Synonyms: |
Cyanastrum bussei Engl. Cyanastrum hostifolium Engl. |
Common names: | |
Frequency: | |
Status: | Native |
Description: |
Erect perennial herb up to c. 60 cm tall. Corms up to 2 cm in diameter, as broad as deep, shortly cylindric or sometimes discoid, at or just below ground level, often forming characteristic vertical "chains". Mature leaves elliptic to linear-oblanceolate, 10–60 × 3–9 cm (including an indistinct petiole); young leaves sheathing and more or less funnel-shaped at first, with the flowering scape well exserted from the centre. Inflorescence 15–35 cm long including the scape. Raceme up to 9 cm long, 10–25-flowered; bracts up to 3 cm long, successively shorter towards the apex; pedicels 2–8 mm long, rigidly ascending. Flowers white, with yellow filaments; tepals 7–12 × 2–5 mm. Capsule 1–2-lobed, with persistent remnants of aborted lobes, maturing to dark-brown; lobes globose, 4.5-6 mm in diameter, hairless. |
Type location: |
Tanzania |
Notes: | This species was not listed for the MS Division in Flora Zambesiaca 12-3 (2001). |
Derivation of specific name: | hostifolia: with leaves like a Hosta, a genus of monocot plants popular as garden subjects. |
Habitat: | In riverine forest or woodland, usually in damp, shady places. |
Altitude range: (metres) | 0 - 700 m |
Flowering time: | |
Worldwide distribution: | Tanzania and Mozambique. |
FZ divisions: | N,Z,MS |
Growth form(s): | |
Endemic status: | |
Red data list status: | |
Insects associated with this species: | |
Spot characters: | Display spot characters for this species |
Images last updated: | Monday 7 May 2018 |
Literature: |
Cowley, E.J. & Brummitt, R.K. (2001). Tecophilaeaceae Flora Zambesiaca 12(3) Pages 22 - 23. (Includes a picture). |