| Synonyms: | |
| Common names: | |
| Frequency: | |
| Status: | Native |
| Description: |
Spiny succulent dwarf shrublet, forming large densely branched clumps up to c. 12.5 cm high.Branches subcylindric or obtusely subquadrangular, 8–10 mm in diameter, tapering below into a stalk-like base; angles shallowly crenulate with rounded tubercles c. 7 mm apart along the margins.Spine shields 2–4 × 2–3 mm, obtriangular, brownish becoming whitish; spines 2–3 mm long or sometimes rudimentary, widely divergent; prickles 1–2 mm long, weak.Leaves c. 1.25 mm long, ovate-attenuate, fleshy, caducous.Cymes solitary, simple; peduncles to 2 mm long; cyme branches to 3 mm long; bracts c. 1.5 mm long, semi-circular to oblong-obtuse.Cyathia to 2 × 4–4.5 mm, with funnel-shaped involucres; glands spreading, transversely elliptic, c. 2 mm wide, ± touching, yellow; lobes 1 × 1 mm, cuneate, irregularly fimbriate.Male flowers: 10–15, far exserted: fascicular bracts broadly 2-lobed, laciniate, fimbriate, 2.5 mm long; stamens 4.5 mm long.Female flower: styles 2.25–3 mm long, united to c. halfway, spreading above, with capitate or shortly bilobed apices.Capsule c. 3.5 × 4.25 mm, obtusely 3-lobed, scarcely exserted.Seeds c. 2 × 1.25–1.5 mm, ovoid, densely verrucose, brown with white, brown and blackish markings. From FZ, Vol 9, Part 5, (2001) Author: S. Carter & L.C. Leach |
| Type location: |
Zambia, Lusaka |
| Notes: | Red data status: EN B1B2C |
| Derivation of specific name: | |
| Habitat: | On limestone pavement in sparse open deciduous woodland |
| Altitude range: (metres) | 1250 m (approx) |
| Flowering time: | |
| Worldwide distribution: | Known only from west of Lusaka |
| FZ divisions: | C |
| Zambian distribution (Provinces): | Lk |
| Growth form(s): | |
| Endemic status: | |
| Red data list status: | Endangered |
| Insects associated with this species: | |
| Spot characters: | Display spot characters for this species |
| Images last updated: | Tuesday 22 August 2017 |
| Literature: |
Carter, S. & Leach, L.C. (2001). Euphorbiaceae: subfamily Euphorbioideae: tribe Euphorbieae Flora Zambesiaca 9(5) Page 432. |