African Hemp

Sparrmannia africana

"Sparrmannia africana", the African hemp or African linden, is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family Malvaceae, native to open woodland in South Africa and Madagascar. It is one of up to seven species in the genus "Sparrmannia". The genus name is after Anders Sparrman.
African hemp - Sparmannia africana Kruidtuin, Leuven.  Belgium,Geotagged,Sparrmannia africana,Winter

Appearance

Growing to 3–6 m tall by 2–4 m broad, "S. africana" is an evergreen shrub or small tree with large pale green leaves 21 cm long and clusters of white flowers with red and yellow stamens. It is not closely related to the true hemp, cannabis.

"Sparrmannia" species are known for their haptonasty, rapid movements made by the stamens when they are touched. This adaptation helps in more effective pollination.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
DivisionAngiosperms
ClassEudicots
OrderMalvales
FamilyMalvaceae
GenusSparrmannia
SpeciesS. africana
Photographed in
Belgium