
lobes spreading, obovate to oblanceolate, 8-18 mm long and 5-8 mm broad, rounded
at the apex, somewhat clawed. Stamens 5; anthers lanceolate, sagittate, 5-6 mm
long, united in a cone, subsessile. Disc replaced by 5 distinct glands, much shorter
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Apocynaceae
than the ovary. Ovary of 2 free carpels; style filiform; stigma subcylindrical with a
basal rim. Fruit of 2 follicular mericarps 4-6 cm long and 5-10 mm in diameter,
tapering at each end, grey, pubescent. Seeds numerous, ovoid, compressed, 5 mm long
with an apical coma of whitish hairs 2 cm long; cotyledons flat, rotund, shorter than
the radicle; endosperm 0.
Found in arid places, usually among rocks, in southern, central, eastern and northern Cape
Province and in western Orange Free State.
Cape. — Laingsburg: Matjesfontein, Foley 155. Oudtshoorn: Outeniquas, Moeras River, Ester-
huysen 19446. Uniondale: near Joubenina, Esterhuysen 16299. Jansenville: Marloth 6075. Uitenhage:
Addo Bush, Long 247. Port Elizabeth : Hutchinson 1509. Albany: Breakfast Vlei, Dyer 660. Peddie:
Begha River Valley, Acocks 11855. Komga: Flanagan 1039. Queenstown: Gwatyn, Galpin 8268.
Bedford: Theron 1813. Somerset East : Cookhouse, Repton 3073. Graaff Reinet : Bolus 115. Middel-
burg: Grootfontien, Theron 363. Prieska: Doornbergen, Marloth 2006. Herbert: near Plooysburg,
Leistner 1191. Hay: Griquatown, Hafstrom & Acocks 1054. Barkly West: Pniel, Wilman in Herb.
Marloth 13621 . Kuruman: Lange berg, Sit well 43.
O.F.S. — Fauresmith: Veld Reserve, Verdoorn 1122. Boshoff: Brueckner 888.
There is considerable variation in corolla size and colour, the typical form having large, showy
flowers. P. griquense L. Bol. represents the small-flowered form which is found mainly in the central
and northern Cape Province and adjoining western Orange Free State. Consideration was given to
giving this form varietal status but a complete range of corolla size, from large to small, makes such
a classification unpractical, although the extremes appear distinct. P. jasminiflorum L. Bol. is merely
a form with white flowers. Neither of these forms is distinguishable from P. succulentum in essential
characters of floral or vegetative structure.
4. Pachypodium saundersii N. E. Br. in Kew Bull. 126 (1892); Stapf in F.C. 4,
1: 516 (1907); Phillips in FI. PI. S. Afr. 4: t. 123 (1924); Bolus in S. Afr. Gard.
22: 83 (1932). Type: Lebombo Mts., Saunders s.n. (K, holo.).
Succulent shrub up to 1-5 m high with a large, tuberous stem, often irregularly
shaped, up to 1 m in diameter, mostly above ground, bearing 1 -several branches.
Branches erect, simple or sparingly branched, thick at the base and tapering rapidly
to 5-10 mm in diameter, glabrous, with a thin, papery bark. Leaves sessile, scattered
or in axillary fascicles, oblanceolate, obovate or obovate-elliptic, 3-8-8 cm long and
1 -2-4 cm broad, apex rounded to subacute, narrowly cuneate at the base, either com-
pletely glabrous or with margin and midrib on the underside spinulose-pubescent,
otherwise glabrous, secondary nerves not evident; stipules spiny, arising from a small
cushion; spines on long shoots in spreading pairs 2-3-7 cm long, those on the short
axillary shoots shorter. Inflorescence terminal, consisting of several-flowered cymes,
glabrous; bracts small, lanceolate, early deciduous; pedicels 2-4 mm long. Flowers
large, showy, white suffused with reddish purple under the corolla lobes and on the
tube. Calyx 4-5 mm long, glabrous; sepals ovate, acuminate. Corolla salver-shaped ;
tube 2 -5-3 -5 cm long, narrowly cylindrical and 2 mm in diameter for 1 cm, dilated
abruptly to 5-6 mm in diameter at the point of insertion of the anthers and then
gradually attenuate to 4 mm at the throat, glabrous without, hairy within; lobes
spreading, obliquely obovate, 1-6-2 cm long and 1-4-1 -8 cm broad, straight on one
margin, convex and crisped on the other, apex acute to acuminate. Stamens 5; anthers
linear-lanceolate, shortly sagittate, 9-11 mm long, united in a cone, subsessile. Disc
cupular, deeply 5-lobed. Ovary of 2 free carpels; style filiform; stigma cylindrical
with a basal rim. Fruit of 2 follicular mericarps 8-10 cm long and 1 cm in diameter,
attenuate at the apex, glabrous. Seeds numerous, ovoid, compressed, 9 mm long with
an apical coma of whitish hairs 2 cm long; cotyledons flat, rotund, shorter than the
radicle; endosperm scanty. Fig. 41: 2.
Grows among rocks, often in rock crevices, in relatively dry, lowveld woodland, occurring in
Zululand, Swaziland, eastern and northern Transvaal, Southern Rhodesia and Mozambique.
Apocynaceae
287
Natal. — Ubombo: Mkuzi Game Reserve, Ward 3072. Ingwavuma: Abercorn Pont, Codd &
Dyer 2855.
Swaziland. — Lebombo Mts., Dyer 3470; Signal Hill, Pole Evans 3478 (56).
Transvaal. — Barberton: Crocodilepoort, Dyke in Herb. Marloth 5393; near Kaapmuiden,
Pole Evans 4679. Nelspruit: near Nelspruit, Liebenberg 2382; Kruger National Park, near Malelane,
Codd 5225; Shabin Kop, Codd 6064. Pilgrims Rest: Klaserie River, Smuts 1935; Kruger National
Park, Nwanetzi, van der Schijff 513; Boulders, van der Schijff 2530. Letaba: Olifants River gorge
through Drakensberg, McNeil s.n. Soutpansberg: near Louis Trichardt, Rodin 3982; near Wyllies-
poort, Galpin 14935; Schweickerdt & Verdoorn 668; Meeuse 10229.
5. Pachypodium lealii Welw. in Trans. Linn. Soc. 27: 43, t. 16 (1869); Stapf in
F.T.A. 4, 1: 230 (1902); Warb., Kunene-Sambesi Exped. 14 (1903); Markgraf in
Notizbl. 15: 457 (1941). Type: Angola, Distr. Bumbo, Welwitsch 1510 (BM, holo.).
P. giganteum Engl, in Bot. Jahrb. 19: 147 (1894). Type: South West Africa, Otjitambi, Giirich 15.
Shrub or small tree up to 6 m high with a soft, succulent trunk up to 40 cm in
diameter at the base, tapering gradually towards the apex or somewhat bottle-shaped;
trunk at first simple, later forking with a few ascending main stems, occasionally forking
near the base; bark grey to pale brown with darker transverse scars; stems sparingly
branched towards the apex; branches glabrous, bark dark grey or reddish brown.
Leaves few, near the tips of the young branchlets, sessile, scattered on long shoots or
in fascicles (abbreviated axillary shoots), obovate-oblong to oblong-lanceolate, 2-5-8
cm long and 1-6-3 -4 cm broad, shortly tomentose on both surfaces, apex obtuse,
apiculate, base cuneate, secondary nerves usually visible in mature leaves; stipules
spiny arising from a small cushion with a central depression; spines on long shoots
in spreading pairs 1 • 5-3 cm long with often a third intrastipular spine arising proximally,
those of the short shoots much shorter. Inflorescence terminal, consisting of several-
flowered cymes; bracts small, ovate, fringed with minute hairs, early deciduous;
pedicels 2 mm long. Flowers large, showy, white, suffused with purple under the
corolla lobes and on the tube. Calyx 4 mm long; sepals ovate-deltoid, fringed with
minute hairs. Corolla salver-shaped; tube 3-3-5 cm long, 2-5-3 mm in diameter for
1-1 -2 cm, dilated abruptly to 7-8 mm in diameter at the point of insertion of the stamens
and then gradually attenuate to 4 mm at the throat, glabrous without, hairy within;
lobes spreading, obliquely obovate-rotund, 2-2-4 cm long and 1 -8-2 cm broad, smooth
and slightly convex on one margin, very convex and crisped on the other; apex rounded.
Stamens 5; anthers linear-lanceolate, shortly sagittate, 10-11 mm long, united in a
cone, subsessile. Fisc cupular, deeply 5-lobed. Ovary of 2 free carpels; style filiform;
stigma cylindrical with a basal rim. Fruit of two follicular mericarps 7-10 cm long
and 1 cm in diameter, attenuate at the apex, glabrous. Seeds numerous, ovoid, 9-10
mm long with an apical coma of whitish hairs 2 cm long; cotyledons flat, rotund,
larger than the radicle; endosperm scanty.
Restricted to semi-arid to arid, rocky hillsides in north-western South West Africa and the adjoining
south-western territory of Angola.
S.W.A. — Grootfontein : near Otavi, de Winter 3011; near Tsumeb, da Winter 3690. Kaokoveld:
near Ohopoho, Story 5680. Ovamboland: Kunene River near Ruacana Falls, de Winter 3655.
It is possible that there are two varieties of this species but, owing to inadequate material, it is not
possible to reach a definite conclusion. In the north, specimens corresponding to true P. lealii are found
(e.g. Story 5680 and de Winter 3655) with reddish bark on the young branches and leaves up to 3 cm
long. Further south, apparently on the dolomite formation ( de Winter 3011 and 3690), the specimens
show branches with greyish bark and leaves up to 8 cm long. The latter form probably represents
P. giganteum, but unfortunatley the type of this species has been destroyed. There appears to be no
floral difference between the two forms and so it is unlikely that they represent distinct species.
The floral characters of P. lealii are remarkably similar to those of P. saundersii, but the two species
may readily be separated by the difference in pubescence of the leaves and the striking difference in
habit.
288
Apocynaceae
6686
15. ONCINOTIS
Oncinotis Benth in Hook., Niger FI. 451 (1849); Stapf in F.C. 4, 1 : 512 (1907); Phill.,
Gen. ed. 2: 588 (1951); Pichon in Bull. Jard. Bot. Brux. 24: 9 (1954).
Scandent shrubs to tall, woody climbers. Leaves opposite, simple, entire, shortly
petioled or subsessile, obovate, oblong-elliptic or elliptic, often abruptly acuminate;
axillary glands and stipules absent. Inflorescence terminal or axillary, consisting of
a panicle of few- to many-flowered contracted cymes. Flowers relatively small, incon-
spicuous, often greenish. Calyx small, divided almost to the base, eglandular within
or rarely with 5 minute glands; sepals 5, imbricate, oblong-lanceolate to ovate-oblong.
Corolla salver-shaped; tube short, widest at the middle, hairy without and within,
with 5 ligulate scales in the mouth alternating with the lobes; lobes 5, spreading or
reflexed, about as long as the tube, linear to linear-oblong, overlapping to the right.
Stamens 5, inserted above the base of the corolla tube; anthers sessile, conniving in
a cone, sublinear, apiculate, shortly sagittate with the foot of the connective produced
into a linear appendage which lies in a channel in the anther, with a cushion of hairs
at the base, polliniferous in the upper part only. Disc cupular, 5-lobed or 5-partite.
Ovary of 2 free carpels, shortly exserted and free from the disc; style very short;
stigma shortly spindle-shaped with a 2-lobed apiculus. Mericarps 2, follicular, cylindric
and slender to spindle-shaped. Seeds lanceolate, linear or oblong with an apical
coma; embryo straight, cotyledons flat, linear or elliptic; endosperm 0.
A genus closely allied to Baissea , occurring in tropical Africa and Madagascar, with one species
in coastal forests of South Africa, extending as far south as Port St. Johns.
