Linconia L., 1771

Claßen-Bockhoff, Regine, Oliver, Edward G. H., Hall, Anthony V. & Quint, Marcus, 2019, A new classification of the South African endemic family Bruniaceae based on molecular and morphological data, TAXON 60 (4), pp. 1138-1155 : 1144

1. Linconia L. ,

Mant.Pl.Altera:216.1771; PillansinJ.S.African Bot. 13: 130. 1947

– Type: L. alopecuroidea L.

Growth form: erect undershrubs or rock crevice shrublets, lignotubers present. Leaves: imbricate ( L. alopecuroidea ) or spreading, small and ericoid ( L. cuspidata , L. ericoides ), shortly petiolate, abscising above petiole which remains on the branch; stipules minute; hypostomatic, stomata surrounded by cuticular rim. Flowers: pedicellate, terminal on bracteate short-shoots, arranged in spike- or head-like clusters at top of vegetative branches that continue to grow after flowering, usually with 4 bracts per flower. Petals: bright pink ( L. alopecuroidea , L. ericoides ) or creamy white ( L. cuspidata ), with two ventral thick ridges forming a “V”, i.e., approaching each other, towards base of petal, fused basally in a low median ridge. Scent: lacking. Stamens: included; anthers sagittate (distal ends of thecae clearly diverging and apical ends fused) with pale, sterile tip, blue (white in L. cuspidata ). Pollen: 3-colporate. Ovary: half to two-thirds inferior, 2-locular (rarely 3-locular in L. alopecuroidea ) with 2 ovules per locule. Styles: two, free. Fruit: 1 - or 2-seeded, dry, dehiscent. Habitat: relatively dry rock crevices ( L. cuspidata , L. ericoides ), or in moist fynbos (fine-leaved shrub vegetation) in partial shade of vegetation on southern slopes ( L. alopecuroidea ), at medium altitudes of 500–600 m ( L. alopecuroidea , L. ericoides ), or at high altitudes of 900–1500 m ( L. cuspidata ). Flowering time: September to November. Species: 3 spp.; south-westernregion of Western Cape extending to Heidelberg (Humansdorp vide Pillans, 1947).