Difference in flower morphology between Genus Selago and Agathosma
Genus Selago:
Corolla forming a fused tube. individual petals fused to stigmatic receptacle
Stamens generally shorter with anthers not angled
Genus Agathosma:
Corolla free, not directly fused to receptacle and not forming a tube. Outer and inner corolla whorl with inner whorl adpressed toward stigmatic center and outer whorl interjected between calyx lobes
Stamens generally longer with anthers angled
Comments
But just look at the leaves:
Agathosma is Rutaceae and has glandular, ericoid leaves that always smell of some variation on Citrus-Liquorice. The glands are usually visible in any photos of leaves
Selago is a scroff. - the leaves are seldome ericoid, and often floppy or soft.
I agree Tony, the leaves should be the first thing to look at, failing which the flowers should be probed
Just out of curiosity, are pungent citrus odours characteristic of only the Rutaceae family or do other families have similar scents?
Rutaceae have citrus scents (orange, lemon, etc) with overlays of liquorice, anise, peppermint, garlic and oil-refinery.
Other families have similar scents, but seldom with the same level of citrus. Geraniaceae, Lamiaceae are particularly smelly, with Solanceae and Asteraceae also stinky. I guess probably lots of other families are odoriferous, but none in such a citrussy manner.
Add a Comment