Didymaotus is a monotypic genus of flowering plant belonging to the family Aizoaceae, containing the single species Didymaotus lapidiformis.[2] The plant is also known by the names stone plant and beeskloutjie (Afrikaans for cow hoof). It occurs natively in the arid regions of Tanqua Karoo, near Ceres in the Western Cape.[3] The generic name is taken from the Greek words didymos, meaning double, and aotus, meaning flower; the plant that bears two flowers.[3] The specific epithet lapidiformis means stone-like, as it is not easily seen, blending in with its surroundings.[3]
Didymaotus | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Caryophyllales |
Family: | Aizoaceae |
Subfamily: | Ruschioideae |
Tribe: | Ruschieae |
Genus: | Didymaotus N.E.Br. |
Species: | D. lapidiformis
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Binomial name | |
Didymaotus lapidiformis (Marloth) N.E.Br.
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Conservation
editDidymaotus lapidiformis is considered vulnerable as a result of its localised and restricted habitat. Succulent collectors have over the years added to the species' further decline.[3]
References
edit- ^ "Threatened Species Programme | SANBI Red List of South African Plants". redlist.sanbi.org. Retrieved 2022-04-11.
- ^ "Didymaotus". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
- ^ a b c d Oliver, Ian. "Didymaotus lapidiformis | PlantZAfrica". PlantZAfrica. Archived from the original on 2022-03-16. Retrieved 2022-03-16.
Further reading
edit- Oliver, I.B. (2005). Grow succulents; Kirstenbosch Gardening Series. SANBI. ISBN 1-919684-46-8
- Stearn, W.T. (1998). Botanical Latin. ISBN 9780881926279