Basella excavata Elliot

Eriksson, R. (2007). A Synopsis of Basellaceae. Kew Bulletin, 62(2), 297-320. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/20443356

Distribution

Endemic to western and southern Madagascar

Ecology

Found in open areas at low altitudes.

Morphology General Habit

Twining vine

Morphology Leaves

Leaf blades 2.5 - 6.5 x 1 - 3 cm, narrowly ovate, at base attenuate, at apex ± acute

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers sunken into rachis, probably cleistogamous

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens Anthers

Anthers orangish

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Sepals 2 - 3 x c. 1.5 mm, + equalling petals in length, ± erect and enclosing the rest of the flower, ovate to broadly elliptic, ± free from each other, at anthesis pink or reddish

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Petals 2 - 3 x c. 1 mm, ± erect, elliptic, connate c. 1/2 of their length, at anthesis pink or reddish

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Style

Styles 3

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Fruit less than 1.5 mm in diam., tightly enclosed by persistent, thin and dry, probably often eventually disappearing perianth.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescences up to 6 cm long, usually shorter, unbranched, with axis not thickened in fruit

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences Bracteoles

Bracteoles minute, triangular

Morphology Stem

Stem glabrous, or sometimes puberulent when young

Note

Basella excavata is distinguished from the closely related B. leandriana and B. madagascaniensis by its small flowers and fruits. It is incompletely known, like the other Madagascan species of Basella.

Type

Madagascar, Fort Dauphin, May, Scott Elliot 2635 (holotype K, photo GB'). Basella excavata f. pubescens H. Perrier (1950: 6), nom. inval. [ICBN 36.1 ].