MYSTERY SHRUB 23rd Feb 2022…SS: 6 images.
I saw this shrub on Isla de la Plata. Ecuador.
Part of Machalilla National Park.
On 4th April 2019…just 6 pics
I have tried since than to id it…with no joy.
Please may I seek the assistance of the world wide experts that help here to id this very distinctive plant.
Appears to be from Lamiaceae like Phlomis?
However, I do not believe it is Lamiaceae.
The leaves of which emerge oppositely, each pair at right angles to the previous one (decussate) or whorled.
Mystery shrub has alternate leaves.
I have worked very hard to try and id this myself. ..but I am not a botanist, just a keen amateur.
I loved those green square stems so interesting
To me the globose /spherical heads of flowers on stalks remind me of a 3 shrubs/trees.
Someone in the world will surely recognise my mystery shrub/tree
I still feel it may be from Lamiaceae.
Appears close to images at Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R.Br., but peduncles are long in your images.
https://keyserver.lucidcentral.leonotis_nepetifolia.htm
Thank you for taking the time to look at my mystery shrub, and for your suggestion.
It was more woody,tree like than a herbaceous plant.
Any idea about the family?
I think it is not a Lamiacean member. Leaf is alternate here.
It is not close to Leonotis.
thank you for looking and reading my comments.
I may be an amateur… but I do have a fair amount of knowledge.
I discounted Lamiaceae /and Leonotis…with my reasons …so frustrating, no one seemed to believe me!
They will believe you …..an Assistant Professor in a Department of Botany
Leaves are not opposite so cannot be Lamiaceae !
Pic 3 seems to have some sort of gland in the axil of the leaves.
Does this lead to any further clues?
I have seen something slightly similar in Aleurites molaccana where 2 glands at the junction of the leaf base and petiole secrete a sweetish sap
https://www.zimbabweflora.co.zw/speciesdata/species.php?species_id=135370
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernicia_montana
But fruits look different and more like those in Uncaria, Mitragyna etc. of Rubiaceae.
Are you sure it is not a climber?
One of my friend says this could be Byttneria. Please check the Malvaceae database for Africa.
this is a new plant to me i will do more research.
I find the fruits of Byttneria to be a little different.
Look closely!