Cynanchum leptolepis (Benth.) Domin

Apocynaceae

Domin, K. (1928) Bibliotheca Botanica 89(6): 1085.

A slender vine not exceeding a stem diameter of 2 cm.

Leaf blades about 4.5-17 x 2.7-12 cm, petioles about 1.5-8 cm long. Lateral veins about 5 on each side of the midrib. About 10 colleters (small finger-like glands) present on the upper surface of the midrib close to its junction with the petiole. All plant parts produce a copious milky exudate. Small stipule-like glands usually present on the twigs between the petiole bases. Axillary buds densely clothed in woolly white hairs.

Inflorescence racemose, up to 10 cm long on a hairy peduncle about 6 cm long. Flowers about 5 mm diam. Sepals about 2-2.5 x 2.5 mm, outer surface hairy. Corolla about 4-6 x 3 mm, lobes about 2 mm long. Stamens fused together to form a structure about 3-3.5 x 3 mm. Each anther ending in a terminal appendage. Pollen aggregated in pollinia. Style head about 1 x 1.5 mm. Gynostegial corona about 4-5 mm high, cup-shaped, upper margin laciniate.

Fruits about 7 x 1.5 cm. Seeds numerous, elliptic, about 8 mm long, plumes about 35 mm long. Embryo about 4.5-5 mm long, cotyledons slightly longer and much wider than the radicle.

Features not available.

Endemic to Australia, occurs in NT, CYP, NEQ and CEQ. Altitudinal range from near sea level to 400 m. Grows in open forest and vine thicket often associated with limestone.

Vincetoxicum leptolepis Benth., Flora Australiensis 4: 331(1868), Type: Queensland, Elliott River, E. Bowman 337; lecto: K; iso: BRI, MEL. Fide P. I. Forster, Austrobaileya 3: 456 (1991).