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Melhania polygama

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Melhania polygama
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Melhania
Species:
M. polygama
Binomial name
Melhania polygama

Melhania polygama is a plant in the mallow family Malvaceae, native to South Africa.

Description

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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.[2]

Distribution and habitat

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Melhania polygama is known only from Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park (formerly Umfolozi Game Reserve) in KwaZulu-Natal.[1] Its habitat is on grassy hill slopes.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Melhania polygama". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 13 May 2019.
  2. ^ a b 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.