Oncinotis inandensis Wood & Evans in Journ. Bot. Lond. 37: 254 (1899); Natal
PI. 1: t. 61 (1899); Stapf in F.C. 4, 1 : 512(1907); Pichon in Bull. Jard. Bot. Brux. 24:
24 (1954). Syntypes: Natal, Inanda, Wood 1009 (NH) and Wood 6159 (NH).
O. natatensis Stapf in Kew Bull. 52 (1907). Types: as for O. inandensis. O. chirindica S. Moore
in J. Linn. Soc. Bot. 40: 141 (1911). Type: S. Rhodesia, Chirinda Forest, Swynnerton 87 (BM).
Scrambling shrub to tall, woody climber. Branches terete, the young parts fulvous-
tomentose, soon glabrescent; bark dull brown with small white lenticels; sap milky.
Leaves firmly membranous, petiolate, obovate-oblong to oblanceolate, 6-11 cm long,
1 -5-4-2 cm broad, cuneate, apex abruptly acuminate, rusty tomentose in the bud
stage, soon becoming glabrous; secondary nerves 3-4 on each side, alternate, somewhat
irregularly parallel; petiole 3-6 mm long, pubescent, channelled above, with 2 or
more small glands towards the apex; stipules 0. Inflorescence axillary, consisting of
panicles of few-flowered cymes borne profusely towards the ends of the branches,
fulvous-tomentose; bracts small, ovate-lanceolate, early deciduous; pedicels very
short. Flowers relatively small, greenish, sweetly scented. Calyx 2-2-5 mm long,
finely fulvous-tomentose; sepals ovate, subacute. Corolla salver-shaped ; tube tubular-
campanulate, 3-4 mm long and 1-5 mm in diameter, minutely tomentellous without,
glabrous within with 5 ligulate scales in the mouth alternating with the lobes ; lobes
usually reflexed, linear-oblong, 3-6 mm long. Stamens 5; anthers sessile, lanceolate,
shortly sagittate, 2-2-5 mm long, apex acute, reaching the corolla throat. Disc cupular,
deeply 5-lobed, almost as long as the ovary. Ovary of 2 free carpels; style short;
stigma spindle-shaped with a fringe near the apex and a 2-lobed apiculus. Fruit of
2 follicular mericarps, widely spreading; mericarps slender, subcylindric, 14-18 cm
long and 6-8 mm in diameter, tapering at each end, at first finely tomentose, later
glabrescent. Seeds numerous, linear-oblong 1-1-1 -3 cm long, tip acute to obtuse,
channelled on one side, with an apical coma of whitish hairs 3-5 cm long; cotyledons
flat, narrow, radicle short, straight.
Apocynaceae
289
In forest or scrub forest, usually near the coast, from Port St. Johns to Zululand, occurring also
in eastern Southern Rhodesia and probably further afield in tropical Africa.
Cape. — Port St. Johns: Mogg s.n. Lusikisiki: Egossa Forest, Sim 2437; near Mbotyi, Story
4243.
Natal. — Durban: Inanda, Medley Wood 1009; 6159. Pietermaritzburg: Table Mt., Killick 309.
Zululand: Gerstner 2598.
O. chirindica S. Moore was separated on grounds of longer corolla lobes (6 mm) and longer pedicels
(4-5 mm). In typical O. inartdensis, the corolla lobes are 3^1 mm long, while in Gerstner 2598 they are
up to 5 mm long. The leaves are almost identical with those of O. inandensis and have the charac-
teristic venation of that species. Although the material seen of O. chirindica is very scanty, it seems
evident that it must be relegated as a synonym. In addition to O. chirindica, Pichon places O. ohlanceo-
lata Engl, in synonymy under O. inandensis. This species has not been investigated but, if Pichon
is correct, then the distribution of O. inandensis extends as far north as the French Cameroons, Uganda
and Ethiopia.
6688
16. STROPHANTHUS
Strophanthus DC. in Bull. Soc. Philom. 3: 122, t. 8 (1802); Pax in Bot. Jahrb. 15:
362 (1893); Gilg in Engl., Monogr. Afr. Pfl. Fam. vii Stroph. (1903); Stapf in F.C.
4, 1: 509 (1907); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 588 (1951).
Christya Ward & Harv. in Hook., Lond. Journ. Bot. 4: 134 (1842); Pichon in Mem. Inst. Sci.
Madag. ser. B, 2: 62 (1949).
Zygonerion Bail!, in Bull. Soc. Linn. Paris, 1: 758 (1888).
Shrubs or woody climbers; bark often becoming corky with age. Leaves opposite
or, rarely, ternate, simple, shortly petioled, entire; axillary glands 2-6, rarely more,
subulate, scale-like or conical; stipules 0. Inflorescence terminal, often at the ends
of short branches, corymbose, many- or few-flowered or reduced to solitary flowers.
Flowers mostly showy. Calyx divided to the base with few to many glands at the base
within; sepals 5, imbricate, linear or linear-lanceolate, sometimes foliaceous. Corolla
funnel-shaped or campanulate with a short or long cylindric basal tube; mouth with
paired appendages alternating with the lobes; lobes 5, much longer than the tube,
attenuate, linear or produced into filiform, usually spirally twisted, appendages.
Stamens 5, inserted deep in the corolla tube; filaments short, linear; anthers conniving
in a cone, lanceolate, acuminate, with a long or short apical appendage, bluntly or
acutely sagittate at the base, with the foot of the connective produced into an appendage
or horizontal ridge and often hairy at the base. Disc 0. Ovary of 2 free carpels with
many ovules in each; style filiform, shorter than the stamens; stigma capitate, 5-
grooved, with a membranous reflexed frill at the base and a minutely bifid apiculus.
Fruit of 2 follicular mericarps; mericarps divaricate, oblong or spindle-shaped, some-
times pustulate. Seeds spindle-shaped, or flat and lanceolate, with an apical plumose
awn, and with or without a deciduous basal coma at maturity; embryo straight;
cotyledons elliptic or lanceolate; radicle cylindric, almost as long as the cotyledons;
endosperm scanty or 0.
About 50 species, found in wooded country, natives of Africa and tropical Asia, with 6 species
in South Africa, occurring in northern South West Africa, Transvaal, Natal and eastern Cape Province.
The generic name is derived from the Greek words “ strophos ” twisted cord, and “ anthos ”, flower,
in reference to the pendulous, spirally twisted corolla lobes of many species.
Pichon l.c., states reasons which he considers sufficient for maintaining Christya as a distinct,
monotypic genus. It is, however, considered that these differences should be regarded as being of
subgeneric rather than generic status (see discussion after S. speciosits).
290
Apocynaceae
Leaves hispid-tomentose, large, usually exceeding 4-5 cm broad; cylindric, basal part of corolla
tube about as long as the upper, campanulate to funnel-shaped part 1. S. kombe
Leaves glabrous or sparingly pubescent, usually less than 4-5 cm broad; cylindric, basal part of
corolla tube shorter than the upper, campanulate to funnel-shaped part:
Leaves ovate to elliptic or lanceolate, opposite; infra-axillary glands tooth-like, placed trans-
versely; plumose awn on seed with a naked stalk 2-3 cm long:
Calyx-lobes 1-2 cm long and 2-3 mm broad; corolla lobes pendulous, usually exceeding
5 cm long:
Flower parts and branchlets glabrous 2. S. petersianus
Flower parts and branchlets pubescent 3. S. luteolus
Calyx-lobes less than 1 cm long and 1-2 mm broad; corolla lobes spreading, 3-5 cm long:
Sepals linear-subulate, recurved; flower parts glabrous 4. S. gerrardii
Sepals oblong-lanceolate, erect; corolla puberulous to pubescent 5. S. amboensis
Leaves narrowly elliptic to oblanceolate, often ternate; infra-axillary glands scale-like, over-
lapping vertically like tiles; plumose awn on seed sessile 6. S. speciosus
1. Strophanthus kombe Oliv. in Hook., Ic. PI. t. 1098 (1871); Stapf in F.T.A. 4,
1: 173 (1902); Codd, Bot. Surv. S. Afr. Mem. 26: 158 (1951). Syntypes: South
tropical Africa, Zambesi-land, Kirk s.n. (K); Manganja Hills, Meller s.n. (K).
Shrub or woody climber; stems hispid-tomentose when young, becoming
glabrescent and scabrid with age; bark grey or black, dotted with lenticels; Leaves
subsessile, elliptic to broadly elliptic or ovate-elliptic, 8-16 cm long and 4-5-10 cm
broad, obtuse at the base, apex rounded to abruptly acute or apiculate, densely hispid-
tomentose when young, glabrescent and scabrid above when mature, drying dark
brownish above, paler below; secondary nerves 7-10 on each side, oblique, distinct
below; petiole 0-5 mm long, channelled above; axillary glands present. Inflorescence
cymose, compact, 1 — several-flowered, terminal on short branches, appearing together
with or before the leaves, hispid; peduncles short; bracts narrowly lanceolate, 6 mm
long; pedicels slender, 7-10 mm long. Flowers cream to yellowish with red or purple
markings, scented. Calyx hispid-tomentose, 10-14 mm long; sepals linear-lanceolate.
Corolla pubescent without; tube narrowly cylindric at the base for 7-9 mm then
campanulate-infundibuliform for 7-10 mm; lobes produced into long, slender,
pendulous appendages, 6-12 cm long; throat scales very short, densely papillose.
Stamens included, subsessile; anthers lanceolate, acuminate, sagittate, 4—5 mm long,
polliniferous in the upper half, shortly apiculate. Ovary of 2 free carpels, densely
tomentose; style filiform, 10-12 mm long; stigma enclosed by the anthers, capitate,
with a reflexed frill at the base. Fruit of 2 follicular mericarps eventually spreading
at 180°; follicles 20-40 cm long and 2-3-5 cm broad at the base, tapering gradually
to 5-8 mm and then abruptly expanding to 10-14 mm at the apex, brown, glabrous,
longitudinally striate and markedly lenticellate. Seeds lanceolate-oblong, 14-16 mm
long, tomentose, light brown; awn plumose, 10-15 cm long, with a naked stalk 3-4
cm long; cotyledons oblong; endosperm scanty.
Found in dry, lowveld woodland, often on rocky situations in north-eastern Transvaal, extending
into Mozambique and the Rhodesias to Tanganyika.
Transvaal.— Sibasa: Kruger National Park, Punda Milia, Codd 5970; van der Schiiff 1019;
Dzundweni Hill, Codd 5338; S.E. of Klopperfontein on Portuguese border, van der Schijff 2938.
On rocky situations and in wooded ravines, 5. kombe can form a strong climber up to 7 m tall
but, on the deep sand adjoining Portuguese East Africa, it grows as a low shrub 1 • 5 m high. It is known
as the main constituent of an arrow poison and the specific epithet is derived from a native vernacular
name for it. S. kombe is closely allied to S. hispidus A.DC. but differs from the latter in the more
compact inflorescence produced on very abbreviated shoots, the narrow, not foliaceous, bracts and the
slightly longer corolla tube. S. hispidus occurs in west tropical Africa as far south as the Congo. The
pods of the two species appear to be more or less identical.
Apocynaceae
291
2. Strophanthus petersianus Klotzsch in Peters, Reise Mossamb. Bot. 276 (1861);
Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1 : 182(1902); Codd, Bot. Surv. S. Afr. Mem. 26: 158 (1951). Type:
Portuguese East Africa, Tete, Peters s.n.
S. petersianus var. grandiflorus N. E. Br. in Kew Bull. 1892: 126 (1892), partly, as to the Monteiro
specimen from Delagoa Bay (K). 5. grandiflorus (N. E. Br.) Gilg in Bot. Jahrb. 32: 161 (1902),
partly; Stapf in F.C. 4, 1: 510 (1907).
