Melhania didyma
Scientific classification Edit this 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]
  • Melhania macrophylla (Vis.) Vis.
  • Vialia macrophylla Vis.

Melhania didyma is a plant in the mallow family Malvaceae, native to southern Africa.

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 Eswatini.[1] Its habitat includes thornveld, grassy slopes or forest margins. The species is often found by rivers.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Melhania didyma". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 28 April 2019.
  2. 1 2 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.


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