Triaspis hypericoides subsp. nelsonii (Oliv.) Immelman

Malpighiaceae, E. Launert. Flora Zambesiaca 2:1. 1963

Morphology General Habit

Erect to suberect, scandent or straggling shrub, up to 1 m. high.

Morphology General Indumentum

Younger stems and inflorescences densely sericeous to villous, older ones canescent or glabrescent.

Morphology Leaves

Leaves sessile or shortly petiolate; lamina 1·5–3·5 (5) × 1–2 (3·4) cm., ovate or oblong-ovate, apex subacute to acute and usually finely apiculate, base obliquely rotundate or subcordate, subcoriaceous, pale green or glaucous, ± densely appressed-pilose on both surfaces when young, later villous-canescent or glabrescent, but usually only the midrib beneath remaining sericeous or pubescent, usually with 2–4 small glands underneath near the base; petiole 1–2 (4) mm. long, stout, densely hairy.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers 1·5 mm. long, ovate.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Sepals 3–4 mm. long, ovate-elliptic, sub-glabrous.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Petals 8–10 mm. long, obovate, ± spathulate, mauve, pinkish or purplish-blue, fimbriate, shortly unguiculate.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens

Stamens with anthers 1·5–2 mm. long, oblong-elliptic; filaments glabrous, somewhat curved.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Pistil

Ovary densely sericeous; styles about 6 mm. long, glabrous.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Samara with the lateral wing 2·5–4 cm. in diam., circular, slightly retuse at the apex; dorsal wing ± developed or much reduced, up to 2·5 × 0·8 cm., obliquely lanceolate.