| Melhania polygama | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Melhania |
| Species: | M. polygama |
| Binomial name | |
| Melhania polygama I.Verd. | |
Melhania polygama is a plant in the mallow family Malvaceae, native to South Africa.
Description
Melhania polygama grows as a shrub about 35 centimetres (14 in) tall, with numerous stems. The leaves are stellate tomentose and measure up to 9 cm (4 in) long. Inflorescences measure up to 6 cm (2 in) long, are typically one to three-flowered and feature yellow petals. Uniquely within the genus Melhania, the flowers are polygamous.
Distribution and habitat
Melhania polygama is known only from Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park (formerly Umfolozi Game Reserve) in KwaZulu-Natal. Its habitat is on grassy hill slopes.
References
- ^ "Melhania polygama". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 13 May 2019.
- ^ Verdoorn, I. C. (1981). "Revision of Melhania in southern Africa". Bothalia - African Biodiversity and Conservation. 13 (3, 4). Cape Town: AOSIS: 268. doi:10.4102/abc.v13i3/4.1315.
| Taxon identifiers | |
|---|---|
| Melhania polygama | |
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