Jepson eFlora Family Key to Group 19

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Citation for the whole project: Jepson Flora Project (eds.) . Jepson eFlora, https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/ [accessed on ]

Group 19: Perianth in 2 whorls; petals 4 or more, all fused, corolla radial; pistil 1, ovary superior

1. Stamens > in number than corolla 

lobes 

1. A major expansion or bulge, such as on the margin of a leaf, sepal, or petal, or on the surface of an ovary. 2. The free tips of otherwise fused structures, such as sepals or petals; larger than teeth.

2. Filaments fused proximally, forming a cup or tube

3. Leaves compound

4. Shrub or tree; leaves 2-pinnate; fruit a legume; stamens many, much more conspicuous than corolla ..... FABACEAE (Mimosoideae)

4' Herb; leaves 

palmate 

More than two structures or parts (e.g., veins, lobes, or leaflets) radiating from a common point in two dimensions (i.e., in one plane).

with 3 leaflets; fruit a capsule; stamens 10, less conspicuous than corolla ..... OXALIDACEAE {G20}

3' Leaves 

simple 

Composed of a single part; undivided; unbranched.

5. Stamens many; filaments strongly fused, forming tube around pistil; anthers crescent-shaped, chamber 1; style 1, distally branched or styles 5–many, stigmas 

linear 

Elongate, with nearly parallel sides; narrower than elliptic or oblong.

to head-like — petals generally free from each other but fused to and falling with filament tube ..... MALVACEAE {G8,20,22}

5' Stamens 10(16); filaments fused at base; anthers 

oblong 

Longer than wide, with nearly parallel sides; wider than linear.

, 2-chambered; style 1, stigma dot-like or minutely lobed ..... STYRACACEAE {G17}

2' Filaments free

6. Flower parts in 6s; fruit a triangular 

achene 

Dry, indehiscent, 1-seeded fruit from a 1-chambered ovary, sometimes winged, often appearing to be a naked seed. A 1-seeded dry fruit derived from an inferior ovary of > 1 carpel (e.g., Asteraceae, Dipsacaceae) is sometimes called a cypsela.

— 6-parted perianth easily mistaken for corolla, especially in plants with 1–few-flowered, calyx-like 

involucre 

Group of bracts more or less held together as a unit, subtending a flower, fruit (acorn cup), or inflorescence.

..... POLYGONACEAE (3) {G2,6,8,15,16}

6' Flower parts in 4s or 5s; fruit a capsule, berry, drupe, or cluster of 

follicles 

Dry fruit from a simple pistil, dehiscent on only one side, along a single suture. A single flower may develop into a simple fruit of 1 follicle or an aggregate fruit of several follicles.

7. Plant fleshy

8. Plant photosynthetic; leaves well developed, green; carpels fused only at base, styles 5 ..... CRASSULACEAE {G10}

8' Plant non-photosynthetic; leaves scale-like, white to cream or red; carpels wholly fused, style 1 ..... ERICACEAE (2) {G17,18,24}

7' Plant not fleshy

9. Stem spineless; corolla 

urn-shaped 

Widening more or less abruptly at the base and then gradually or abruptly narrowed toward the tip.

to 

rotate 

Wheel-shaped, spreading, or saucer-shaped; often applied to a fused corolla with a short or nonexistent tube and a spreading limb.

or widely 

funnel-shaped 

Widening from the base more or less gradually through the throat into an ascending, spreading, or recurved limb; often applied to a fused calyx or corolla.

, variously colored ..... ERICACEAE (2) {G17,18,24}

9' Stem bearing a stout, petiolar spine at each 

node 

Position on a stem from which one or more structures (especially leaves, buds, branches, or flowers) arise.

; corolla tubular, bright red ..... FOUQUIERIACEAE

1' Stamens = in number to corolla 

lobes 

1. A major expansion or bulge, such as on the margin of a leaf, sepal, or petal, or on the surface of an ovary. 2. The free tips of otherwise fused structures, such as sepals or petals; larger than teeth.

or fewer

10. Fertile stamens fewer than corolla 

lobes 

1. A major expansion or bulge, such as on the margin of a leaf, sepal, or petal, or on the surface of an ovary. 2. The free tips of otherwise fused structures, such as sepals or petals; larger than teeth.

