Description: Shrubs.
Leaves clustered on short axillary shoots, pungent-pointed.
Flowers solitary or 2 together in axils of leaves, subtended by a bract and 2 bracteoles. Sepals 5, almost equal with 2 lateral sepals often larger but not wing-like and petaloid. Petals 3; 2 lateral and a keel bearing 2 large petaloid appendages. Stamens usually 7; anthers opening by longitudinal slits. Ovary 2-locular, with 4 horn-like appendages at apex; style curved, truncate.
Fruit a compressed capsule.
Distribution and occurrence: World: 115 species, mostly southern Africa. Australia: 1 species (naturalized).
Text by L. Murray Taxon concept:
One species in NSW: Muraltia heisteria |
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