Dasispermum is a small genus of flowering plants in the carrot family, Apiaceae (order Apiales), native to the coastal areas of southern South Africa, with records concentrated in the Cape Provinces and KwaZulu-Natal. The genus was named by Necker ex Rafinesque and published in 1840; the GBIF backbone lists several synonymous genus names that have historically been merged into it, including Heteroptilis, Phymatis, and Sonderina, reflecting a taxonomic history of shifting circumscription within the family.
Species in the genus are short-lived perennials or annuals that grow as low-lying, often sprawling herbs. Their leaves are succulent or semi-succulent, an adaptation to the dry, salty conditions typical of the littoral (coastal) habitats where they occur. GBIF's backbone currently recognizes about nine taxa in the genus, including Dasispermum humile and Dasispermum suffruticosum.
Distribution
Native to the coastal areas of southern South Africa, with distribution records concentrated in the Cape Provinces and KwaZulu-Natal.
Ecology
Species are low-lying, often sprawling short-lived perennial or annual herbs with succulent or semi-succulent leaves, an adaptation to the dry, salty conditions of the littoral (coastal) habitats where they grow.
Taxonomy Notes
Genus authored by Necker ex Rafinesque, published in 1840 (family Apiaceae, order Apiales). The GBIF backbone lists Heteroptilis E.Mey. ex Meisn., Phymatis E.Mey., and Sonderina H.Wolff as synonyms now included within Dasispermum.
