A softly tomentose perennial herb or subshrub up to 1.3 m. high.. Stems somewhat succulent, swollen at the base.. Leaves long-petiolate; leaf-blade 5-palmatilobed, maple-like, the median lobe ± ovate, 2–4(–5.5) cm. long, 1–2(–3.5) cm. wide, the laterals progressively smaller, acute or subacute, cordate, glandular-dentate, the glands stipitate, with 4–6 pairs of lateral nerves per lobe; petiole 1.5–8 cm. long.. Stipules multifid, 7 mm. long, the segments filiform, gland-tipped, red, later breaking off to leave an indurated, spine-like base.. Inflorescences terminal, up to 10 cm. long; bracts linear-or subulate-lanceolate, 4–6 mm. long, the margins beset with long-stipitate glands.. Male flowers: calyx-lobes ovate-lanceolate, 2.5 mm. long, 1 mm. wide, acute, the margins beset with stipitate glands, puberulous without, glabrous within; petals free, obtrullate-obovate, 4 mm. long, 1.75 mm. wide, obtuse, glabrous without, pubescent within at the base, reddish green; disc-glands free, erect, flattened, truncate; stamens 8, united for two-thirds their length, 2 mm. long, anthers ovoid, 0.5 mm. long, yellow.. Female flowers: calyx-lobes lanceolate, 6 mm. long, 1.5 mm. wide, acute, the margins beset with stipitate glands, ciliate, tomentose without and within; petals ± as in ♂; disc-glands free, flattened, rounded; ovary trilobed, 1.5 mm. long, 1.5 mm. diameter, glabrous; styles united at the base, 2 mm. long, stigmas capitate, bilobed.. Fruit ellipsoid-oblong, trilobed, 1 cm. long, 8 mm. diameter, green, dehiscing septicidally.. Seeds oblong, 7 mm. long, 4 mm. wide, greyish brown, somewhat shiny, with a fimbriate caruncle 3.5 mm. wide.
Home