Stylochaeton oligocarpus (Araceae)
Rhizome tuberous, densely covered by fibres from old leaves. LEAVES : petiole 23-27 cm long; sheath 8-9 cm with broad, patent auricles; blade hastate-sagittate truncate at base, central part 14-20 x 1.5-2 cm, linear, gradually tapering towards sharplypointed apex, lateral (basal) lobes horizontally spreading, linear-lanceolate, 7-12 x 0.8-1.7 cm. INFLORESCENCE: Peduncle about 1.5 cm long, profoundly furrowed, thickened towards spathe. Spathe, spadix and flowers not known. Female inflorescence 2-flowered. INFRUCTESCENCE: Berries subterranean, whitish, shortly before maturity, 2.3 x 1.1-1.2 cm in compressed state.
Though the male inflorescence and flowers are not known, the vegetative characters are so remarkable that the species can easily be recognised and is quite distinct also from species outside the Flora area. Lateral lobes of leaves 7-12 cm long, horizontally spreading.
Ethiopia (Ogaden)
Growing in deep shade, dense Acacia bushland on sandy soil.