Tetragonia spicata

Tetragonia spicata is a Southern African perennial shrub or scrambler.[1]

Tetragonia spicata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Tetragonia
Species:
T. spicata
Binomial name
Tetragonia spicata

Description

The species is highly variable but can be recognised by its leaves which are flat (not folded or revolute) and on clear stalks (petiolate).

The flowers are in groups (rarely solitary) in a leafless terminal inflorescence, born on a herbaceous stem. The fruit is small and has a clear secondary ridge.[2]

This species is frequently confused with Tetragonia arbuscula,[3] but T. spicata is more herbaceous (less woody), with larger leaves, flowers that are not strictly axillary and secondary ridges between the wings of its fruits.[4]

References
  1. SANBI Redlist
  2. Adamson, R.S. 1955. The South African species of Aizoaceae II. Tetragonia. Journal of South African Botany 21:109.
  3. "Threatened Species Programme | SANBI Red List of South African Plants".
  4. Adamson, R.S. 1955. The South African species of Aizoaceae II. Tetragonia. Journal of South African Botany 21:109.


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