Original Research

Studies in the genus Machairopliyllum (Mesembryanthemaceae), with notes on some related genera

H. Kurzweil, P. Chesselet
Bothalia | Vol 33, No 1 | a430 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/abc.v33i1.430 | © 2003 H. Kurzweil, P. Chesselet | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 03 September 2003 | Published: 12 September 2003

About the author(s)

H. Kurzweil, Compton Herbarium, National Botanical Institute, South Africa
P. Chesselet, Compton Herbarium, National Botanical Institute

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Abstract

Machairophyllum Schwantes is a small genus of the family Mesembry anthemaceae. confined to the southern part of central South Africa from the Little Karoo at Barrydale in the west to the Zuurberg near Kirkwood in the east. Machairo­phyllum is unusual in the Mesembryanthemaceae-Ruschioideae in that fynbos and renosterveld are the preferred habitats. The morphology, anatomy as well as the pollen, seed and leaf epidermis ultrastructure of the genus were examined. The taxonomy of Machairophyllum is revised on the basis of data presented. Of the ten names originally described, only four are upheld. M. alhidum (L.) Schwantes, M. stayneri L.Bolus. M. bijliae (N.E.Br.) L.Bolus and M. brevifolium L.Bolus. All four species are very similar in their vegetative habit, and differ mainly in inflorescence and flower characters. Several presumably related genera. Bijlia N.E.Br..  Carruanthus (Schwantes) Schwantes and  Cerochlamys N.E.Br.. are briefly discussed.

Keywords

<i>Bijlia</i> N.E.Br., <i>Carruanthus</i> (Schwantes) Schwantes; Cerochlamys N.E.Br.. fynbos. <i>Machairophyllum</i> Schwantes. Mesembryanthe­ maceae; morphology. South Africa; taxonomy; ultrastructure. Western and Eastern Cape

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