Pedistylis Wiens

Flora Zambesiaca. Vol. 9, Part 3. Polygonaceae-Myriaceae. Pope GV, Polhill RM, Martins ES. 2006.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens

Stamens attached near base of the corolla lobes, curving outwards c. 90° or more, becoming reddish; anthers 4-thecous, basifixed Stamens attached near base of the corolla lobes, curving outwards c. 90° or more, becoming reddish; anthers 4-thecous, basifixed.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Style

Style filiform, bending over and reddening with age; stigma broadly ovate

Note

Pedistylis differs from Emelianthe, a monotypic genus of E and NE Africa in which it was formerly included, by the significantly different pollination mechanism, the anthers not attached to the style-tip and the style curving over after anthesis, and the 5-merous corolla; the habit and host-range are also dissimilar.

Distribution

One species in southern Africa.

Morphology General Habit

Large shrubs, perhaps exceeding 2 m, glabrous, older plants forming much enlarged (up to 1 m) haustorial connections, glabrous. Large shrubs, perhaps exceeding 2 m, glabrous, older plants forming much enlarged (up to 1 m) haustorial connections, glabrous

Morphology Leaves

Leaves mostly opposite or subopposite, a few clustered on old nodes, penninerved (but lower nerves more ascending than distal ones). Leaves mostly opposite or subopposite, a few clustered on old nodes, penninerved (but lower nerves more ascending than distal ones)

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers 2(3), clustered or umbellate on a short peduncle, rarely solitary, axillary or often paired on older nodes, shortly pedicellate; bract cup-shaped with only a slight limb. Flowers 2(3), clustered or umbellate on a short peduncle, rarely solitary, axillary or often paired on older nodes, shortly pedicellate; bract cup-shaped with only a slight limb

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Calyx cupular. Calyx cupular

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Corolla joined about halfway, 5-lobed, radially symmetrical, the lobes reflexing. Corolla joined about halfway, 5-lobed, radially symmetrical, the lobes reflexing

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Pistil

Style filiform, bending over and reddening with age; stigma broadly ovate.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Berries red, ellipsoid, with persistent calyx. Berries red, ellipsoid, with persistent calyx.