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Cycnium tubulosum

Scientific Name: Cycnium tubulosum

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cycnium tubulosum

Cycnium tubulosum, sometimes referred to as the Tissue Paper Plant or Vlei Ink-flower, is a fascinating hemiparasitic plant found in Africa.

Considerations for Pets

  • As a hemiparasitic plant, Cycnium tubulosum grows on the roots of grasses.
  • When damaged, the flowers are noted to turn a purple-black color ("Ink Flower").

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cycnium tubulosum (L.f.) Engl.
  • Family: Orobanchaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Order: Scrophulariales
  • Synonyms:
    • Cycnium aquaticum Engl.
    • Cycnium hamatum Engl. & Gilg
    • Cycnium heuglinii (Hochst. ex Schweinf.) Engl.
    • Cycnium serratum (Klotzsch) Engl.
    • Cycnium questieauxianum De Wild.
    • Rhamphicarpa tubulosa
  • Subspecies:
    • Cycnium tubulosum subsp. montanum (N.E. Br.) O. J. Hansen
    • Cycnium tubulosum subsp. tubulosum

Distribution and Habitat

  • This species is native to tropical and southern Africa.
  • It has been observed in locations such as Borrowdale Common, Harare, and along Fort Usher road, Matobo.
  • Specific collection locations include Kasanka National Park in the Serenje District, Central Province, Zambia, and Angola.

Ecological Role

  • Cycnium tubulosum is a hemiparasitic plant, meaning it obtains some of its nutrients by attaching to the roots of other plants, particularly grasses.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is described as a glabrous or nearly glabrous herb, branched or simple.
  • The plant turns dusky when drying and has a shining appearance.
  • It grows erect or ascending, with a smooth or slightly verrucose-glandular texture.
  • The plant can reach a height of 5 to 24 inches (approximately 12 to 61 cm).
  • Described as a hemiparasitic shrublet about 20cm tall.

Quirky Facts

  • Cycnium tubulosum is referred to as an "Ink Flower" because its flowers turn purple-black when damaged.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • It is a partial parasitic plant on the roots of grasses.
  • The plant description notes short and long anther filaments, and different anther lengths.

Further Information

  • Information can be found at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (K).
  • Tropicos database.
  • Herbarium of the Botanic Garden Meise.
  • California Academy of Sciences Photo Database.