Tristemma mauritianum var. mauritianum

Melastomataceae, R. and A. Fernandes. Flora Zambesiaca 4. 1978

Morphology General Habit

A perennial herb up to 2 m. high.

Morphology Branches

Branches 4-angled, sulcate on the faces, hairy, the hairs 2–5 mm. long, patent, reddish yellow, denser and longer at the nodes.

Morphology Leaves

Leaf-lamina up to 12·5 x 6 cm., elliptic or ovate-elliptic, acuminate, the acumen very acute, acute or roundish at the base, entire, membranous, dark green and somewhat densely subappressed-strigose above, yellow-greenish and sparsely strigose beneath, longitudinally 5–7-nerved, the nerves prominent and covered with long and subpatent hairs, the transverse ones arched; petiole 1–3 cm. long, furrowed above, ± densely and patently hairy.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers 4–12, in compact shortly pedunculate heads; outer bracts subfoliaceous, strigose on nerves and apex, the inner ones membranous, obovate, nearly glabrous.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Receptacle

Receptacle c. 8 x 4 mm., with 1–2 usually interrupted rings of bristles at the top.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Sepals c. 8 x 4 mm., triangular, very acute.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Petals c. 15 x 12 mm., obovate, blunt, lilac to blue-violet.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens Anthers

Anthers 5–6·5 mm. long; pedoconnective c. 0·75 mm. long with the anterior basal appendage deeply lobed.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Fructiferous receptacle c. 10 x 7·5 mm.