Glossostelma nyikense Goyder

Goyder, D. J., Gilbert, M. G. & Venter, H. J. T. (2020). Apocynaceae (part 2). In: M. A. García (ed.), Flora Zambesiaca, Vol. 7(3). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Type

Malawi, Nyika Plateau, near Chelinda C.D.C. Camp, 28.x.1958, Robson 452 (K holotype, LISC, PRE, SRGH).

Morphology General Habit

Erect herb with 1 or 2 stems 10–20 cm long

Morphology Leaves

Leaves sessile; lamina 2.5–7(8) × 0.2–0.3 cm, linear, apex acute, slightly fleshy, lateral veins obscure

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Umbels with 4–10 flowers

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences Peduncles

Peduncles 1–5 mm long, pubescent on one side; bracts 1–3 mm, filiform

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Pedicel

Pedicels 5–12 mm long, pubescent on one side

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Calyx lobes 2–3 × 1 mm, triangular-ovate, apex attenuate

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Corolla greenish yellow or brown; lobes c.5 × 2 mm, ovate-oblong, apex acute or subacute

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corona

Corona lobes attached to the gynostegium c.1 mm above the base of the corolla, c.2 mm long, ovoid, with no teeth or projections on the inner face, slightly exceeding the top of the column

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Pollinarium

Corpusculum c.0.4 mm long, subcylindrical, brown; translator arms c.0.3 mm long, flattened and contorted distally; pollinia 0.5 × 0.3 mm, broadly oblong and rounded at the base

Morphology Reproductive morphology Seeds

Follicles (very immature) densely rufous pubescent.

Distribution

Zambia, Malawi. Known from just six collections from the Nyika Plateau.

Ecology

Montane grassland; 2000– 2250 m.

Recognition

This species is close to both Glossotelmambisiense Goyder and G. spathulatum, differing principally in its smaller flowers, narrow leaves, and the lack of any teeth or projections on the corona lobe.