Synonyms: |
Thunbergia swynnertonii S. Moore |
Common names: | |
Frequency: | |
Status: | Native |
Description: |
Erect or semi-prostrate perennial. Stems several, up to 1 m long, 4-angled, arising from a creeping rootstock. Leaves: petiole 2-11 cm long; lamina ovate, rarely oblong-lanceolate, up to 8-16 × 4-11 cm, glossy, palmately veined, glabrous to densely puberulous and sometimes with longer setose hairs; base cordate with hastate lobes; margin crenate to coarsely toothed with up to 7 teeth on each side. Flowers solitary or in racemes arising from lower axils. Bracteoles 0.9-2.5 cm, pale green with conspicuous dark green reticulation. Calyx 1-3 mm long. Corolla white (rarely pale blue); throat yellow; tube 2-3.5 cm long. Capsule 7-10 mm wide; beak 10-18 mm long. |
Type location: |
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Notes: | Formerly included as a form of Thunbergia petersiana but now separated on the basis of the white flowers, the shorter corolla tube and the different habitat and altitude range. |
Derivation of specific name: | usambarica: after the Usambara mountains in Tanzania where the type specimen, Holst 215, was collected in 1891. |
Habitat: | In montane forest, in clearings and at the margins, at higher altitudes (above 1100 m) |
Altitude range: (metres) | Above 1100 m |
Flowering time: | |
Worldwide distribution: | From Congo, Burundi southwards through East Africa to Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. |
FZ divisions: | N,T,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: | Wednesday 1 June 2022 |
Literature: |
Da Silva, M.C., Izidine, S. & Amude, A.B. (2004). A preliminary checklist of the vascular plants of Mozambique. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 30 Sabonet, Pretoria Page 20. As Thunbergia swynnertonii Ntore, S. & al. (2024). Checklist of the vascular plants of Burundi Page 43. Vollesen, K. (2013). Acanthaceae (Part 1) Flora Zambesiaca 8(5) Pages 36 - 37. |