Shrub, often scandent, much branched, glabrous; branches slender; bark brown,
lenticellate, becoming greyish with age. Leaves ovate to elliptic-oblong, 3-8 (rarely
to 11) cm long and 1-5-4 cm broad, base acute to obtuse, apex acute to acuminate;
secondary nerves 6-9 on each side, often indistinct; petiole 6—10 mm long; axillary
glands present. Inflorescence terminal, 1-3-flowered, appearing with the young leaves,
glabrous; bracts linear-lanceolate, 6-9 mm long; pedicels 4-7 mm long. Flowers
whitish to cream within the tube and on the inner side of the lobes, reddish purple
without. Calyx glabrous, 1-1-5 cm long; sepals lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, acute
to subacuminate, erect, with two tooth-like glands at the base of each sepal. Corolla
glabrous without, puberulous within; tube cylindrical at the base for 4-6 mm, then
broadly funnel-shaped for 1-2 cm; lobes produced into long, slender, pendulous,
spirally twisted appendages 6-14 cm long; throat scales subulate 5-8 mm long. Stamens
included; filaments 2-5-4 mm long, pubescent on the inner surface; anthers pollini-
ferous in the upper half, lanceolate, 5-6 mm long, sagittate, acuminate with a subulate
apiculus 1 mm long. Ovary of 2 free carpels, glabrous; style 6-10 mm long; stigma
enclosed by the anthers, capitate with a reflexed frill at the base. Fruit of 2 follicular
mericarps eventually spreading at 180°; follicles 20-30 cm long and 3-4 cm broad
near the base, tapering gradually to 1 cm broad at the blunt apex, brown, smooth.
Seeds oblong, acute, 10-12 mm long, finely tomentose, light brown; awn plumose,
9-12 cm long, with a naked stalk 3-4 cm long; cotyledons broadly elliptic; endosperm
scanty; radicle 3 mm long.
Found in lowveld woodland, usually on dry rocky situations but also on coastal sand dunes and in
coastal scrub forest, in north-eastern Transvaal and northern Zululand. The main distribution of the
species is in Portuguese East Africa and Rhodesia.
Natal. — Hlabisa: False Bay, Gerstner 6578. Ubombo: near Shongwe, Ward 3500.
Transvaal. — Sibasa: near Donald Fraser Hospital, Aitken. Kruger National Park, near Punda
Milia, Codd & Dyer 4543; Rowland Jones 43.
S. petersianus varies a good deal in size of leaf and flower, and in stature. On the sand dunes near
Delagoa Bay it is a much-branched shrub with slender straggling branches and usually large leaves
and flowers; this is the form described as S. petersianus var. grandiflorus N. E. Br., but there is a range
of variation linking it with the typical, inland form occurring in dry woodland, which has smaller leaves
and flowers. Gerstner 6578, which lacks flowers, is described as a liane of 13-17 m. This specimen has
oblong-elliptic, acuminate leaves up to 11 cm long; the fruit accompanying the specimen appears to
be identical with S. petersianus, however, and so the specimen is included here.
3. Strophanthus luteolus L. E. Codd in Bothalia 7: 454 (1961). Type: Sout-
pansberg, Wylliespoort, Hardy & Wells 359 (PRE, holo.).
Scandent shrub or climber 3-8 m high; branchlets shortly crisped-tomentose,
glabrescent with age; bark reddish brown, lenticellate. Leaves shortly petioled, drying
dark green or brownish above, paler below, subglabrous or sparingly pubescent with
scattered hairs along the midrib and margin, eventually glabrescent, ovate-elliptic to
elliptic-oblong, 2 -5-4- 5 cm long and 1-1-5 cm broad, base obtuse to acute, apex
acute to rounded, occasionally emarginate; secondary nerves 4-6 on each side, distinct;
margin incurved; petiole 2-4 mm long; axillary glands small, tooth-like. Inflorescence
terminal, usually on short lateral shoots, 1-3-flowered, pubescent; bracts linear, acute,
9-10 mm long, pubescent; pedicels 7-10 mm long, crisped tomentose. Flowers
yellowish with purple markings in the throat and on the outside of the tube. Calyx
292
Apocynaceae
1-1-3 cm long; sepals linear-lanceolate, tapering gradually to the apex, shortly
pubescent. Corolla shortly and densely pubescent without and within; tube sub-
cylindric for 6 mm then widening gradually to a funnel-shaped portion 7 mm long
and 7-9 mm broad at the mouth; lobes lanceolate at the base, attenuate into linear-
filiform appendages, pendulous, 5-8 cm long, shortly pubescent on both surfaces;
throat scales lanceolate, 2-5 mm long. Stamens included; filaments thick, 1 mm long,
pubescent ; anthers connivent, lanceolate, 3 • 5-4 mm long, acuminate, shortly apiculate,
sagittate, polliniferous in the upper half, hairy on the back. Ovary of 2 free carpels,
densely pubescent; style 7-8 mm long; stigma enclosed by the anthers, capitate,
with a reflexed frill at the base. Follicles narrowly spindle-shaped, reddish-brown,
about 22 cm long and 1 • 5 cm in diameter, lenticellate, tapering gradually then abruptly
thickened at the apex.
Recorded from dry, wooded slopes on the Soutpansberg and in coastal forest in northern Zululand.
Natal. — Ubombo: Mkuzi Game Reserve, Ward 3574; near Shongwe, Ward 3502; Mkuzi-
Maputa areas. Bell Marley in NH 40920. Ingwavuma: Maputaland, Maputo Expedition in TRV
14460; Ndumu Game Reserve, Tintey 499.
Transvaal. — Soutpansberg: Wylliespoort, Hardy & Wells 359; near the Salt Pan, Hardy 350.
4. Strophanthus gerrardii Stapf in Kew Bull. 1907: 52 (1907); F.C. 4, 1: 510
(1907); Codd, Bot. Surv. S. Afr. Mem. 26: 156 (1951). Type: S. Africa, Gerrard
1795 (K, holo.).
Shrub or slender climber, glabrous, bark at first reddish-brown, lenticellate,
becoming greyish with age, the older stems developing marked corky, irregular out-
growths and longitudinal ridges. Leaves ovate to ovate-lanceolate, 2 -5-5 -5 cm long
and 1-2 cm broad, base acute to obtuse, apex acute to acuminate; secondary nerves
4-6 on each side, indistinct; petiole 2-4 mm long; axillary glands present. Inflorescence
reduced to a single flower, terminal on short branchlets, produced with the leaves,
glabrous; bracts linear, 5-6 mm long, early deciduous; pedicels 7-1 1 mm long. Flowers
tube pink to mauve, lobes yellow. Calyx glabrous, 5-9 mm long; sepals linear-subulate
from a triangular base, acuminate, recurved towards the apex, each with two small
glands, often toothed, at the base of each sepal. Corolla glabrous without, puberulous
within ; tube cylindrical at the base for 3-4 mm then abruptly enlarging and tubular-
campanulate for 1-1 -4 cm, and 8-10 mm broad at the mouth; lobes long-linear, spread-
ing, 3-4 cm long; throat-scales short, long-triangular, puberulous. Stamens included;
filaments 2 mm long, pubescent on the inner surface; anthers polliniferous in the upper
half, 7-8 mm long, terminating in a fine point 2-5 mm long. Ovary of 2 free carpels,
glabrous; style 6-7 mm long; stigma enclosed by the anthers, capitate, with a reflexed
lrill at the base. Fruit of 2 follicular mericarps, eventually spreading at 180° or reflexed;
Jollicles 15-20 cm long and 2-3 cm broad near the base, tapering gradually to an acute
apex, pale-brown, rough and freely dotted with lenticels. Seeds oblong, acuminate,
10-12 mm long, finely tomentose, light brown; awn plumose, 7-8 cm long, with a
naked stalk 2-5-3 cm long; cotyledons broadly oblong; endosperm scanty.
Found in dry woodland, often on rocky places, in north-eastern Natal, probably eastern Swaziland,
and south-eastern Transvaal. Also occurs in the adjoining parts of Portuguese East Africa.
Natal. — Mapumulo: Oqaqeni, Edwards 1834. Kranskop: Mambula, Dyer 4346. Lower
Umfolosi: F.mpangcni, Gerstner 2744; Umfolosi Game Reserve, Ward 2647; 2694. Ngotshe: Magut,
Gerstner 6432. Illabisa : near False Bay, Gerstner 6575; Ward 1472; 1641. Ubombo: near Ubombo,
Acocks 13116; Mkuzi Game Reserve, Ward 3536.
Transvaal. — Barberton: Louw’s Creek, Thorncroft 1139. Nelspruit: Kruger National Park,
near Malelane, Codd 6099.
Apocynaceae
293
5. Strophanthus amboensis ( Schinz ) Engl. & Pax in Bot. Jahrb. 15: 376 (1893);
Stapf in F.T.A. 4, 1: 185 (1902). Type: South West Africa, Amboland, Schinz s.n.
S. petersianus Klotzsch var. amboensis Schinz in Verhandl. Bot. Ver. Brandenb. 30: 259 (1888).
Shrub, much branched; young branches puberulous, soon becoming glabrous;
bark reddish brown, turning grey, lenticellate. Leaves shortly petioled or subsessile,
ovate to broadly ovate, 3-4-5 cm long and 2-2-5 cm broad, base obtuse, apex
acuminate, glabrous; secondary nerves about 5 on each side, indistinct; petiole 1-4
mm long, often puberulous. Inflorescence terminal, often on short lateral branchlets,
1-3-flowered; bracts oblong- lanceolate, 3-4 mm long, early deciduous; pedicels 4-6
mm long. Flowers tube maroon, lobes yellow. Calyx 5-6 mm long; sepals oblong-
lanceolate, apex obtuse to rounded, with 2 tooth-like glands at the base. Corolla
minutely papillose without; tube subcylindric for 5-6 mm, then widening gradually
to a funnel-shaped or subtubular portion 1-4-1 -6 cm long and 8-9 mm broad at the
mouth; lobes long-linear, spreading, 4-5 cm long, minutely puberulous; throat scales
short, linear-oblong, 3-3-5 mm long, puberulous. Stamens included; filaments 2 mm
long, pubescent on the inner surface; anthers polliniferous in the upper half, lanceolate,
6-7 mm long, sagittate, acuminate, tapering into a subulate apiculus 1 • 5 mm long.
Ovary of 2 free carpels, glabrous; style 5 mm long; stigma enclosed by the anthers,
capitate, with a reflexed frill at the base. Fruit not seen.
Found in dry bushveld and rocky places in South West Africa and southern Angola.
S.W.A. — Swakopmund: Gross Spitskopje, Strey 2421. Karibib: Ameib, Dinter 6888.
6. Strophanthus speciosus ( Ward & Harv.) Reber in Der Fortschritt, 3: 299
(1887); Stapfin F.C. 4, 1: 511 (1907); Wood, Natal PI. 6, 3 : t. 555 (1911); Marloth,
FI. S. Afr. 3: t. 18 (1932). Lectotype: Cape Province, near “ Kat Riviere”, Bartels
(TCD).
Christya speciosa Ward & Harv. in Hook. Journ. Bot. 4: 134, t. 21 (1842), partly, excl. Ecklon
& Zeyher; A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 416 (1844); Pichon in Mem. Inst. Sci. Madag. Ser. B, 2: 62
(1949).
Strophanthus capensis A. DC. in DC., Prodr. 8: 419 (1844); Hook, in Bot. Mag. t. 5713 (1868);
Sim, For. FI. Cape Col. 272 (1907). Type: Cape Province, Krebs.
