8818.000 Mikania Willd.

Climbers (in ours). Leaves opposite, frequently cordate or sagittate at base. Capitula homogamous, discoid, 4-flowered. Involucre cylindric. Phyllaries 4-5 in one series, linear or linear-lanceolate. Receptacle without scales. Corolla-tube cylindric below; lobes 5, short, ovate. Pappus of scabrid bristles.

Comment: The taxonomy of this genus in Africa has long been confusing. The name Mikania cordata has formerly been used for what now are believed to be a number of different taxa. Although we have often been able to find reference for one taxon only under various names in different countries it is possible that more than one taxon may occur. The most recent approach in Flora of Tropical East Africa (Beentje & Ghazanfar, 2005) suggests that at least two species occur in our region, M. chenopodiifolia and S. sagittifera, but others may be present that do not occur in East Africa. Until we have more information available we have placed all records under Mikania sp. in all countries for the time being.

Worldwide: 430 species, occurring in the tropics.

Botswana: 2 taxa.