Keckiella antirrhinoides (Benth.) Straw

Growth Form and Height

Keckiella antirrhinoides is a desert shrub that reaches 0.5 to 2.5 meters in height, and has spreading branches.

Leaf Characteristics

Its oppositely arranged leaves are up to 2 centimeters long, shaped like lances or narrow ovals, and they are deciduous during dry seasons.

Inflorescence Structure

This plant produces branchlike inflorescences that hold snapdragon-like flowers.

Flower Morphology

Each hairy, glandular flower is around 2 centimeters wide.

Flower Lobe Structure

It has three lower lobes that lie flat or curve downward, and two upper lobes that join together to form a curved lip.

Internal Flower Parts

Inside the flower are shiny filamentous stamens that carry anthers, alongside a flat, densely hairy sterile stamen called a staminode.

Flower Coloration

The flowers are light yellow, and dry to a nearly black color.