Subordinate Taxa
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Melianthus L., Sp. Pl. 639 (1753)
 Description

Subshrubs or shrubs, often unpleasantly scented. Lvs imparipinnate, with rachis often winged; leaflets opposite, asymmetric, toothed. Racemes axillary or terminal, sometimes very short and few-flowered; fls usually conspicuous. Calyx 5-lobed, very unequal. Petals with spathulate limb. Disc large, variously adnate to sepals. Stamens 4, didynamous; filaments orange-red, free. Ovary 4-celled, lobed; ovules 2–4 in each loculus; style persistent. Capsule papery to woody, 4-lobed or 4-winged. Seeds black, shiny.

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

 Biostatus
Exotic
Number of species in New Zealand within Melianthus L.
CategoryNumber
Exotic: Fully Naturalised1
Total1
 Bibliography
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.