Shrub, often scandent, or woody climber up to 10m tall, much branched, glabrous;
bark greenish, lenticellate. Leaves usually in whorls of 3, shortly petiolate, narrowly
elliptical to oblanceolate, 3-10 cm long and 0-8-2 -5 cm broad; base cuneate, apex
acute to rounded, coriaceous, glabrous, glossy above; secondary nerves 10-16 on each
side, indistinct; petiole 2-6 mm long, with 3 infra-axillary, scale-like, overlapping
glands, the upper one forked, the lower 2 entire. Inflorescence corymbose, terminal,
up to 16-flowered; bracts ovate to lanceolate, 2-5 mm long, deciduous, glabrous or
minutely pubescent; pedicels 7-12 mm long glabrous or pubescent. Flowers yellow
with a dull red mark at the base of each corolla lobe, scented. Calyx 6-10 mm long,
glabrous or pubescent; sepals oblong-lanceolate to linear, apex acute to acuminate,
with 2 forked glands at the base of each sepal. Corolla puberulous to minutely papillose
without, glabrous within; tube at first broadly tubular for 4 mm then widening to a
funnel-shaped or subcampanulate portion 6-7 mm long and 7-8 mm broad at the
mouth; lobes long-linear, spreading, 2-5-3 cm long, puberulous; throat scales linear-
oblong 2-5 mm long. Stamens included; filaments thickened, 1 mm long, pubescent
on the inner surface; anthers polliniferous in the upper half, linear-lanceolate, 5-6
mm long, shortly sagittate, the upper half pubescent on the outer side, acuminate,
with a pubescent apiculus 1 mm long. Ovary of 2 free carpels, glabrous; style 4-5 mm
long; stigma enclosed by the anthers, capitate, with a reflexed frill at the base. Fruit
of 2 follicular mericarps, eventually spreading at 180° or reflexed; follicles 10-18 cm
294
Apocynaceae
Fig. 42. — Strophanthus speciosus, flowering branch (cult. Pretoria); a, longitudinal section
through flower, X 2; b, section opened at the throat of the corolla to show the insertion of the
stamens, X 2; c, longitudinal section of the ovary, x 5; d, gynoecium situated in the base of the
calyx, X 3; e, transverse section of ovary, X 5; f, fruit, one follicle only; g, seed and plumose
awn.
Apocynaceae
295
long and 1-1 • 5 cm broad near the base, tapering gradually, usually abruptly thickened
at the apex, smooth. Seeds oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, 1 • 5-2 cm long, finely
tomentose, light brown; awn plumose, sessile 2-2-5 cm long; cotyledons broadly
oblong, 8 mm long; radicle straight, 5 mm long; endosperm scanty. Fig. 42.
Found in forest margins and scrub forest, usually at medium altitudes, in eastern Cape Province,
Natal midlands, Swaziland and eastern Transvaal.
Cape. — Fort Beaufort: Katberg, Galpin 1734. Victoria East: Hogsback, Rattray 371. King
William’s Town: Pirie, Sim 19709. Stutterheim: Acocks 9337. Komga: Flanagan 1375. Kentani:
Pegler 915. Port St. Johns: Comins 1947. Lusikisiki: Acocks & Hafstrom 1934. Flagstaff: Miller
in F.D. Herb. 4079. Umzimkulu: Farm “Waterfall”; Killick 2236.
Natal. — Alfred: Ngeli Forest, Killick & Marais 2019. Umzinto: Dumisa, Rudatis 1680.
Richmond: Byrne, Galpin 11896. Pietermaritzburg: Winterskloof, C. A. Smith s.n. Polela: Fernando
2 (NH). New Hanover: Codd 1469. Umvoti: Karkloof, Medley Wood 10048. Eshowe: Hlinza
Forest, Lawn 1715 (NH). Nkandhla: Nkandhla Forest, Codd 6970; Qudeni Forest, Bayer 828.
Utrecht: Kaffir Drift, Thode A 238.
Swaziland. — Hlatikulu Forest, Compton 28160.
Transvaal. — Barberton: on road to Emlembe, Pole Evans 4682. Letaba: Houtboschberg,
Burn Davy 1162; Woodbush, Obermeyer in TRV 31865.
S. speciosus shows some variation in size of leaf and in the length and pubescence of the calyx.
In general the plants from the eastern Cape Province tend to have smaller leaves, while the sepals are
usually linear and pubescent. Towards Natal the leaves become longer and the calyx shorter and more
glabrous. There are not sufficient grounds, however, for separating the species into two varieties.
Pichon has reinstated Christya Ward & Harv. as a genus distinct from Strophanthus on the basis
of certain distinguishing characters. His statement that the seeds of S. speciosus do not have a plume
at the base is not strictly correct. If immature fruits are examined, it will be seen that there is a small
tuft of hairs at the base of each seed, but evidently the hairs do not develop further, as is the case in
other species. There is also a difference in the apical plume, which arises directly from the apex of the
seed in S. speciosus, and is not stalked as in other species ; otherwise the structure of the plume is the
same. S. speciosus differs from other species of Strophanthus in ( a ) the structure of the infrapetiolar
glands, which are scale-like, usually 3 in number and overlap vertically like tiles, the upper (innermost)
one being forked into 2 subulate, bristle-like teeth; in other species the glands are tooth-like and are
placed laterally side by side; and (b) the apex of the anthers is hairy in S. speciosus and glabrous in
other species of Strophanthus (according to Pichon). These distinctions are considered to be subgeneric
rather than generic. Stapf, in Flora Capensis, states that the seeds of S. speciosus are glabrous, but this
is not correct as the seeds now examined are finely and shortly tomentose, as in other South African
species investigated.
6689 17. WRIGHTIA
Wrightia R. Br. in Mem. Wern. Soc. 1: 73 (1809); Benth. & Hook, f., Gen. PI. 2
2: 712 (1876); Stapf in F.C. 4, 1 : 508 (1907); Phill., Gen. ed. 2: 589 (1951); Pichon
in Not. Syst. 14: 80 (1951).
Balfouria R. Br., l.c. 70 (1809).
Trees or shrubs. Leaves opposite, simple, entire or faintly crenate, shortly petioled,
lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, stipules absent. Inflorescence a terminal or pseudo-
axillary cyme. Flowers small to rather large, usually scented. Calyx divided almost
to the base, glandular within; sepals 5, imbricate, ovate. Corolla more or less salver-
shaped; tube cylindric, usually short, with variously divided or entire, connate or free
appendages in the throat (rarely without); lobes 5, longer than the tube, overlapping
to the left. Stamens 5, inserted in the mouth of the corolla; filaments short, stout,
with a tuft of hairs at the back; anthers conniving in a cone, exserted, lanceolate,
acute to acuminate, sagittate, with a small projecting appendage from the foot of the
connective. Disc a narrow rim or 0. Ovary of 2 free carpels; style filiform; stigma
capitate with a small or obscure frill at the base and a minute cleft tip. Mericarps 2,
follicular, cylindric or spindle-shaped, subparallel. Seeds cylindric or spindle-shaped,
glabrous except for a basal tuft of hairs; embryo straight; cotyledons convolute;
radical short; endosperm 0 or scanty.
296
Apocynaceae
Distributed in the warmer parts of Australia, Asia and southern Africa, where one species occurs.
The genus commemorates William Wright, 1740-1827, Scottish physician and botanist.
Wrightia natalensis Stapf in Kew Bull. 1907: 51 (1907); F.C. 4, 1: 509 (1907);
Wood, Natal PI. 6, 2: t. 547 (1910); Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Afr. 1: 454 (1910); Pichon
in Not. Syst. 14: 82 (1951); Codd, Bot. Surv. S. Afr. Mem. 26: 158 (1951). Type:
Natal, near Umzinyati Falls, Haygarth in Herb. Wood 7861 (sic) (K, holo.; NH, iso.!,
numbered 7891).
Shrub or tree up to 15 m tall (normally 4-8 m). Branches rusty pubescent when
quite young, soon becoming glabrous; bark grey. Leaves shortly petiolate, lanceolate,
5-5-8 cm long and 1-6-2 cm broad, base cuneate to obtuse, apex gradually acute to
acuminate, pubescent towards the base below, minutely puberulous on the upper
surface, eventually becoming glabrous; secondary nerves 9-12 on each side; margin
entire or sightly sinuate; petiole 2-4 mm long, pubescent; axillary glands small.
Inflorescence pseudo-axillary, subcorymbose, rusty pubescent; bracts linear-oblong,
6 mm long, margin hyaline; pedicels 3-5 mm long. Flowers small, yellowish, sweetly
scented. Calyx 5-6 mm long, pubescent below; sepals oblong, obtuse, margin mem-
branous; 5 glands within the base of the sepals. Corolla salver-shaped; tube tubular-
campanulate, 3-5-4 mm long and 3 mm in diameter, glabrous without; lobes oblong,
obtuse, 6-8 mm long, finely puberulous below, densely papillose above with 5 epipetalous
emarginate scales which are united for half their length into a short corona and bear
2 filiform appendages shorter than the scales. Stamens 5, subsessile, lanceolate, shortly
sagittate, 4 mm long, conniving in a cone, exserted. Disc a narrow fleshy rim. Ovary
of 2 free carpels; style filiform, 3 mm long; stigma capitate, constricted in the middle
with an obscure basal frill and a minute cleft tip. Fruit of 2 follicular mericarps,
pendulous, subparallel, cylindric, 20-26 cm long, 8-10 mm in diameter, apex acute.
Seeds numerous, linear, glabrous except for a basal tuft of whitish hairs 3-4 cm long,
channelled on one side; embryo purple, straight; cotyledons convolute, subequal to
the radicle; endosperm 0.
In scrub forest and dry bushveld, often on hillsides, in the warmer areas of Natal from Durban
northwards to eastern Swaziland and eastern and northern Transvaal. Also recorded from the
neighbouring southerly part of Mozambique.
Natal. — Inanda: Redhill, Oliver 306 (NH.). Ndwedwe: Umzinyati, Wood 11530. Lower
Tugela: Edwards 1875; F. Bayer 50. Hlabisa: Gerstner 4972; False Bay, A. W. Bayer 1464;
Ward 2526.
Swaziland. — Near Stegi, Miller 558.
Transvaal. — Lydenburg: Sekukuniland, Barnard 429; Moffatt s.n. Sibasa: Smuts & Gillett
3111; Kruger National Park, Wambia, van der Schijff 4107; Punda Milia area, Lamont 52. Sout-
pansberg: Wylliespoort, Codd & Dyer 3925; Pole Evans 3421.
297
INDEX
Page
Acokanthera G. Don 244, 245
lamarckii G. Don 247
lycioides (R. & S.) G. Don 250
oblongifolia ( Hochst .) L. E. Codd fig. 36, 246
oppositifolia (Lam.) L. E. Codd fig. 36, 247
pubescens (R. & S.) G. Don 250
schimperi (A. DC.) Schweinf* 249
var. rotundata L. E. Codd 249
sp 250
spectabilis (Sond.) Hook, f 246
venenata (Burm. f.) G. Don ex C. A.
Smith 247
venenata G. Don* 250, 247
venenata sensu Stapf 247
var. scabra (Sond.) Markgf. 247
var. spectabilis (Sond.) Sim 246
venatorium E. Mey 247
Adenema G. Don 237
hyssopifolium (Willd.) G. Don 238
Adenesma Griseb 237
Adenium R. & S 244, 278
arabicum Balf. f.* 279
boehmianum Schinz 282
coetanum Stapf* 279
hongel A.DC.* 279
lugardii N. E. Br 281
micranthum Stapf* 279
multiflorum Klotzsch 279
namaquanum Wyley ex Harv 283
obesum (Forsk.) R. & S .* 279
var. multiflorum ( Klotzsch ) L. E.
