Class
Classification
Subordinate Taxa
Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Amaranthaceae
Synonymy:
- = Chenopodiaceae
Description
Annual or perennial herbs, rarely shrubs, lianes or trees. Lvs alternate or opposite, simple, exstipulate. Fls small, ☿, arranged in spikes, heads or racemes, usually conspicuously bracteate; bracts and bracteoles often scarious. Tepals (corresponding to sepals) (2)–3–5, free or nearly so, imbricate, nearly always scarious. Petals O. Stamens (1)–5, opposite the tepals; filaments united basally; staminodes present or 0. Ovary superior, 1-locular; ovules usually solitary; stigma capitate or 2–3-lobed. Fr. (utricle) indehiscent or with circumscissile dehiscence; pericarp usually dry and membranous, less commonly fr. baccate. Seeds globose, ellipsoid or compressed, smooth or verrucose, endospermic.
[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]
Biostatus
Indigenous (Non-endemic)
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Indigenous (Endemic) | 6 |
| Indigenous (Non-endemic) | 10 |
| Exotic: Fully Naturalised | 31 |
| Exotic: Casual | 6 |
| Total | 53 |
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.
Mabberley, D.J. 2017: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 4. Cambridge University Press.
