Brassaiopsis simplex

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Brassaiopsis simplex

Description

Shrub, to 5 m high, branches prickly, rufous- tomentose in its younger parts. Leaves large, simple, coriaceous, clustered towards the tips of the branches; Inflorescence a panicle of umbellules; Petals 5, falling as a calyptra. Stamens 2 mm long, anthers oblong. Ovary obconic, c. 2 mm high, disk cushion-like, surmounted by an awl-shaped stylar column 1.5 mm long. Fruit globose, fleshy, c. 5 mm ø, with a persistent calyx rim and a stylar column c. 2 mm long.

Distribution

Asia-Tropical: Malaya (Peninsular Malaysia present), Perak present, Selangor present
Malesia: Malay Peninsula (Perak, Selangor).

Notes

Originally described as a distinct genus because of its supposedly 1-celled ovary. Ridley (1922) did not include this feature in his description. He distinguished Wardenia from Brassaiopsis because of its simple leaves, but several species of Brassaiopsis from further north also have undivided leaves. Both Harms (1900) and Hutchinson (1967) accepted the original statement that the ovary is 1-celled at the time of flowering, but I found the ovary to be 2-celled even in the young state (1970, l.c.).

Citation

Ridl. 1922 – In: Fl. Mal. Pen.: 887
Philipson 1970 – In: J. Linn. Soc. Bot.: 90
Hutch. 1967 – In: Gen. Fl. Pl.: 81
Harms 1900 – In: E. & P., Nat. Pfl. Fam. 2: 51