Codd 280, fig. 41, 219
oleifolium Stapf 281
var. angustifolium Phillips 281
speciosum Fenzl* 279
swazicum Stapf 281
Adenopogon stellarioides Welw 240
Akokanthera Walp 245
Alamanda cathartica L* 244
Ammocallis Small 267
rosea (L.) Small 268
Anagallis L 13
arvensis L 14
huttonii Harv 12, fig. 3, 14
nana Schinz 15
pumila Sw 15
var. natalensis Pax & Knuth 15
var. pumila 15
tenuicaulis Bak 15
Ancylobothrys Pierre 259, 258
capensis (Oliv.) Pichon 261
petersiana (Kl.) Pierre 260
Annularia Hochst 273
natalensis Hochst 273
Page
Anthocleista Afzel. ex R. Br 135
grandiflora Gilg 138, fig. 16, 135
insignis Galpin 135
nobilis G. Don* 135
zambesiaca Bak 135
Antura Forsk 250
hadiensis G. F. Gmel 250
APOCYNACEAE 244
Arduina E. Mey 250
acuminata E. Mey 257
bispinosa L 256
edulis (Vahl) Spreng 251
erythrocarpa Eckl 257
ferox E. Mey 255
grandiflora E. Mey 254
haematocarpa Eckl 255
macrocarpa Eckl 254
megaphylla Gand 257
tetramera Sacleux 252
Arduinia Mill, ex L 250
Aspidosperma condylocarpon Muell.-Arg. 265
Atherstonea decussata Pappe 139
Austromimusops A. Meeuse 42
dispar (N. E. Br.) A. Meeuse 41, fig. 7, 43
marginata ( N . E. Br.) A. Meeuse
41, fig. 7, 42, 43
Azima Lam 129
pubescens Suesseng 251
spinosissima Engl 129
tetracantha Lam 131, fig. 15, 129
var. laxior C. H. Wr 129
Baissea A.DC 276
spectabilis Hua* 278
wulfhorstii Schinz 277, fig. 40, 276
Balfouria R. Br 295
Barleria rigida Spreng. ex Schlecht 285
Beaumontia grandiflora Wall.* 244
Belmontia E. Mey 173, 190
cordata (L.f.) E. Mey 173
var. intermedia (Cham. & Schlechtdl.)
Griseb 191
var. micrantha (Cham. & Schlechtdl.)
Griseb 191
debilis (Welw.) Schinz 188
flanaganii Schinz 185
grandis E. Mey 201, 1 89
intermedia (Cham. & Schlechtdl.)
Knobl 191
micrantha (Cham. & Schlechtdl.) Gilg 191
natalensis Schinz 201, 189
spathulata E. Mey 185
Belonites E. Mey 283
bispinosa (L.f.) E. Mey 284
succulenta (L.f.) E. Mey 285
* An asterisk signifies an exotic species; synonyms are in italics
298
Page
Bequaertiodendron de Wild 36
natalense ( Sond .) Heine & J. H.
Hemsley 39
magalismontanum (Sond.) Heine &
J. H. Hemsley 38, fig. 6, 31
congolense de Wild* 36
Boivinella Aubrev. & Pellegr 36
argyrophylla (Hiern) Aubrev. & Pellegr. 37
natalensis (Sond.) Aubrev. & Pellegr. 39
wilmsii (Engl.) Aubrev. & Pellegr. . . 37
Bolivaria Cham. & Schlechtdl 125
Brachycheila pubescens Harv. ex Drege 86
Brehmia Harv 136
spinosa (Lam.) Harv. ex DC 136, 147
Buddleia L 159
arborea Meyen* 163
americana L.* 159
aurantiaco-maculata Gilg 160
auriculata Benth 161, fig. 22, 162
var. euryifolia Prain 162
corrugata (Benth.) Phillips. . 165, fig. 23, 166
dysophylla (Benth.) Radik. . .165, fig. 23, 167
glome rata Wendl.fi 165, fig. 23, 167
incompta L.f. 171
lobidata (Benth.) Phillips 167
paniculata Wall, ex Roxb.* 163
pulchella N.E.Br 161, fig. 22, 163
salicifolia Jacq 164
saligna Willd. 165, fig. 23, 163
salviifolia (L.) Lam 161, fig. 22, 160
usambarensis Gilg 163
virgata L.f 168
woodii Gilg 163
Callicarpa paniculata Lam 163
Callichilia orientalis S. Moore 272
Calvaria 33
diospyroides (Bak.) Dub 34
inermis (L.) Dubard 34
var. zanzibarensis Pierre ex Dub. . . 34
Calyptrospermum A. Dietr 125
Campanolea Gilg & Schellenb 119
Campanula porosa L.f 10
Carandas Rumph 250
Carissa L 246, 250
acokanthera Pichon 247
acuminata (E. Mey.) A. DC 257
arduina Lam 256
arduina sensu Stapf 257, 255
bispinosa (L.) Desf. ex Brenan 256, 255
var. acuminata (E. Mey.) L. E. Codd
253, fig. 37, 257
var. bispinosa 253, fig. 37, 256
bispinosa (L.) Merxm 255
cordata Dinter 256
cordata (Mill.) Fourc 256
dinteri Markgf. 256
dulcis Schumach. & Thonn 251
edulis Vahl 251
var. tomentosa (A. Rich.) Stapf 251
erythrocarpa (Eckl.) A. DC 257
fierox (E. Mey.) A. DC 255
grandiflora (E. Mey.) A.DC 254
haematocarpa (Eckl.) A.DC. 253, fig. 37, 255
macrocarpa (Eckl.) A.DC 254
myrtoides Desf 256
oblongifolia Hochst 246
oppositifolia (Lam.) Pichon 247
Page
pilosa Schinz 251
spectabilis (Sond.) Pichon 246
tetramera (Sacleux) Stapf . . 253, fig. 37, 252
tomentosa A. Rich 251
wyliei N. E. Br 258
Cassine eucleifiormis (E. & Z.) Kuntze . . 6
Catharanthus G. Don 244, 267
roseus (L.) G. Don 244, 268
Celastrus
crispus Thunb 92
oleoides sensu Hochst 3
Cestrum*
citrifolium Retz* 249
lycioides R. & S 250
oppositifolium Lam 247
pubescens R. & S 250
venenatum Burm. f. 249, 247
venenatum Thunb 249, 247
Chilianthus Burch 159
arbor eus (L.f.) A.DC 164
var. rosmarinaceus Kuntze 164
corrugatus (Benth.) A.DC 166
dysophyllus (Benth.) A.DC 167
var. rufescens Sond 167
lobulatus (Benth.) A.DC 167
oleaceus Burch 164
Chironia L 212
angustifolia Sims 236
arenaria E. Mey 225, 220
var. mediocris (Schoch) Prain .... 220
baccata Hoffm 215
baccifera L 213, fig. 29, 215
var. burchellii Prain 215
var. dilatata E. Mey 215
var. elongata E. Mey 215
var. grandiflora Griseb 215
bachmannia Gilg 231
barclayana Hort 227
caryophylloides L 236
cymosa Burm. f 236
decumbens Levyns 213, fig. 29, 226
decussata Vent 236
densiflora Scott Elliot 227
dianthifolia Hort 236
ecklonii Schoch 217
emarginata Jarosz 216, 220
exigua Oliv 192
frutescens L 236
var. angustifolia (Sims) Griseb. . . 236
var. glabra Cham. & Schlechtdl. . . 236
var. hirsuta Cham. & Schlechtdl. . . 236
glutinosa Paxt 225
gracilis Salisb. ex Prain 216, 219
var. macrocalyx Prain 216, 219
grandiflora Salisb 236
humilis Gilg 232
var. wilmsii (Gilg) Prain 232
var. zuluensis Prain 232
ixifera Hort 217
jasminoides L 222, 224
var. (1 Banks ex Edw 221
var. lychnoides Griseb 221
var. multiflora (Eckl. ex Schoch)
Prain 224
var. tabularis (Cham.) Prain 224
var. viminea (Griseb.) Prain 224
jasminoides sensu Thunb 236, 225
299
Page
krebsii Griseb 213, fig. 30, 227
latifolia Donn 236
latifolia E. Mey 227
laxa Gilg 235
linoides L 218, fig. 31 216
var. brevisepala Schoch 220
var. longifolia Griseb 217
var. subulata E. Mey 219
var. zeyheri Griseb 220
subsp. emarginata ( Jarosz ) Verdoorn 220
subsp. linoides 217
subsp. macrocalyx (Praia) Verdoorn 219
subsp. nana Verdoorn 219
linoides sensu Thunb 219
linoides Auct 220
lychnoides Berg 221, 217
lychnoides sensu Linn 224
lychnoides sensu Cham. & Schlechtdl. 220
lychnoides sensu Thunb 226
maritima Eckl 226
maritima sensu Griseb 235
maxima Schoch 230
mediocris Schoch 220
melampyrifolia Lam 225
melampyrifolia sensu E. Mey 227, 235
nudicaulis L.f 224
var. elongata Eckl. ex Cham 224
var. multiflora Eckl. ex Schoch . . 224
var. tabularis Cham 224
var. viminea Griseb 224
ovata Spreng. ex Griseb 234
palustris Burch 232, 228
var. foliata (Griseb.) Prain 229
var. radicata (E. Mey.) Schoch . . . 229
subsp. palustris 213, fig. 30 229
subsp. rosacea ( Gilg) Verdoorn 230
subsp. transvaalensis (Gilg) Ver-
doorn 233, fig. 34, 230
parviflora Salisb 215
parvifolia E. Mey 234
peduncularis Lindl 213, fig. 29, 227
peglerae Prain 213, fig. 30, 234
perfoliata Eckl 225
purpurascens (E. Mey.) Benth. &
Hook. f. 213, fig. 30, 231
var. impedita Prain 231
var. tysonii (Gilg) Prain 231
subsp. humilis (Gilg) Verdoorn . . . 232
subsp. purpurascens 231
rosacea Gilg 230
scabrida Griseb 221
var. ligulifolia Prain 221
schlechteri Schoch 235
serpyllifolia Lehm 213, fig. 30, 234
var. laxa Griseb 234
var. microphylla Griseb 234
speciosa E. Mey 225
stokoei Verdoorn 225
tabularis Page 221
var. confusa Prain 221
tetragona L.f. 223, fig. 32, 221
var. brevifolia Griseb 221
var. linearis E. Mey 221
var. ovata E. Mey 221
transvaalensis Gilg 230
trinervia sensu Hort 227
trinervis sensu Hort 227
Page
tysonii Gilg 231
uniflora Eckl 220
uniflora Lam 220
viscosa Zeyher ex Griseb 221
vulgaris
var. intermedia Cham 219
var. linoides Cham 217
var. lychnoides Cham 220
wilmsii Gilg 232
zeyheri Prain 217
Chonemorpha
antidysenterica Wight 263
pubescens G. Don 263
Christya Ward & Harv 289
speciosa Ward & Harv 293
Chrysophyllum L 36, 35
argyrophyllum Hiem 37
cainito L* 35
magalismontana Sond 37
natalense Sond 39
viridifolium Wood & Franks 35
wilmsii Engl 37
Conopharyngia G. Don 268
elegans (Stapf) Stapf 270
ventricosa (Hochst ex A. DC.) Stapf . . 269
Cyclostigma Hochst 273
natalense (Hochst.) Hochst 273
Cyrtosiphonia Miq 274
Dekindtia Gilg 119
africana Gilg 124
Dicrus Reinw 273
Diospyros L 54
abyssinica (Hiem) F. White* 60
acocksii (de Winter) de Winter 67
austro-africana de Winter 64
var. austro-africana 65
var. microphylla (Burch.) de Winter
72, fig. 10, 65
var. rubriflora (de Winter) de Win-
ter 66
var. rugosa (E. Mey. ex A. DC.) de
Winter 65
batocana Hiem* 61
chamaethamnus Mildbr 60
cordata (Hiem) Bakhuizen* 71
dawei (Hutch.) Brenan 58
dichrophylla (Gaud.) de Winter ...77, 75
galpinii (Hiem) de Winter 78
glabra (L.) de Winter 63
glandulifera de Winter 68, 69
glandulosa Lace* 69
hirsuta L.f* 65
inhacaensis F. White 60
lucida Loud* 69
lycioides Desf. 72, fig. 10, 73, 71
subsp. guerkei (Kuntze) de Winter 75
subsp. lycioides 73
subsp. nitens (Harv. ex Hiem) de
Winter 75
subsp. sericea (Bernh.) de Winter . . 74
mespiliformis Hochst. ex A. DC.
