About Selago eckloniana Choisy
Stem Hair Characteristics
Selago eckloniana can be distinguished from other closely related Selago species by the short hairs covering its stems, which are often arranged in longitudinal lines.
Leaf Morphology
This species has slender-linear leaves that are concave-channelled along the basal portion of their upper adaxial faces.
Flower and Bract Traits
Its flowers are internally glandular, grow on short pedicels, and are enclosed at their base by lanceolate bracts. For all flowers except the lowest, the bracts are constricted at their base to enclose the base of the pedicel.
Similar Species Confusion
Several related species are easily confused with S. eckloniana.
Distinction from Congeners
However, Selago trichopylla has hairy leaves, while Selago marlothii has wider bracts, leaves that are nearly terete (unifacial), and significantly shorter racemes.
Geographic Distribution Range
This species is restricted to the arid Little Karoo region of the Western Cape, South Africa.
Habitat Preferences
It grows in succulent karoo and renosterveld vegetation, on rocky slopes and hills.
Distribution Extent
Its distribution range stretches from Robertson in the west to Uniondale in the east.
