Oncocalyx quinquenervius is a parasitic plant species in the family Loranthaceae native to South Africa.[1] It is also known as banded matchflower.
Oncocalyx quinquenervius | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Santalales |
Family: | Loranthaceae |
Genus: | Oncocalyx |
Species: | O. quinquenervius
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Binomial name | |
Oncocalyx quinquenervius (Hochst.) Wiens & Polhill
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Description edit
Oncocalyx quinquenervius is a hemiparasite.[2]
Morphology edit
The flowers are tubular, splitting down one side and have red to pink and white bands. Mainly flowering from June to September (in the southern hemisphere). The leaves are green, succulent and simple in shape, elliptic with margin entire. Usually 5 veined from the leaf base. It grows to a height of 50 cm to 100 cm. The fruit is a red berry about 10mm in diameter.
Taxonomy edit
This species was previously placed in the genus Tieghemia.[3]
Distribution and habitat edit
Oncocalyx quinquenervius is endemic to the Eastern Cape and KwaZuluNatal in South Africa.[2]
Ecology edit
A stem parasite on trees.
Conservation edit
The plant is listed as Least Concern in the SANBI Redlist.[4]
References edit
- ^ "Plants of Southern Africa". Plants of Southern Africa. SANBI.
- ^ a b "African Plant Database". African Plant Database.
- ^ "Plants of Southern Africa". Plants of Southern Africa. SANBI.
- ^ "Threatened Species Program". Red List of South African Plants.