Sparrmannia africana

African hemp
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Tiliaceae
Genus: Sparrmannia
Species: S. africana
Binomial name
Sparrmannia africana
Flowering in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Sparrmannia africana (African hemp, African linden) is a species of flowering plant in the Tiliaceae family, native to open woodland in Africa, South Africa and Madagascar. It is one of up to seven species in the genus Sparrmannia. The Angiosperm Phylogeny Group places this genus within the Malvaceae family. The genus name is after Anders Sparrman.

Growing to 3–6 m (10–20 ft) tall by 2–4 m (7–13 ft) broad, S. africana is an evergreen shrub or small tree with large pale green leaves 21 cm (8 in) long and clusters of white flowers with red and yellow stamens. It is not closely related to the true hemp, cannabis.[1]

Sparmannia species are known for their haptonasty, rapid movements made by the stamens when they are touched. This adaptation helps in more effective pollination.[2]

With a minimum temperature of 7 °C (45 °F), S. africana is grown as a houseplant in temperate regions. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3]

The spelling Sparmannia is listed as a synonym.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
  2. ↑ Lunau, K. (2000). "The ecology and evolution of visual pollen signals". Plant Systematics and Evolution. 222: 89–111.
  3. ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Sparrmannia africana". Retrieved 4 July 2013.
  4. ↑ "GRIN Taxonomy for plants - Sparmannia". USDA Agricultural Research Service. Retrieved 4 July 2013.
Bibliography
  • Pink, A. (2004). Gardening for the Million. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.


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