Polycarpaea basaltica Thulin

M. Thulin et al. Flora of Somalia, Vol. 1-4 [updated 2008] https://plants.jstor.org/collection/FLOS

Type

N2, 6 km W of Ceelayo, 11°16’N, 48°50’E, Thulin, Dahir & Hassan 9019 (UPS holo., FT K iso.).

Morphology General Habit

Perennial herb, forming 10–20 cm high cushions, the base covered by persistent leaf-bases; stems glabrous, brittle

Morphology Leaves

Basal leaves in dense rosettes, spathulate, pale green, blade up to 40 x 17 mm, acute to shortly acuminate at the apex, tapering below into an ill-defined up to 20 mm long petiole; cauline leaves whorled, similar to the basal ones but with shorter petioles; stipules triangular to ovate, acuminate, c. 1.5–2 mm long, scarious with a darker base, entire or toothed

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescences ± capitate, consisting of 2–4 dense spike-like c. 10–15 mm long silvery cymes; peduncles 15–55 mm long; bracts scarious

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Sepals lanceolate, 5–6.5 mm long, medially brownish and with broad scarious margins

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Petals linear-lanceolate, 2.5–3 mm long, slightly lacerate

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens

Stamens 5, c. 2/3 as long as the sepals; anthers c. 0.8 mm long

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Ovary

Ovary c. 2 mm long; style 2.5–3 mm long including linear c. 0.5–0.6 mm long stigma-lobes

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Capsule 3–4 mm long

Morphology Reproductive morphology Seeds

Seeds many, ovoid, c. 0.4 mm long, pale brown.

Distribution

N2, 3 not known elsewhere.

Ecology

Altitude range 10–150 m.

Note

This belongs to a group of species including P. guardafuiensis in Somalia and a number of other species in Socotra, Abd al-Kuri and Oman, but is very distinctive by its large, broad leaves, silvery inflorescences, and large flowers.