Eriospermum zeyheri is a species of geophytic plant of the genus Eriospermum, indigenous to South Africa.

Eriospermum zeyheri
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Nolinoideae
Genus: Eriospermum
Species:
E. zeyheri
Binomial name
Eriospermum zeyheri
R.A. Dyer

Description

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The leaf is a rounded heart-shape (100 mm × 65 mm (3.9 in × 2.6 in)), and is prostrate, held flat against the ground. Several related species, such as Eriospermum capense, Eriospermum breviscapum and Eriospermum pubescens, have a similar heart-shaped leaf. However, the leaf of E.zeyheri is generally a lighter green above, and not a reddish colour below. It is also always pressed flat against the ground.

The irregular-shaped tuber of E.zeyheri is white-ish inside.

The pale, greenish-cream-coloured, fragrant, star-shaped flowers appear on a tall, thin inflorescence in December to March.

Distribution

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This species occurs in renosterveld vegetation, in clay soils, across the southern Cape, South Africa, extending from McGregor as far east as the town of Grahamstown.[1][2]

References

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  1. ^ Perry, P.L. (1994) A Revision of the Genus Eriospermum (Eriospermaceae). Bolus Herbarium, University of Cape Town.
  2. ^ Distribution