Muraltia bolusii explained

Muraltia bolusii is a plant species in the milkwort family (Polygalaceae). It is endemic to sandy coastal flatland with altitudes below 500m (1,600feet) in Western Cape, South Africa.[1] [2] [3] It was first described in 1954 by Margaret Levyns in the Journal of South African Botany.[4] The Red List of South African Plants has listed it as endangered since 2007 due to habitat loss caused by nearby urban expansion, crop cultivation, and sand mining, as well as invasive species. Its population is decreasing.[2]

Description

It is a perennial erect or spreading shrublet with a height up to 20cm (10inches).[1] [3] It branches mainly from its base. Its leaves are stalkless and mostly bundled with a pointed tip. Its flowers are pink, stalkless, and 3.3mm4mm long. It flowers between September and January.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Hermanus Botanical Society . Muraltia bolusii . Fernkloof Nature Reserve . July 5, 2020.
  2. Web site: South African National Biodiversity Institute . Muraltia bolusii Levyns . Red List of South African Plants . July 5, 2020.
  3. Web site: Muraltia bolusii Levyns . www.ville-ge.ch . Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques Ville de Geneve . July 5, 2020.
  4. Web site: Harvard University . Royal Botanic Gardens Kew . Australian National Herbarium . Muraltia bolusii . International Plant Names Index . July 5, 2020.