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cycnium

Scientific Name: Cycnium

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cycnium tubulosum

Cycnium tubulosum, also known as Tissue Paper Flower, Ink Plant (Cycnium adonense) or Uhlabahlangane (Cycnium racemosum), is a species within the Cycnium genus.

Considerations for Pets

  • Cycnium racemosum is noted as "uhlaba-hlangane (Z)", suggesting potential traditional uses that may warrant further investigation.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cycnium tubulosum (L. f.) Engl.
  • Family: Orobanchaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae sensu lato)
  • Synonyms: Cycnium tubulosum subsp. montanum (N.E. Br.) O.J. Hansen, Cycnium heuglinii (Hochst. ex Schweinf.) Engl., Cycnium aquaticum Engl., Cycnium hamatum Engl., Cycnium serratum (Klotzsch) Engl.
  • Taxonomic Status: Accepted species

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cycnium species are found from East Africa southwards to South Africa.
  • Specifically mentioned locations include Borrowdale Common in Harare, Zimbabwe, and along Fort Usher road in Matobo, Zimbabwe.
  • Cycnium racemosum is found in the eastern grassland areas of South Africa.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Cycnium tubulosum is described as a glabrous or nearly glabrous herb, branched or simple.
  • It turns dusky in drying, shining, erect or ascending, smooth or slightly verrucose-glandular, and grows to 5-24 inches in height.
  • Leaves can be linear or, more rarely, narrowly ovate, variously and irregularly toothed or lobed, or entire, never regularly toothed.

Ecological Role

  • Cycnium racemosum is a hemiparasitic herb, meaning it depends on other plants for part of its nutritional needs.

Genetic Information

  • Cycnium adonense maturase K (matK) gene, complete cds chloroplast, is 1,790 bp linear DNA (JX091318.1 GI:451769767).
  • Cycnium adonense ribosomal sequences are also available.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Cycnium racemosum, being a hemiparasite, interacts directly with other plants by deriving nutrients from them.
  • Observed growing with Maasai herdsman in Tanzania.

Quirky Facts

  • The common name "Ink Plant" suggests a historical or traditional use related to ink production.

Resources and Further Information

  • The Plant List database.
  • USDA, NRCS PLANTS Database.
  • Biodiversity Explorer - Swaziland National Trust Commission.
  • California Academy of Sciences.