Thunbergia reniformis Vollesen

Acanthaceae (part 1), Kaj Vollesen, Flora of Tropical East Africa, 2008

Morphology General Habit

Perennial herb with several trailing stems from thick woody rootstock; stems becoming sub-woody at base, to 50 cm long, whitish pubescent to tomentose with curly hairs.

Morphology Leaves

Leaves with petiole not winged, 0.5–2.5 cm long, indumentum as stems; lamina triangular-cordiform to reniform, largest 1.5–4 × 1.8–3.5 cm, apex acute to broadly rounded, base cordate, with or without subhastate lobes, margin coarsely dentate; tomentose below, pubescent to tomentose (rarely pilose) above.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers axillary, solitary; pedicels 3.5–7 cm long, indumentum as stems; bracteoles ovate to oblong, 1.6–3 × 0.8–1.3 cm, acute or subacute, cordate and distinctly 4-angular at base, pubescent to tomentose or pilose.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Calyx puberulous and with stalked capitate glands, rim 1–2 mm high, segments linear, 4–6 mm long.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Corolla bright orange with deep purple throat; cylindric tube 2–3 mm long; throat sharply curved, broadly campanulate, 1.7–2.8 cm long and 0.7–1.3 cm in diameter apically; lobes 1–2 × 1–2.2 cm.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens Filaments

Filaments ± 6 and 7 mm long; anthers 5–6 mm long, indistinctly apiculate, densely bearded at base and about half way up one side; spurs ± 2 mm long.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Capsule densely puberulous, 8–10 mm in diameter, beak 12–18 mm long, parallel-sided, not narrowed at base.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Seeds

Seed not seen.

Distribution

Range: Not known elsewhere Range: Kenya. Range: Not known elsewhere Flora districts: K4 K6

Ecology

Grassland, often on stony soil, roadsides, gravel pits; 1800–2400 m

Note

However, it occurs in an area of Kenya where T. gibsonii has never been recorded, and in the part of Kenya where both T. gibsonii and T. alata occur hybrids have never been seen. It has been suggested that this species might be a hybrid between T. gibsonii and T. alata. The broad leaves, indumentum of thin curly hairs and short cylindric corolla tube distinguish it from both these species.