Otoptera | |
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Flowers of O. burchellii, Namibia | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Fabales |
Family: | Fabaceae |
Subfamily: | Faboideae |
Tribe: | Phaseoleae |
Genus: | Otoptera DC. (1826) |
Species[1] | |
2; see text |
Otoptera is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae. It includes two species native to southern Africa and Madagascar.[1] It belongs to the subfamily Faboideae. The generic name Otoptera is derived from a characteristic spur at the base of each wing petal and is a combination of the greek oto meaning ear and ptera meaning wing.[2] Members of the Otoptera genus can be identified by the spur at the base of the petals and spoon shaped styles with two distinct lips.[2]
The genus contains two species; Otoptera burchellii which is native to areas of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe[3] and Otoptera madagascariensis which is native to parts of Madagascar.[4]