— 1 or more sterile stamens sometimes present

11. Perianth parts in 6s; stigmas and style branches 3 — 6-parted perianth easily mistaken for corolla in plant with 1-flowered, calyx-like 

involucre 

Group of bracts more or less held together as a unit, subtending a flower, fruit (acorn cup), or inflorescence.

..... POLYGONACEAE (3) {G2,6,8,15,16}

11' Perianth parts in 4s or 5s; stigmas 1 or 2, style unbranched or branches 2

12. Ovary deeply 4-lobed; style attachment surrounded by 

lobes 

1. A major expansion or bulge, such as on the margin of a leaf, sepal, or petal, or on the surface of an ovary. 2. The free tips of otherwise fused structures, such as sepals or petals; larger than teeth.

of ovary [style readily detaches as corolla falls] — fruit 4 nutlets ..... LAMIACEAE (2) {G8,18}

12' Ovary 

entire 

Having margins that are continuous and smooth (i.e., without teeth, lobes, etc.).

or ± shallowly lobed; style arising from tip of ovary

13. Ovules several to many per ovary chamber

14. Leaves all 

basal 

At or near the base of a plant or plant part. Especially said of leaves clustered near the ground or of a placenta confined to the base of an ovary.

; inflorescence 

scapose 

Pertaining to a plant or an inflorescence in which a relatively long peduncle (scape) arises, sometimes with leaf- or scale-like bracts but without true foliage leaves, from a rosette or other arrangement of leaves at ground level.

, flowers solitary — leaves 

linear 

Elongate, with nearly parallel sides; narrower than elliptic or oblong.

or awl-shaped to spoon-shaped or 

ovate 

Egg-shaped (i.e., widest below the middle) in two dimensions (i.e., in one plane), as a leaf.

, 

entire 

Having margins that are continuous and smooth (i.e., without teeth, lobes, etc.).

..... SCROPHULARIACEAE (Limosella) {G2,18}

14' Leaves 

basal 

At or near the base of a plant or plant part. Especially said of leaves clustered near the ground or of a placenta confined to the base of an ovary.

and cauline or all cauline; inflorescence not 

scapose 

Pertaining to a plant or an inflorescence in which a relatively long peduncle (scape) arises, sometimes with leaf- or scale-like bracts but without true foliage leaves, from a rosette or other arrangement of leaves at ground level.

, flowers 1–many

15. Stigma 

lobes 

1. A major expansion or bulge, such as on the margin of a leaf, sepal, or petal, or on the surface of an ovary. 2. The free tips of otherwise fused structures, such as sepals or petals; larger than teeth.

flat, disk-like, moving together when touched ..... PHRYMACEAE {G2,18}

15' Stigma dot-like or head-like, unlobed, or 

lobes 

1. A major expansion or bulge, such as on the margin of a leaf, sepal, or petal, or on the surface of an ovary. 2. The free tips of otherwise fused structures, such as sepals or petals; larger than teeth.

not moving together when touched ..... PLANTAGINACEAE {G5,18}

13' Ovules 1–4 per ovary chamber

16. Corolla-like calyx constricted above ovary, base persistent around ovary, becoming hardened or winged at maturity; stigma, ovary chamber, and ovule 1; fruit an 

achene 

Dry, indehiscent, 1-seeded fruit from a 1-chambered ovary, sometimes winged, often appearing to be a naked seed. A 1-seeded dry fruit derived from an inferior ovary of > 1 carpel (e.g., Asteraceae, Dipsacaceae) is sometimes called a cypsela.

— corolla-like calyx easily mistaken for corolla, especially in plant with 1-flowered, calyx-like 

involucre 

Group of bracts more or less held together as a unit, subtending a flower, fruit (acorn cup), or inflorescence.

