Citation: R. Br., R. Br., Prod. Fl. Nov. Holl. 463 (1810).

Derivation: Greek sarx, sarkos, flesh; stemma, a crown; alluding to the fleshy crown.

Synonymy: Not Applicable

Common name: Caustic bush, (Tableland) caustic vine, sarcostemma.

Description:
Shrub 1-2 m high or with prostrate stems longer; stems and branches green or grey-green, with minute downy hairs on young parts; leaves decussate, scale-like, deltoid.

Inflorescence umbellate, axillary or terminal, 2-10-flowered; pedicel 4-6 mm long, with minute downy hairs; sepals small, deltoid; corolla pale-green, drying cream, segments ovate, margins recurved; corona double, white, outer saucer-shaped, 4-5 mm long, inner segments saccate.

Follicles 5-14 cm long, 5-10 mm broad, tapering to a long point, outer surface finely veined, sometimes tuberculate, inner surface smooth, shiny, pale-brown; seeds pale-brown, flattened, 6-7 mm long, 3-4 mm broad, coma of silky hairs 2-2.5 cm long.

Published illustration: Cunningham et al. (1982) Plants of western New South Wales, p. 555.

Distribution:  10 species in the tropics and subtropics; 1 in Australia.   W.Aust.; N.T.; Qld; N.S.W.

Biology: No text

Author: Not yet available