59, fig. 9, 62
microphylla Bedd.* 65
natalensis (Harv.) Brenan ... .59, fig. 9, 58
nummularia Brenan 58
opaca C.B.C1 71
pallens (Thunb.) F. White 68
300
Page
parviflora ( Schlecht .) Batch* 77
pseudebenus (E. Mey. ex A. DC.) Par-
ment 82
pubescens Pers 80, 75
quiloensis (Hiern) F. White* 60
ramulosa (E. Mey. ex A. DC.) de Winter 66
rotundifolia Hiern 62
rugosa Sap* 65
scabrida ( Harv . ex Hiern) de Winter 79
var. cordata (E. Mey. ex A. DC.) de
Winter 71
var. scabrida 71
simii ( Kuntze ) de Winter 72, fig. 10, 77
vaughaniae Dunkley* 63
villosa (L.) de Winter 72, fig. 10, 78
var. parviflora (de Winter) de Winter 79
var. villosa 79
virgata ( Guerke ) Brenan 61
whyteana {Hiern) F. White . . .72, fig. 10, 69
Dipladenia splendens {Hook.) A. DC* . . 244
Diplonema
elliptica G. Don 86
Diplorhynchus Welw. ex Fic. & Hiern 264
angolensis Biittner 265
angustifolia Stapf 265
condylocarpon {Muell.-Arg.) Pichon
266, fig. 38, 265
subsp. angolensis (Buttn.) Duvign. 265
subsp. mossambicensis (Benth. ex
Oliv.) Duvign 265
var. mossambicensis 265
f. mossambicensis 265
f. angustifolius (Stapf) Duvign. 265
var. psilopus (Fic. & Hiern)
Duvign 265
f. microphyl/a Duvign 265
f. psilopus 265
mossambicensis Benth. ex Oliv 265
psilopus Welw. ex Fic. & Hiern . . . 265
welwitschii Rolfe 265
Diplorrhynchus see Diplorhynchus .... 264
Dissolaena Lour 274
Donella Pierre ex Baill 35
Dyerophytum Kuntze 19
africanum {Lam.) Kuntze 18, fig. 4, 19
EBENACEAE 54
Echites
antidysenterica (L.) Roxb 263
bispinosa L.f. 284
pubescens Buch.-Ham 263
succulenta L.f 285
Eichleria Hartog 52
discolor (Sond.) Hartog 52
Embelia Burm.f. 3
ruminata (E. Mey. ex A. DC.) Mez . . 3
krausii Harv 3
sp 5
Englerophytum Krause* 36
Enicostema Blume 237
hyssopifolium {Willd.) Verdoorn 239
fig. 35, 238
littorale Blume 238
verticillare (Retz.) Baill 238
verticillatum (L.) Engl, ex Gilg 238
Enicostemma see Enicostema 237
Ephippiocarpa Markgf. 272
orientalis (S. Moore) Markgf. 272
Page
Euclea Murray 80
acutifolia E. Mey. ex A. DC 83
angustifolia Benth 82
asperrima M. Holzhammer 87
bilocularis Hiern 99
coriacea A. DC 91, fig. 11, 85
crispa {Thunb.) Guerke 92, 90
var. crispa 89, 91, fig. 11, 92
var. ovata {Burch.) de Winter 92
daphnoides Hiern 99
desertorum E. & Z. ex Drege 92
divinorum Hiern 89, 94
dregeana A.DC 83
elliptica (G. Don) A.DC 86
eylesii Hiern 93
ferruginea Bemh 86
guerkei Hiern 92
huillensis Guerke* 95
humilis E. & Z 92
katangensis de Wild.* 95
kellau Hochst 99
keniensis Fries* 95
kraussiana Bemh 86
lancea Thunb 84
lanceolata E. Mey. ex DC 92
var. glabrescens A.DC 92
latidens Stapf 99
linearis Zeyh. ex Hiern 91, fig. 11, 93
macrophylla E. Mey. ex A.DC 99
multiflora Hiem 88
myrtina Burch 97
natalensis A.DC 88
ochrocarpa E. Mey ex A.DC 92
ovata Burch 92
var. glabra A.DC 92
var. hispida A.DC 92
polyandra {L.f.) E. Mey. ex Hiern
91, fig. 11, 86
pseudebenus E. Mey. ex A.DC 82
pubescens E.&Z 86
racemosa Murr 97
var. burchellii Hiem 97, 99
rigida E. Mey. ex A.DC 84
schimperi {A.DC.) Dandy 98
var. daphnoides {Hiern) de Winter 99
var. schimperi 89, 98, 99
tomentosa E. Mey. ex A.DC. 89, 91, fig. 11, 86
undulata Thunb 96, 95
var. myrtina {Burch.) Hiern 97
var. undulata 96
urijiensis Hiern 99
Eupodia Rafin 212
purpurea Rafin 227
Evalthe Rafin 212
jasminoides Rafin 221
Exacum L 237, 21 1
albens L.f 179
aureum L.f. 182
cordatum L.f. 190
hyssopifolium Willd 238
quinquenervium Griseb 211
Exacum sensu Willd 237
Exochaenium Griseb 173
debile Welw 188
grande (E. Mey.) Griseb 173, 189
var. homostylum Hill 189
var. major (S. Moore) Schinz 189
301
Page
thomasii (S. Moore) Schinz 186
Faroa Welw 241
salutaris Welw 241
Gabunia K. Schum 268
Gentiana alberts Thunb 179
awea (L.f.) Thunb 182
exacoides L 190
verticillata sensu L.f 238
verticillaris (Sphalm.) var. Retz. 238
GENTIAN ACEAE 171
Gomphostigma Turcz 168
incanum Oliv 171
incomptum {L.f.) N. E. Br. 170, fig. 24, 171
scoparioides Turcz 169
virgatum (L.f.) Baill 170, fig. 24, 169
Gonioma E. Mey 244, 262
kamassi E. Mey 262
var. brachycarpum E. Mey 262
Henicostemma Endl 237
Heurckia Muell.-Arg 274
Hippion sensu Spreng 237
hyssopifolium (Willd.) Spreng 238
Hippionum Kuntze 237
verticillatum Kuntze 238
Holarrhena R. Br 244, 263
antidysenterica (L.) Wall 263
codaga G. Don 263
febrifuga K1 263
var. glabra Oliv 263
fischeri K. Schum 263
glabra K1 263
malaccensis Wight 263
pubescens ( Buch.-Ham .) Wall 263
tettensis K1 263
Inhambanella (Engl.) Dubard 42, 40
henriquessii (Engl.) Dubard 40
natalensis (Schinz) Dubard 43
Jasminonerium Kuntze 250
bispinosum (L.) Kuntze 256
dulce (Schum. & Thonn.) Kuntze ... 251
edule (Vahl) Kuntze 251
ferox (E. Mey.) Kuntze 255
grandiflorum (E. Mey.) Kuntze 254
haematocarpum (Eckl.) Kuntze 255
tomentosum (A. Rich.) Kuntze 251
Jasminum L 103
abyssinicum Hochst. ex DC 107
angulare Vahl 105
var. glabratam E. Mey 106
breviflorum Harv. ex C. H. Wr 108
capense Thunb 106
flexile sensu Jacq 105
fluminense Veil 107
gerrardii Harv. ex C. H. Wr 108
glaucum sensu Harv. ex Wright 110
glaucum {L.f.) Ait 109
var. lanceolatum E. Mey 109
var. latifolium E. Mey 109
var. parviflorum E. Mey 110
goetzeanum Gilg* 106
humileL.* 106, 103
kerstingii Gilg* 109
ligustrifolium Lam 109
lupinifolium Gilg & Schellenb 104
mauritianum Boj. ex DC 107
Page
meyeri-johannes Engl.* 110
multiflorum {Burnt.) Andr* 103
multipartitum Hochst 110
natalense Gilg & Schellenb 106
officinale L* 103
pauciflorum Benth* 112
paucifolium Knobl* 112
quinatum Schinz 104
schroeterianum Schinz 107
stenolobum Rolfe Ill
streptopus E. Mey 109, 112, 111
var. streptopus 112
var. transvaalensis (5. Moore) Ver-
doorn 112
swynnertonii S. Moore* 112
tortuosum sensu Harv. ex Wright ... 104
tortuosum Willd 105
transvaalense S. Moore 112
wyliei N. E. Br 107
Kellaua schimperi A. DC 99
Labour donnaisia Boj 52
discolor Sond 53,52
sericea Benth. & Hook.f 52
Lachnopylis Hochst 150
breviflora (S. Moore) C.A.Sm 157
congesta (R. Br. ex Fres.) C.A.Sm. . . 157
emarginata (Sond.) C.A.Sm 157
fioribunda (Benth.) C.A.Sm 156
glomerulata C.A.Sm 150
gracilis (Engl.) C.A.Sm 151
heterotricha C.A.Sm 157
montana C.A.Sm 157
oppositiflora Hochst 153
pubescens (Sond.) C.A.Sm 157
saxatilis C.A.Sm 157
schistotricha C.A.Sm 157
speciosa C.A.Sm 157
suaveolens C.A.Sm 150
ternifolia Hochst 157
tomentosa (Sond.) C.A.Sm 157
viscidulosa C.A.Sm 157
Lagenias E. Mey 172
pusillus (Eckl. ex Cham.) E. Mey. 172, 187
Landolphia Beauv 258
angustifolia K. Schum. ex Engl 260
capensis Oliv 261
delagoensis (Dew.) Pierre 259
elastica Vatke ex Dew 259
kirkii Dyer 259
var. delagoensis Dew 259
monteiroi Dyer ex Stapf 260
petersiana {Klotzsch) Dyer 260
var. angustifolia (Engl.) Stapf .... 260
polyantha K. Schum 259
scandens F. Didr.
var. petersiana (Kl.) Hall.f 260
senensis (Kl.) K. Schum 260
Lantana salvifolia L 160
Lauridia? multiflora Engl 132
Lecomtedoxa {Engl.) Dubard 40
henriquessii {Engl. & Warb.) A.
Meeuse 40
kleiniana ( Pierre ex Engl.) Dubard* . . 40
Lepinema Raf. 237
verticillata Raf 238
Leuranthus Knobl 112
woodiana (Knobl.) Knobl 112, 115
302
Page
Limnanthemum S. P. Gmel 242
abyssinicum N. E. Br 243
brevipedicellatum Vatke 243
ecklonianum Griseb 243
forbesianum Griseb 243
indicum (L.) Griseb 243
kirkii N. E. Br 243
niloticum K. & P 243
orbiculatum (Lam.) Griseb 243
rautanenii N. E. Br 243
senegalensis (G. Don) N. E. Br 243
thunbergianum Griseb 243
whytei N. E. Br 243
Limonium Mill. 20
acuminatum L. Bol 30
amoenum (C. H. Wr.) R. A. Dyer . . 23
anthericoides ( Schltr .) R. A. Dyer 27,
fig. 5, 31
avenaceum (C. H. Wr.) R. A. Dyer . . 25
capense ( L . Bol.) L. Bol 21
corymbulosum (Boiss.) Kuntze 26
decumbens (Boiss.) Kuntze 30
depauperatum (Boiss.) R. A. Dyer . . 29
dregeanum (PresI) Kuntze ... 27, fig. 5, 26
equisetinum (Boiss.) R. A. Dyer 27,
fig. 5, 30
fergusoniae L. Bol 23
kraussianum (Bucking, ex Boiss.)
Kuntze 29
linifolium (L.f.) Kuntze 28
var. linifolium 28
var. maritimum (E. & Z. ex Boiss.)
