Melhania didyma
Melhania didyma is a plant in the mallow family Malvaceae, native to southern Africa.
| Melhania didyma | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Melhania |
| Species: | M. didyma |
| Binomial name | |
| Melhania didyma | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Description
Melhania didyma grows as a low bushy shrub 20–60 centimetres (8–24 in) tall, sometimes to 1 m (3 ft) tall. It branches from near the base, with a woody main stem. The leaves are pubescent above, tomentose below and measure up to 10 cm (4 in) long. Inflorescences measuring up to 5 cm (2 in) long are typically two-flowered and feature yellow petals. The species resembles Melhania forbesii in the bracts of the epicalyx, but differs in upper leaf surface.[2]
Distribution and habitat
Melhania didyma is native to Botswana, South Africa (Cape Provinces, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Provinces) and Swaziland.[1] Its habitat includes thornveld, grassy slopes or forest margins. The species is often found by rivers.[2]
References
- "Melhania didyma". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 28 April 2019.
- Verdoorn, I. C. (10 November 1981). "Revision of Melhania in southern Africa". Bothalia - African Biodiversity and Conservation. Cape Town: AOSIS. 13 (3, 4): 264–265. doi:10.4102/abc.v13i3/4.1315.