Studies in the genus Machairophyllum (Mesenbryanthemacae), with notes on some related genera

Machairvphllum Schwantes is a small genus of the family Mesembry anthemaceae. confined to the southern part of central South Africa from the Little Karoo at Barrydale in the west to the Zuurberg near Kirkwood in the east. Machairophyllum is unusual in the Mesembryanthemaceae-Ruschioideae in that fynbos and renosterveld are the preferred habitats. The morphology, anatomy as well as the pollen, seed and leaf epidermis ultrastructure of the genus were examined. The taxonomy of Machairophyllum is rev ised on the basis of data presented. Of the ten names originally described, only four are upheld. M. alhidum (L.) Schwantes, M. stayneri L.Bolus. M. bijliae (N.E.Br.) L.Bolus and M. brevifolium L.Bolus. All four species are very similar in their vegetative habit, and differ mainly in inflorescence and flower characters. Several presumably related genera. Bijlia N.E.Br.. Carruanthus (Schwantes) Schwantes and Cerochlamys N.E.Br.. are briefly discussed.