R. A. Dyer 28
longifolium (Thunb!) R. A. Dyer 23
membranaceum R. A. Dyer . . .27, fig. 5, 26
namaquanum L. Bol 24
penicillatum Adamson 26
perigrinum (Berg.) R. A. Dyer 22
purpuratum (L.) Hubbard ex L. H.
Bailey 22
roseum (Sm.) Kuntze 22
scabrum (Thunb.) Kuntze 25
var. avenaceum (C. H. Wr.) R. A.
Dyer 25
var. corymbulosum (Boiss.) R. A.
Dyer 26
var. scabrum 25
sinuatum (L.) Mill.* 20
teretifolium L. Bol 24
Linociera Sw 119
africana Knobl.* 124
africana (Wehv.) Gilg & Schellenb .* 124
battiscombei Hutch. . .122, 123, fig. 13, 124
foveolata (E. Mey.) Knobl 121, 120
subsp. foveolata 123, fig. 13, 121
subsp. major Verdoorn ..123, fig. 13, 122
subsp. tomentella Verdoorn ...123,
fig. 13, 121
ligustrina Sw.* 119
marlothii Knobl 121
peglerae (C. H. Wr.) Gilg & Schellenb. 122
Lochnera Reichb. ex Endl 267
rosea (L.) Reichb. ex Endl 268
Logania capensis Eckl 171
Loganiaceae 134
Lycium cinereum Thunb 250
cordatum Mill 256
Page
Lysmachia L 11
africana Engl 13
nutans Nees 12, fig. 3, 11
parvifolia Bak 13
ruhmeriana Vatke 13
woodii Schltr. ex Pax & Knuth 13
Maba J. R. & G. Forst 54
dawei Hutch 58
natalensis Harv 58
virgata Guerke 61
Maesa Forsk 1
alnifolia Harv 4, 2
angolensis Gilg* 2
lanceolata Forsk 4, 2
palustris Hochst 2
rufescens A.DC 2
Mahea Pierre 52
natalensis Pierre 52
Mandevilla laxa (Ruiz & Pav.) Woodson* 244
Manilkara Adans 48
concolor (Harv. ex C. H. Wr.) Gerstner 48
densifiora (Engl.) Dale 50
kauki (L.) Dubard* 48
macaulayae (Hutch. & Corb.) H. J.
Lam 51
menyhartii Engl 50
mochisia (Bak.) Dubard 49, fig. 8, 50
spiculosa (Hutch. & Corb.) H. J. Lam 51
umbraculigera (Hutch. & Corb.) H. J.
Lam 51
Menodora Humb. & Bonpl 125
africana Hook 126, fig. 14, 127
helianthemoides Humb. & Bonpl* . ... 125
heterophylla Moric. ex DC 127
var. australis Steyermark . . 126, fig. 14, 128
heterophylla sensu Oliver 128
juncea Harv 126, fig. 14, 125
Menyanthaceae 172
Menyantlies
capensis Thb 242
cristata Roxb 243
indica L 243
var. (3 Desr 243
indica sensu Thunb 243
orbiculata Lam 243
ovata L.f 242
Mimusops L 44
altissima Engl.* 53
buchananii Engl.* 53
calfra E. Mey. ex A.DC 45
concolor Harv. ex C. H. Wr 48
densifiora Engl 50
discolor (Sond.) Hartog 52
dispar N. E. Br 43
elengi L.* 44
henriquesiana Sim 40
lienriquesii Engl. & Warb 40
kirkii Bak 47
macaulayae Hutch. & Corb 51
marginata N. E. Br 43
menyhartii Engl 50
mochisia Bak 50
monroi S. Moore 47
natalensis (Pierre) Engl 53, 52
natalensis Schinz 53, 43
obovata Sond. 46
oleifolia N. E. Br 46
303
Page
revoluta Hochst 45
rudatisii Engl. & Krause 46
schinzii Engl 43
spiculosa Hutch. & Corb 51
transvaalensis Schinz 43
umbraculigera Hutch. & Corb 51
woodii Engl 46
zeyheri Sond. 38, fig. 6, 47
var. lawifolia Engl 47
Mimusops Auct 48, 52, 42
Monetia L’Herit 129
barlerioides L’Herit 129
tetracantha (Lam.) Salisb 129
Muriea Hartog 52
discolor (Sond.) Hartog 52
MYRSINACEAE 1
Myrsine L 5
africana L 5
gerrardii Harv. ex Wright 6
gilliana Sond 9
melanophloeos (L.) R. Br 8
pilansii Adamson 7, fig. 2, 6
ruminata E. Mey 3
Myrsine sensu Bak 6
Nathusia Hochst 100
alata Hochst 100, 101
Neoboivinella Aubrev. & Pellegr 36
Nerium antidysentericum L* 263
oleander L* 244
Neurolobium Baill 264
cymosum Baill 265
Nuxia Lam 150
autunesii Gilg 153
hreviflora S. Moore 157
congesta R. Br. ex Fres. 152, fig. 19,
154, fig. 20, 155, fig. 21, 156
var. brevifolia Sond 156
var. emarginata (Sond.) Prain .... 156
var. tomentosa (Sond.) Cummins . . 156
corrugata Benth 166
dentata R. Br 153
var. tranvaalensis S. Moore 153,156, 157
dysophylla Benth 167
emarginata Sond 156
floribunda Benth 156
glomerulata (C.A.Sm.) Verdoorn 152,
fig. 19, 150
gracilis Engl 151
lobulata Benth 167
oppositifolia (Hochst.) Benth 153
pubescens Sond 157
saligna (Willd.) Benth 164
schlechteri Gilg 153
tomentosa Sond 157
verticillata Lam* 150
viscosa Gibbs 157
Nyctanthes glauca L.f 109
Nymphoides Hill 242
cristata (Roxb.) Kuntze 243
eckloniana (Griseb.) Kuntze 243
forbesianum (Griseb.) Hand.-Mazz. .. 243
indica (L.) Kuntze 239, fig. 35, 243
niloticum (K. & P.) J. Leon 243
orbiculata (Lam.) Kuntze 243
thunbergiana (Griseb.) Kuntze 243
Page
OleaL 112
africana Mill 113
buxifolia Mill 113
capensis L 116
subsp. capensis ....116, 118, fig. 12, 117
subsp. enervis (Harv. ex C. H. Wr.)
Verdoorn 118, fig. 12, 117
subsp. macrocarpa (C. H. Wr.) Ver-
doorn 118, fig. 12, 119
chrysophylla Lam 113
concolar E. Mey 117
enervis Harv. ex C. H. Wr 117
europaea L* 114, 112
var. verrucosa Willd 113
europaea sensu Thunb 113
exasperata Jacq 115
ferruginea Royle* 114
foveolata E. Mey 121
foveolata sensu Harvey ex Wright ... 121
guineensis (Gilg) Gilg & Schellenb* 116
hochstetteri Bak* 116
humilis Eckl 115
lawifolia Lam 117
var. concolor (E. Mey.) Harv. ex
C. H. Wr 117
lawifolia sensu Sim 119
listeriana Sim ex Lister 115
mackenii Harv. ex C. H. Wr 115
macrocarpa C. H. Wr 119
peglerae C. H. Wr 122
sativa Hoffm. var. verrucosa R. & S. 113
undulata Jacq 117
var. planifolia E. Mey 117
verrucosa (Willd.) Link 113
var. brachybotrys DC 113
welwitschii (Knobl.) Gilg & Schellenb* 116
woodiana Knobl 115
Olea sensu Harv. ex Wright 119
OLE ACE AE 100
Oncinotis Benth 288
chirindica S. Moore 288
inandensis Wood & Evans 288
natalensis Stapf 288
oblanceolata Engl* 289
Onefera Rafin 212
coccinea Rafin 217
Ophioxylon L 274
Orchipeda Blume 273
Orphium E. Mey 236
frutescens (L.) E. Mey 236
var. decussata (Vent.) E. Mey 236
fruticosum Kuntze 236
Pachypodium Lindl 283
bispinosum (L.f.) A. DC 284
giganteum Engl 287
glabrum G. Don 284
griquense L. Bol 285
jasminiflorum L. Bol 285
lealii Welw 287
namaquanum ( Wyley ex Harv.) Welw. 283
saundersii N. E. Br 280, fig. 41, 286
succulentum (L.f.) A. DC 285
tomentosum G. Don 285
tuberosum Lindl 285
tuberosum sensu Lodd 284
var. loddigesii A.DC 284
P achy stela 36
304
Page
Pacouria
capensis (Oliv.) S. Moore 261
petersiana (Kl.) S. Moore 260
Pandaca Noronha ex Thou 268
Parrasia Rafin 172
cordata (L.f.) Rafin 172, 190
debilis (Welw.) Hiem 188
grandis (E. Mey.) Hiem 189
var. major S. Moore 189
thomasii S. Moore 186
Perinerion Baill 276
Pervinca rosea (L.) Moench 268
Physetobasis Hassk 263
Piptolaena Harv 273
dregei (E. Mey.) A. DC 273
Plocandra E. Mey 212
albens E. Mey 229
var. radicata E. Mey 229
palustris (Burch.) Griseb 229
var. foliata Griseb 229
purpurascens E. Mey 231
PLUMBAGINACEAE 15
Plumbago L 16
auriculata Lam 18, fig. 4, 19
capensis Thunb 19
pearsonii L. Bol 17
suffruticosa Schinz 17
tristis Ait 18, fig. 4, 16
vogeliaefolia E. & Z 16
wissii Friedr 17
zeylanica L 17
Plumeria spp.* 244
Pootia Miq 273
Pouteria 36
magalismontana (Sond.) A. Meeuse . . 37
natalensis (Sond.) A. Meeuse 39
PR1MULACEAE 9
Rapanea Aubl 6
gilliana (Sond.) Mez 9
melanophloeos (L.) Mez 7, fig. 2, 8
Rauvolfia L 274
caffra Sond. 275
natalensis Sond 275
obliquinervis Stapf* 276
ochrosioides K. Schum* 276
serpentina (L.) Benth.* 275
Rauwolfia see Rauvolfia 274
Renealmia Houtt 241
capensis Houtt 242
Roeslinia Moench 212
angustifolia (Sims) G. Don 236
baccifera (L.) G. Don 215
frutescens (L.) G. Don 236
tetragona Moench 215
Roslinia see Roeslinia 236, 212
Royena L.
acocksii de Winter 67
ambigua Salisb 80
ambigua sensu Hiern 75
ambigua Vent 76, 75
angustifolia Salisb 65, 80
angustifolia Willd 65
brachiata E. Mey. ex A. DC 68
cistoides Welw. ex Hiern * 75
cordata E. Mey. ex A. DC 71
var. scabrida (Harv. ex Hiern) de
Winter 71
Page
corilyfolia Salisb 79
crassifolia Salisb ; . . 80
cuneata Poir 80
cuneifolia E. Mey. ex A.DC 73
decidua Burch 73
dichrophylla Gand 75
falcata E. Mey. ex A.DC 63
galpinii Hiern 78
glandulosa Harv. ex Hiern 69
glabra L 63
goetzei Guerke 69
guerkei Kuntze 75
hirsuta L 65
var. microphylla (Burch.) de Winter 65
var. rubriflora de Winter 66
var. rigida Hiem 66
var. rugosa (E. Mey. ex A.DC.)
