Class
Order
Classification
Subordinate Taxa
Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Polygalaceae
Description
Herbs, shrubs, trees, rarely climbers or saprophytes. Lvs usually alternate, rarely opposite or verticillate, simple, exstipulate. Fls ☿, usually in racemes or spikes and terminal, rarely in panicles or solitary. Calyx 4–5-merous; segments usually free, imbricate, the 2 inner segments larger and often petaloid (wings). Petals 3–(5), the outer 2 free or united at base, the upper 2 free or often reduced or 0, the innermost (keel) boat-shaped and often with a terminal beak or fimbriate crest. Stamens usually 8, rarely 3–7, usually monadelphous to beyond the middle, rarely free; staminal tube split above and often adnate to petals; anthers 1–2-locular. Ovary (1)–2–(5)-locular; style simple; ovules 1 per loculus, pendulous. Fr. a dehiscent capsule or a drupe; seed with a conspicuous strophiole.
[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]
Biostatus
Exotic
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Exotic: Fully Naturalised | 5 |
| Total | 5 |
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.
