Compilation
Brachystephanus africanus

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Name

Identification
Isotype of Brachystephanus africanus Figueiredo [family ACANTHACEAE ] (stored under name);
Related name
  • Brachystephanus velutinus
  • Brachystephanus bequaertii
  • Brachystephanus africanus

Flora

Entry for BRACHYSTEPHANUS africanus S. Moore [family ACANTHACEAE]
Herbarium
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (K)
Collection
Flora of Tropical Africa
Resource Type
Reference Sources
Entry From
Flora of Tropical Africa, page 1, (1900) Author: (By I. H. Burkill and C. B. Clarke.)
Names
BRACHYSTEPHANUS africanus S. Moore [family ACANTHACEAE], in Trans. Linn. Soc. ser. 2, Bot. iv. 31. —Lindau in Engl. & Prantl, Pflanzenfam. iv. 3 B. 344, and in Engl. Pfl. Ost-Afr. C. 372.
Information
Nearly glabrous. Leaves up to 6 1/2 by 2 in., tapering at both ends; cystoliths small, numerous on the lower surface; petiole 1/4–2 in. long. Spikes up to 7 by 1/3 in., strobilate; floral leaves 1/2 by 1/4 in., obovate, acuminate, upper 1-flowered, lower with 3–2 perfect or imperfect flowers; bracteoles 1/4 in. long, linear-lanceolate. Sepals 5, subequal, 1/3– 1/2 in. long, linear, with cystoliths, glabrous, or with a very few short-stalked glands on the margin. Corolla-tube 3/4 in. long, linear; lips 1/3– 1/2 in. long, elliptic. Filaments 1/2 in. long, exserted; anthers 1/10 in. long, glabrous; pollen globose, slightly 3-angled, most minutely echinulate, with 3 stopples. Ovary oblong, glabrous; disc short; style of genus.
Distribution
Nyasaland Mozamb. Dist. Mount Mlanje, 6000 ft., Whyte, 56!
Notes
This plant illustrates the illusory nature of the distinction between bracteoles (vorblaetter) and bract (deckblatt). If a “bract” from the upper part of the spike be taken off, the 2 lateral green bracteoles are seen in their regular position; but if a lower floral leaf be taken off, a growth from one or both the bracteoles is seen, the bracteole is broader and indicates an approach in shape to that of the deckblatt, and may support a perfect flower.

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