Glottiphyllum depressum (Haw.) N.E.Br.

Species Distinction Basis

Glottiphyllum depressum (Haw.) N.E.Br. can be distinguished from closely related species by several key characteristics.

Leaf Tip Morphology

Many of its leaves have a hooked shape at their tip; this distinct hook forms because the opposite leaf presses against it when the leaf pair first emerges.

Leaf Bladder Cell Features

The cell walls of the leaf bladder cells are also noticeably wavy.

Flower and Fruit Stalk Traits

Both its flowers and fruits lack long stalks, so they grow held close to the body of the plant.

Seed Capsule Base and Valve Structure

Its seed capsule has a very soft, round, spongy base, and thick valves that form a raised rounded dome more than 3 mm high at the capsule's top.

Seed Capsule Rim Features

The rim surrounding the capsule is low and depressed.

Capsule Stalk Disintegration

The capsule stalks disintegrate quickly, which lets the capsule fall away from the plant.

Seed Dispersal Mechanism

The rounded capsule then rolls, spreading seeds further in a dispersal method called tumble fruit.

Stem and Leaf Arrangement

Like many other species in the Glottiphyllum genus, G. depressum has stems that grow horizontally along the ground, with its green, fleshy leaves arranged in two opposite rows, an arrangement called distichous.

Species Distribution Range

This species is widespread in Western Cape Province, South Africa, where it occurs from the Ceres Karoo, across the Overberg region, and extends eastwards.