Oscularia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Oscularia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Oscularia deltoides | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Aizoaceae |
| Subfamily: | Ruschioideae |
| Tribe: | Ruschieae |
| Genus: | Oscularia Schwantes |
| Species[1] | |
|
23 species, see text | |
Oscularia is a genus of succulent flowering plants in the family Aizoaceae, native to semi-arid and rocky habitats in the Western Cape of South Africa.
It was previously included within the related genus Lampranthus, but was split off as a separate genus, due to differences in its fruit and flower.
The most superficially recognisable feature of the genus is the shape of the leaves, which are grey-green and waxy. They are triangular in cross-section (3 angled) and can be sickle, club or mouth shaped. The name "Oscularia" actually means "group of tiny mouths" in Latin, and refers to the appearance of the toothed leaves in some species.[citation needed] The stems are often red, and the leaves can become red too during times of drought.
Abundant, almond-scented, daisy-like white or pink flowers appear throughout the summer.[2][3]