Zahlbr 65
hirsuta sensu Jacq 75
hispidula Harv. ex Hiern 80
latifolia Willd 80
longifolia Cels 80
lucida L 69
lycioides (Desf.) A.DC 73
subsp. guerkei (O. Ktze.) de Winter 75
subsp. nitens (Harv. ex Hiem) de
Winter 75
subsp. sericea (Bernh.) de Winter . . 74
lycioides sensu Sim 77
macrophylla E. Mey. ex A.DC 88
media Huguen ex Colla 80
media Cels 80
microphylla Burch 65
myrtifolia Salisb 63
myrtifolia Cels 80
nitens Harv. ex Hiern 75
nyassae Guerke 69
oleifolia Desf. ex Hiern 80
opaca E. Mey. ex A.DC 71
ovalifolia Salisb 86
pollens Thunb 68
var. dregei A.DC 75
pollens sensu Hiern 74, 75, 73
pollens sensu Wood 74
parviflora Hiern 77
pentandra Guerke 80
polyandra L.f. 86
var. ambigua (Vent.) Pers 75
pubescens Willd 75
ramulosa E. Mey. ex A.DC 66
rugosa E. Mey. ex A.DC 65
scabra Burm.f. 79
scabrida Harv. ex Hiern 71
scandens Burch, ex Hiern 79
sericea Bernh 74
sessilifolia Hiern 80
simii Kuntze 77
supracordata Burch, ex Hiern 71
tenuifolia Salisb 65
villosa L 79
var. parvifolia de Winter 79
whyteana Hiern 69
wilmsii Guerke 69
Rymia polyandra (L.f.) Endl 86
305
Page
Salvador a Garcin ex L 132
angustifolia Turrill* 133
var. australis ( Schweick .) Verdoorn
131, fig. 15, 133
australis Schweick 133
crassinervia Hochst. ex T. Anders. . . 132
oleoides Decne* 134
paniculata Zucc. ex Steud 132
persica L 132
var. pubescens Brenan* 133
SALVADORACEAE 128
Samolus L 10
africanus Burm.f.* 10
porosus ( L.f ) Thunb 10
valerandi L 10
var. africanus L* 11
SAPOTACEAE 31
SCHREBERA Roxb 100
alata {Hochst.) Welw 101
argyrotricha Gilg 102
gilgiana Lingelsh 102
latialata Gilg 101
mazoensis S. Moore 102
merkeri Lingelsh.* 102
nyassae Lingelsh.* 102
obliquifoliolata Gilg* 102
sounder siae Harv 101
swietenioides Roxb* 100
Scoparia arborea L.f. 163
Sebaea R.Br 172
acuminata Hill 204
acutiloba Schinz 196
albens {L.f.) Roem. & Schult. 181, fig. 25, 179
albidiflora {Labill.) F.v.M* 180
ambigua Cham 181, fig. 25, 180
var. crassa Cham 180
var. gracilis Cham 180
var. gracilis sensu Schinz 182
aurea {L.f.) Roem. & Schult. 181, fig 25 182
var. congesta E. & Z 180
barbeyiana Schinz 204
baumii Schinz 207
bojeri Griseb 194, fig. 26, 193
brachyphylla Griseb* 208
brehmeri Schinz 205
burchellii Gilg 204
caladenia Gilg 204
capitata Cham. & Schlechtdl 177
var. capitata 178
var. sclerosepala {Schinz) Marais . . 178
cleistantha R. A. Dyer 197
compacta Hill 186
confertiflora Schinz 210
conrathii Schinz 204
conspicua Hill 183
cordata (L.f.) Roem. & Schult 190
var. intermedia Cham. & Schlechtdl. 191
var. macrantha Cham. & Schlechtdl. 190
var. micrantha Cham. & Schlechtdl. 191
crassulifolia Cham. & Schlechtdl 211
var. lanceolata Schinz 204
var. stricta E. Mey 202
cuspidata Schinz 201
cymosa Jarosz 182
debilis {Welw.) Schinz 188
dregei Schinz 202
ecarinata Hill 179
Page
elongata E. Mey 200, fig. 27, 201
erecta Hill 204
erosa Schinz 198
evansii N. E. Br 183
exacoides {L.) Schinz 190
exigua {Oliv.) Schinz 194, fig. 26, 192
fastigiata Hill 205
filiformis Schinz 194, fig. 26, 192
flanaganii (Schinz) Schinz 185
fourcadei Marais 198
gariepina Gilg 203
gibbosa W. Dod 182, 1 80
gilgii Schinz 182
glauca Hill 182
grandifiora Schinz 204
grandis {E. Mey.) Steud 189
grisebachiana Schinz 194, fig. 26, 195
humilis N. E. Br 195
hymenosepala Gilg 206, fig. 28, 210
hymenosepala sensu Schinz 205
var. grandifiora Hill 210, 205
imbricata Hill 201
intermedia (Cham. & Schlechtdl.)
Schinz 191
jasminiflora Schinz 186
junodii Schinz 194, fig. 26, 193
laxa N. E. Br 178
linearifolia Schinz 192
leiostyla Gilg 206, fig. 28, 207
longicaulis Schinz 206, fig. 28, 204
macowanii Gilg ex Schinz 204
macrantha Gilg 198
macrophylla Gilg 206, fig. 28, 205
macrosepala Gilg 204
macrostigma Gilg 195
marlothii Gilg 185
membranacea Hill 188
micrantha {Cham. & Schlechtdl.) Schinz 190
var. intermedia {Cham. & Schlechtdl.)
Marais 191
var. micrantha 191
minutiflora Schinz 180
mirabilis Gilg 193
multiflora Schinz 205
natalensis Schinz 200, fig. 27, 201
natalensis (Schinz) Schinz 201, 189
ochroleuca W. Dod 182
oreophila Gilg 204
ovata {Labill.) R. Br* 172
pallida E. Mey 182
paludosa Levyns 182
pentandra E. Mey 203
var. belmontioides Schinz 197
var. burchellii {Gilg) Marais 194, fig. 26, 204
var. pentandra 194, fig. 26, 203
polyantha Gilg 207
pratensis Gilg 193
primulina Hill 203
procumbens Hill 183
pseudobelmontia Schinz 191
pusilla Eckl. ex Cham 187
var. mayor Hill 187
pygmaea Schinz 198
rara W. Dod 187
ramosissima Gilg 198
rehmannii Schinz 200, fig. 27, 198
repens Schinz 183
306
Page
rhomboidea Schinz 179
rotundifolia Hill 183
rudolfii Schinz 201
saccata Schinz 193
scabra Schinz 197
schinziana Gilg 205
schizostigma Gilg 195
schlechteri Schinz 182
schoenlandii Schinz 209
sclerosepala Gilg ex Schinz 178
sedoides Gilg 209
var. confertiflora (Schinz) Marais . . 210
var. schoenlandii ( Schinz ) Marais
206, fig. 28, 209
var. sedoides 206, fig. 28, 209
sedo ides sensu Schinz 210
semialata Gilg 210
spathulata (E. Mey.) Steud. 185
sp. nov 211
stricta (E. Mey.) Gilg 200, fig. 27, 202
stricta Schinz* 202
sulphurea Cham. & Schlechtdl 197
thodeana Gilg 181, fig. 25, 184
thomasii (S. Moore) Schinz 186
transvaalensis Schinz 207
tysonii Schinz 196
vitellina Schinz 201
wittebergense Schinz 205
woodii Gilg 204
zeyheri Schinz 196
subsp. acutiloba ( Schinz ) Marais . . 196
subsp. cleistantha (R. A. Dyer)
Marais 197
subsp. zeyheri 194, fig. 26, 196
SlDEROXYLON L 33
cinereum Lam 34
diospyroides Bak 34
inerme L 33, 34
var. schlechteri Engl 34
melanophloeos L 8
randii S. Moore 37
toxiferum Thunb 247
Slevogtia Reichb 237
orientalis Griseb 238
verticillata D. Don 238
Statice Boiss 20
amoena C. H. Wr 23
anthericoides Schltr 31
avenacea C. H. Wr 25
capensis L. Bol 21
capensis Drege 28
corymbulosa Boiss 26
decumbens Boiss 30
dregeana Presl 26
equisitina Boiss 30
var. depauperata Boiss 29
kraussiana Buching. ex Boiss 29
linifolia L.f. 28
var. aretiaefolia Boiss 29
var. brachyphylla Boiss 28
var. collina E. & Z. ex Presl 28
var. maritima E. & Z. ex Boiss. ... 28
var. robusta C. H. Wr 26
longifolia Thunb 23
pedicellata Wallr. ex Boiss 26
perigrina Berg 22
purpurata L 22
Page
var. longifolia (Thunb.) Boiss. . . . 22, 23
purpurata sensu Thunb 22
rosea Sm 22
scabra Thunb 25
scabrida Presl 29
tetragona sensu Drege 26
Strophanthus DC 244, 289
amboensis ( Schinz ) Engl. & Pax 293
capensis A. DC 293
gerrardii Stapf 292
grandiflorus (N. E. Br.) Gilg 290
hispidus A. DC.* 290
kombe Oliv 290
luteolus L. E. Codd 291
petersianus Klotzsch 290
var. amboensis Schinz 293
var. grandiflorus N. E. Br 290
speciosus (Ward & Harv.) Reber
294, fig. 42, 293
Strychnos L 136
atherstonei Harv 139
baculum Harv. ms 139
cocculoides Bak 149
decussata (Pappe) Gilg . . . .146, fig. 18, 139
dysophylla Benth 145
subsp. dysophylla 145
engleri Gilg* 145
gerrardii N. E. Br 147
henningsii Gilg 146, fig. 18, 140
innocua Del. 144
subsp. burtonii (Bak.) Bruce &
Lewis* 145
subsp. dysophylla (Benth.) Verdoorn
142, fig. 17, 146, fig. 18, 145
subsp. gerrardii (N.E. Br.) Verdoorn 147
innocua sensu Bullock and Bruce . . 145
lokua A. Rich.* 148, 144
mackenii Gerrard ms 147
mackenii Harv. ms 147
micans S. Moore 140
mitis S. Moore 142, fig. 17, 141
nux-vomica L* 138, 136
occidental is Solered 144
pungens Solered. 144
schummanniana Gilg 149
spinosa Lam. . .142, fig. 17, 146, fig. 18, 147
subsp. lokua (A. Rich.) E. A.
Bruce* 148, 147
subsp. volkensii (Gilg) E. A. Bruce* 149
stuhlmannii Gilg 142, fig. 17, 143
unguacha var. dysophylla (Benth.) Gilg 145
usambarensis Gilg 146, fig. 18, 140
Swertia L 240
stellarioides Ficalho 240
stellar ioides Welw. ex Hiern 240
welwitschii Engl 240
sharpei N. E. Br.* 241
Tabernaemontana L 268
camassi Eckl 262
elegans Stapf 271, fig. 39, 270
usambarensis K. Schum.* 270
ventricosa Hochst. ex A. DC. 271, fig. 39, 269
Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) Schum* . . . 244
Tisserantiodoxa Aubrev. & Pellegr. ... 36
307
Page
Toxicophlaea Harv 245
cestroides A. DC 247
spectabilis Sond 246
thunbergii Harv 247
var. scabra Sond 247
Trachelospermum jasminoides Lem* .. 244
Vahea Lam 258
elastica Kl. ex Dew 259
kirkii (Dyer) Sadeb 259
Valeranda Neck 236
Vallaris pergularia Burnt f* 244
Villarsia Vent 241
capensis ( Houtt .) Merrill . . . 239, fig. 35, 242
cristata (Roxb.) Spreng 243
indica (L.) Vent 243
orbiculata (Lam.) G. Don 243
ovata (L.f.) Vent 242
senegalensis G. Don 243
Vinca L.* 267
major L* 244
Page
minor L.* 267
rosea L 268
speciosa Salisb 268
Voacanga Thou 273
dregei E. Mey 273
obtusa K. Schum 273
thouarsii Roem. & Schult. 271, fig. 39, 273
var. dregei (E. Mey.) Pichon 273
Vogelia sensu Lam 19
africana Lam 19
Willughbeia petersiana Klotzsch 260
senensis KJ 260
Wrightia R. Br 264, 295
antidysenterica ( L .) R. Br* 263
natalensis Stapf 296
Xeromphis obovata (Hochst.) Keay ... 80
Zeyherella (Engl.) Aubrev. & Pellegr. ... 36
magalismontana (Sond.) Aubrev. &
Pellegr 37
Zygonerion Baill 289
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