Myrianthus holstii

Discussion in 'Plants: Nomenclature and Taxonomy' started by Jim Tassano, Apr 9, 2017.

  1. Jim Tassano

    Jim Tassano New Member

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    I need help with the this African plant, the fruit of which is consumed by chimps and gorillas:

    Some sources place it in the family Urticaceae:
    Flora of Zimbabwe: Species information: Myrianthus holstii
    Myrianthus - Myrianthus holstii - Overview - Encyclopedia of Life
    Myrianthus – Wikipedia

    Others place it (or a similar species) in the family Moraceae:
    ongo_myrianthus_asrboreus
    http://www.worldagroforestry.org/usefultrees/pdflib/Myrianthus_holstii_TZA.pdf
    African Plants - A Photo Guide - Myrianthus holstii Engl.

    It looks like a mulberry more than a nettle.
    Which family does it really belong to?
     
  2. Silver surfer

    Silver surfer Generous Contributor 10 Years

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  3. Jim Tassano

    Jim Tassano New Member

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    I saw that family too. but sort of ignored it, to my detriment, I now see. This quote from Wikipedia helps:
    "Engler (1964) placed Cecropia in Urtitcales and Moraceae (concephaleideae) because of its woody bark.[4] Later based on the floral characters, most notably the basal ovule and gynoecium which appears to be formed from a single carpel, Thorne (1976) moved it to Malvanae- Urticales, family Urticaceae.[5] Berg (1978) however, placed it in its own family Cercropiaceae. When phylogenetic data became available, Cecropia was then moved back into Urticaceae.[6]" Cecropia - Wikipedia
     

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