Family: Nitrariaceae
Peganum harmala
Citation:
L., Sp. Pl. 444 (1753).
Synonymy: Not Applicable Common name: African rue.
Description:
Glabrous perennial, 30-80 cm high; stems rigid, terete below, angled above, much-branched; leaves 2-5 cm long, alternate, 3-sect or divided several times into narrow spreading segments; stipules setaceous.
Flowers solitary or on axillary peduncles longer than the leaves; sepals green, linear, about as long (15 mm) as the white ovate-oblong petals, sometimes toothed near the base.
capsule globose, 7-10 mm long, to 12 mm diam., stipitate, 3-celled, opening loculicidally at the apex.
| Peganum harmala twig and flower.
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Image source: fig 392b in Jessop J.P. & Toelken H.R. (Ed.) 1986. Flora of South Australia (4th edn).
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Distribution:
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S.Aust.: GT, FR, EA, EP, NL, MU, SL, SE. N.S.W.; Vic. Native in steppes and deserts of the Mediterranean region from Spain, northern Africa and Arabia through southern Russia to Tibet.
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Conservation status:
naturalised
Flowering time: Nov. — Feb.
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SA Distribution Map based
on current data relating to
specimens held in the
State Herbarium of South Australia
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Biology:
The seeds contain the alkaloid harmin, yield 'Turkey red', and are used in Turkey as a spice.
Author:
Not yet available
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