Subordinate Taxa
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Nyctaginaceae
 Description

Herbs, shrubs or trees, sometimes climbing, sometimes spiny. Lvs opposite or subopposite, occasionally alternate, simple, exstipulate, entire. Infl. usually cymose, sometimes appearing paniculate, rarely fls solitary, often surrounded by coloured bracts; fls ☿ or unisexual, actinomorphic. Calyx tubular, often petaloid, (3)–5–(8)-merous; lobes valvate or plicate in bud; basal part persistent; apical part caducous; bracts sometimes involucrate and simulating the calyx. Corolla 0. Stamens 1-many, free, or connate at base, hypogynous, often unequal. Ovary superior, 1-locular; ovule solitary, basal; style 1, slender; stigma simple or variously divided. Fr. an achene, sometimes enclosed by the persistent base of the calyx (an anthocarp), or a nut. Seed with little or copious endosperm.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Number of species in New Zealand within Nyctaginaceae
CategoryNumber
Indigenous (Non-endemic)1
Exotic: Fully Naturalised2
Total3
 Bibliography
Cronquist, A. 1988: The evolution and classification of flowering plants. The New York Botanic Gardens, New York.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.