Drosanthemum quadratum

Drosanthemum quadratum is a succulent plant in the ice plant family, Aizoaceae, indigenous to the Overberg region of the Western Cape Province, South Africa.

Drosanthemum quadratum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Core eudicots
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Aizoaceae
Genus:
Drosanthemum
Species:
D. quadratum
Binomial name
Drosanthemum quadratum
Klak

Description

A low-growing or decumbent succulent shrub. The yellow-green leaves are slightly triangular in cross-section. They are small (8 x 4mm) and fused at the base (connate).

The young flowers have erect stamens and stamenodes forming a central cone. The petals each have a central line.

There are four lobes around the flower base. The fruit capsule is also 4-locular. It is 8mm wide and crumbles soon after releasing the seeds.

The stalks (pedicels) are brown and darker coloured towards their bases. They are thickest midway along and thinnest near the top. Like many other Drosanthemum species, the pedicel has a layer of cork within it, especially near the base.[1][2][3]

Distribution

This species is endemic to the Western Cape Province, South Africa.

It occurs in quartz-patches, with underlying clay, in rocky renosterveld vegetation between Bredasdorp, Swellendam and Riversdale, in the Overberg region.[4][5]

It is listed as an endangered species.[6]


gollark: It would look nicer if it wasn't invisible.
gollark: This month I got a green invisiprize.
gollark: Er, hypothetical future trade.
gollark: <@204627302850494475> Want some eggs on your trade?
gollark: They're quite in-demand, and that's a word code, so definitely.

References
  1. Vlok, J. and Schutte-Vlok, A.L. (2010). Plants of the Klein Karoo. Umdaus Press, Hatfield.
  2. H.E.K. Hartmann The identity of Drosanthemum micans (Aizoaceae) Bradleya 2011.
  3. Hartmann, H.E.K. (2002). Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Aizoaceae F-Z. Springer Science & Business Media.
  4. Vlok, J. and Schutte-Vlok, A.L. (2010). Plants of the Klein Karoo. Umdaus Press, Hatfield.
  5. Manning, J. (2007). Field Guide to Fynbos. Struik.
  6. Distribution map
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