The genus Trichodesma (Boraginaceae: Boraginoideae) in southern Africa

Abstract

Trichodesma R.Br. is a genus of about 45 species known from tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. Asia and Australia. The group comprises predominantly perennial herbs, the flowers characterized by anthers with prolonged connectives, often twisting above the thecae. and a prominent accrescent calyx. Five species and three subspecies of 7rii hodesma are currently recognized in southern Africa, with  T. angustifolium Harv. subsp. argenteum Relief & A.E.van Wyk newly described. These taxa are widespread in southern Africa, occurring in various vegetation types. A key to the species, descriptions, distribution maps and illustrations of various micro- and macromorphological as well as palvnological features are provided.