Rhazya stricta Decne. in Ann. Nat. Sci. Ser. 2.4:80. 1835. DC., l.c. 386; Brandis, For. Fl. 322. 1874; Boiss., l.c.; Hook. f., l.c. 640, Talbot, l.c.; Parker, For. Fl. Punj. Haz. & Delhi 329. 1918; R. R. Stewart, Ann. Cat. Vasc. Pl. W. Pak. & Kashm. 565. 1972.
Vern.: Sihar, Hisawarg.
S. NAZIMUDDIN AND M. QAISER
A stout erect evergreen shrub. Leaves linear-lanceolate, elliptic or oblanceolate, spirally arranged, yellow and thick when dry, sessile, entire, tapering at both ends, 7.5-10 x 1-2 cm, glabrous or puberulous on midrib beneath, lateral nerves obscure, sessile. Inflorescence axillary or terminal, of peducled shortly branched cyme, peduncle c. 2.5 cm long, pubescent. Flowers c. 3.5 mm across, fragrant, white, bract foliaceous, bracteoles subulate-lanceolate, acute, c. 2.5 mm long. Calyx deeply divided, lobes ovate, acute-acuminate, long. Corolla 1-1.6 cm long, dialated above the middle; lobes c. 2.5 mm long, ovate, acute spreading. Disc cup-shaped. Style c. 3 mm long, filiform, stigma shortly bibbed, rounded. Follicles 2, 5-7 x 0.5 cm, straight or slightly curved, pale brown in colour, glabrous, striated. Seeds c. 6 mm long, brown, rugose, shortly winged.
Fl. Per.: December - March.
Type: Yemen. (P).
Distribution: Arabia, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
