Phyllobotryon spatulatum explained

Phyllobotryon spatulatum is a large shrub or small tree native to tropical West Africa.

Description

The species grows to about 12feet in height. Its leaves are uncommonly large and grow to 40inches long by 7inches wide. It is especially noted for its flowers, which grow in several evenly-spaced clusters along the midrib of the leaves.[1] It is believed that an inflorescence has become fused to the midrib, as in the lindens (Tilia spp). The small red flowers are trimerous, with 3 sepals, 3 petals a pistil with 3 stigmata and about thirty stamens.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Menninger, Edwin A. . Fantastic Trees . New York . The Viking Press . 52, 264 and photo p. 47 .
  2. Web site: Phyllobotryon spathulatum Müll.Arg. . Plants of the World Online. October 7, 2021.