Monopsis
Monopsis | |
---|---|
Monopsis unidentata | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Asterales |
Family: | Campanulaceae |
Subfamily: | Lobelioideae |
Genus: | Monopsis Salisb.[1] |
Monopsis is a genus of small,
Description
Their stems are variously but irregularly branched and in many species are
The leaf placement or
The flowers may be borne in terminal racemes or spikes, but most species bear numerous solitary flowers on pedicels in leaf axils. The pedicels generally twist in such a manner as to present the three-petalled lip uppermost, though in some species such as Monopsis decipiens the two-petalled lip is usually on top. Consistency on this respect is most likely an adaptation to favour preferred pollinators, as it permits them to perform their functions most efficiently, both for the plant and for their own reproductive success. Most species have flowers of either yellow or purple; the colours being vibrant and intense, much like those of many of the Lobelia species. A few have flowers of various intermediate colours such as salmon. Flowers of some species, such as Monopsis decipiens are colourfully patterned. Some species have white flowers.
The
There are five stamens; in some species they are free from the tube of the corolla, but in others they grow from near the base of the tube. The anthers, and in some species the upper parts of the filaments of the stamens, are joined into a ring around the style. The tips of the anthers are bearded with little brushes of white hair.
The ovary is
Distribution
The genus is native to the continent of Africa, all but two of the described species occurring mainly within Southern Africa, and one species being present also on the Comoro Islands. Most are those are endemic to Southern Africa, about half of them being fynbos species.
Taxonomy
Omitting subspecies and other infraspecific variants, the following are the full species list as provided by The Plant list in 2012[3]
- Monopsis acrodon E.Wimm.
- Monopsis alba Phillipson
- Monopsis belliflora E.Wimm.
- Monopsis debilis (L.f.) C.Presl
- Monopsis decipiens (Sond.) Thulin
- Monopsis flava (C.Presl) E.Wimm.
- Monopsis kowynensis E.Wimm.
- Monopsis lutea (L.) Urb.
- Monopsis malvacea E.Wimm.
- Monopsis scabra (Thunb.) Urb.
- Monopsis simplex (L.) E.Wimm.
- Monopsis stellarioides (C.Presl) Urb.
- Monopsis unidentata (Dryand.) E.Wimm.
- Monopsis variifolia (Sims) Urb.
- Monopsis zeyheri (Sond.) Thulin
The taxonomy, nomenclature and infraspecific variation of Monopsis debilis was discussed in Phillipson (1986),[4] and that of Monopsis unidentata was discussed in Phillipson (1989).[5]
Horticulture
Many of the species are desirable as informal plants because of their unobtrusive habit, simple maintenance, and vivid colours. They already were being recommended as garden
In some regions at least, Monopsis species are recognised as desirable in bird-friendly gardens.[7]
References
- ^ ISBN 0 621 02854 1, 1975
- ISBN 9781770077584.
- ^ The Plant List (2010). Version 1. Published on the Internet; http://www.theplantlist.org/ (accessed 8 December 2012)
- ^ Phillipson, P. B. (1986). Taxonomy of Monopsis (Lobeliaceae): M. simplex, M. debilis and a new species. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 93: 329-341.
- ^ Phillipson, P. B. 1989. Taxonomy of Monopsis (Lobeliaceae): M. scabra and M. unidentata. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 99: 255-272.
- ^ Don, George & Miller, Philip. A general system of gardening and botany. Founded upon Miller's Gardener's dictionary, and arranged according to the natural system. Vol 3. Pub: C. J. G. and F. Rivington 1834 May be downloaded from https://archive.org/details/generalsystemofg03dong
- ISBN 978-1868724505