Metaplexis
| Metaplexis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Metaplexis japonica | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Subfamily: | Asclepiadoideae |
| Genus: | Metaplexis R.Br. |
Metaplexis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apocynaceae, first described as a genus in 1810. As presently conceived, it contains two known species, both native to eastern Asia.[1][2]
Description
Metaplexis plants are vines that reach 8 m high; are rhizomatous and have underground woody organs that constitute a pattern. Leaf-blades are herbaceous, about 5–10 cm long and 4.6 cm wide, ovate, basally cordate, acute apex attenuated, adaxial glabrous and are abaxially sparsely pubescent.[2]
The inflorescences are extra-axillary, solitary, almost as long as the adjacent leaves. The plants have 6-20 flowers, simple, with the peduncle longer than the pedicels which are practically obsolete and slightly pubescent on the whole surface.[2]
- Species[1]
- Metaplexis hemsleyana Oliv. - China (Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan)
- Metaplexis japonica Makino - widespread across much of China; also Korea, Japan, Russian Far East
- formerly included[1]
- Metaplexis cavaleriei, syn of Marsdenia cavaleriei
- Metaplexis fimbriata, syn of Matelea cumanensis