Compilation
Achyranthes obovata

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Name

Identification
Achyranthes obovata Peter [family AMARANTHACEAE ] Verified by Not on sheet., Achyranthes aspera L. [family AMARANTHACEAE ] (stored under name); Verified by Not on sheet.,
Related name
  • Alternanthera caracasana
  • Alternanthera achyrantha
  • Achyranthes obovata
  • Achyranthes aspera

Flora

Entry for Achyranthes aspera var. aspera [family AMARANTHACEAE]
Herbarium
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (K)
Collection
Flora Zambesiaca
Resource Type
Reference Sources
Entry From
FZ, Vol 9, Part 1, page 28, (1988) Author: C. C. Townsend
Names
Achyranthes aspera var. aspera [family AMARANTHACEAE], TAB. 25 fig. A .
Achyranthes aspera var. indica L. [family AMARANTHACEAE], Sp. Pl. 1: 204 (1753). Type as for the species.
Achyranthes indica L. Mill. [family AMARANTHACEAE], Gard. Dict. ed. 8 (1768).
Achyranthes obtusifolia Lam. [family AMARANTHACEAE], Encycl. Méth. Bot . 1: 545 (1785). Type source unknown, Sonnerat s.n. (P-LA, holotype). (I.D.C. microfiche photo. 546, No. 11!).
Achyranthes obovata Peter [family AMARANTHACEAE], in Fedde, Repert. Beih. 40, 2, Descriptiones: 25 (1932). Type from Tanzania.
Achyranthes aspera var. obtusifolia Lam. Suesseng. [family AMARANTHACEAE], in Mitt. Bot. Staatss. Munchen: 152 (1952). Type source unknown.
Information
Plant stout and robust, the leaves broadly elliptic to almost circular, blunt or abruptly apiculate, frequently tomentose at least on the lower surface, especially along the veins. Flowers 3–4.5 mm. long, usually shorter and plumper than in var. pubescens.
Distribution
Mozambique M Maputo, 4.vi.1946, Pimenta 4320 (LISC).Mozambique GI Guija. Missâo de S. Vicente de Paula, dry sandy soil, 23.vi.1947, Pedro & Pedrogâo 1186 (K; LMU).Mozambique MS Nova Chupanga, 40 km. N. of Sena on the R. Zambezi. 30 m., 27 vii.1933, Lawrence 55 (K).Mozambique T Rd. Tete-Songo 16 km. to Marueira, 7.iv.1972, Macedo 5157 (LISC; SRGH).Mozambique N Nampula, 25.v.1935, Torre 794 (COI; LISC).
Notes
Lawrence 55 and Pedro & Pedrogâo 1186 cited above are rather poor; the upper leaves and short, plump fruiting perianths seem to be referable to var. aspera, one or two var. asperalvar. pubescens intermediates have been seen from Mozambique. In more northerly E. Africa the distribution of this variety favours its original presence along the coastal parts of Kenya and Tanzania (as well as Zanzibar and Pemba), or its introduction there from India, where this is the dominant variety. The inland localities are almost all around the eastern shore of Lake Victoria, to which the plant could have been taken in trading - the fruit clinging readily to clothing or to the hides of animals. The distribution in the Flora Zambesiaca area (near the coast or up the Zambesi) appears to show a similar pattern. The only habitat and altitude available for the variety in our area is given above.

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