Encyclopedia
of Stanford Trees, Shrubs, and Vines
Sparmannia africana. AFRICAN LINDEN. Africa, Madagascar
TILIACEAE (Linden family)
A tall evergreen shrub with tropical appearance and multiple
canes of insubstantial wood that begins flowering by late January. The flowers,
almost 2 inches across, have five white petals around a yellow center. The light
green leaves vary in size up to a hand span across and in shape have a variable
number of lobes, up to seven. The edge has blunt serrations and the base is cordate.
Not noticeably furry to the eye, the leaves nevertheless have a distinctly velvety
feel. The floral center has a trigger mechanism for actively pressing pollen onto
visiting insects. Two specimens are to the right of the steps leading up to Cummings
Art Building from Lasuen Mall.
Illustrations (links open new windows): gallery
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