Class
Classification
Subordinate Taxa
Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Phytolaccaceae
Description
Herbs or shrubs, erect or climbing, rarely softly wooded trees. Lvs alternate, simple, entire, usually exstipulate. Fls usually ☿, rarely unisexual, usually actinomorphic, in terminal, axillary or sometimes lf-opposed racemes or spikes, bracteate and bracteolate. Perianth (calyx) of free or partly united tepals; tepals 4–10, green or coloured, equal or unequal, imbricate, often persistent. Corolla 0. Stamens generally 4–10 and alternate to tepals, or more numerous; filaments free or connate at base, usually inserted on a prominent hypogynous disc. Ovary superior, of 2–16, free or connate carpels, generally with 1 basal ovule to each carpel. Style short or 0; stigmas as many as carpels. Fr. usually a berry-like drupe, rarely an achene, capsule, or a true berry. Seed with annular embryo, with or without an aril, endospermic.
[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]
Biostatus
Exotic
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Exotic: Fully Naturalised | 4 |
| Exotic: Casual | 1 |
| Total | 5 |
Bibliography
Connor, H.E. 1977: The Poisonous Plants in New Zealand. Edition 2. Government Printer, Wellington.
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.
