| Apophyllum | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Capparaceae |
| Genus: | Apophyllum F.Muell. |
| Species: | A. anomalum |
| Binomial name | |
| Apophyllum anomalum F.Muell. |
|
Apophyllum is a monotypic genus, containing only one species, Apophyllum anomalum. It is widespread in semi-arid areas in Australia. The plant is a shrub 3-5m high with leafless, sometimes drooping in older branches. Leaves are linear to lanceolate 5-15mm long. Flowers are unisexual, either bloom in clusters or single, with 3-4 hairy sepals 2-3mm long and 2-5 petals 2-5mm long, greenish white to yellow. Male flowers with 8-6 stamens, as long as the petals. Female flowers with 1-3 stamens, ovary on a gymnophore 2-3mm long. Fruits are globous, purple, 5-8mm in diameter. Seed usually 1. Flowering in spring to early summer.