..... NYCTAGINACEAE (2) {G5,14,15,17}

16' True corolla present, not constricted above ovary, base not persistent as hardened or winged structure around ovary; stigmas, ovary chambers, and ovules > 1; fruit various

17. Stamens 2 ..... OLEACEAE

17' Stamens 4

18. Leaves gland-dotted; shrub or small tree ..... SCROPHULARIACEAE (Myoporum)

18' Leaves not gland-dotted though sometimes glandular-hairy ..... VERBENACEAE {G18}

10' Fertile stamens = in number to corolla 

lobes 

1. A major expansion or bulge, such as on the margin of a leaf, sepal, or petal, or on the surface of an ovary. 2. The free tips of otherwise fused structures, such as sepals or petals; larger than teeth.

19. Plants entirely non-green, parasitic

20. Plant an 

erect 

Upright; vertically oriented.

or mound-shaped, fleshy root-parasite with many crowded, scale-like leaves; corollas pink or pale lavender to deep purple ..... LENNOACEAE

20' Plant a thread-like, leafless, yellow to orange, twining vine that wraps around stems and leaves of host plant; corollas white ..... CONVOLVULACEAE (Cuscuta)

19' Plants green and photosynthetic

21. Ovaries 2, ± pressed together in flower but not fused, carpels distally united by a shared style or by a complex stigmatic structure; fruit of 1–2 

follicles 

Dry fruit from a simple pistil, dehiscent on only one side, along a single suture. A single flower may develop into a simple fruit of 1 follicle or an aggregate fruit of several follicles.

; milky latex generally present ..... APOCYNACEAE {G10}

21' Ovary 1, sometimes deeply lobed; fruits various; milky latex 0

22. Leaves 

whorled 

Arranged in groups of three or more at nodes or positions along an axis (e.g., three leaves per node).

23. Shrub — leaves evergreen, leathery; corolla throat with 

fringed 

Having ragged or finely cut margins.

appendages ..... APOCYNACEAE (Nerium)

23' Herb

24. Perennial herb, sometimes dying after flower; perianth parts in 4s; fruit a capsule ..... GENTIANACEAE (Frasera)

24' Annual; perianth parts in 6s; fruit an 

achene 

Dry, indehiscent, 1-seeded fruit from a 1-chambered ovary, sometimes winged, often appearing to be a naked seed. A 1-seeded dry fruit derived from an inferior ovary of > 1 carpel (e.g., Asteraceae, Dipsacaceae) is sometimes called a cypsela.

— 6-parted perianth easily mistaken for corolla, 

involucre 

Group of bracts more or less held together as a unit, subtending a flower, fruit (acorn cup), or inflorescence.

1-flowered, calyx-like ..... POLYGONACEAE (Chorizanthe)

22' Leaves 

alternate 

1. Arranged singly, often spirally, along an axis - e.g., one leaf per node. 2. Occurring in different ranks, appearing to be between, not directly above or below, as 'stamens alternate petals'.

, 

opposite 

1. Arranged in pairs along an axis - e.g., two leaves per node. 2. Occurring in the same rank, directly above or below, as 'stamens opposite petals'. 3. Located directly across from.

, and/or  

basal 

At or near the base of a plant or plant part. Especially said of leaves clustered near the ground or of a placenta confined to the base of an ovary.

25. Corolla dry, scarious, 4-lobed; inflorescence a dense 

spike 

1. In flowering plants excluding Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and some other groups, an unbranched inflorescence in which the flowers are sessile and nearly always open from the bottom to the top of the inflorescence. 2. In Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and some other groups, a spike-like inflorescence is one in which the inflorescence units (e.g., heads in Asteraceae; spikelets in Cyperaceae and Poaceae), instead of individual flowers, are sessile and attached directly to the main axis of the inflorescence, not to branches, and in which floral development may or may not proceed as in 1.

(rarely flower only 1); leaves generally all 

basal 

At or near the base of a plant or plant part. Especially said of leaves clustered near the ground or of a placenta confined to the base of an ovary.

(opposite, appearing clustered at 

nodes 

Position on a stem from which one or more structures (especially leaves, buds, branches, or flowers) arise.

in Plantago arenaria) ..... PLANTAGINACEAE (Plantago) (G5,8,18)

25' Corolla with normal, petal-like texture, 4–7-lobed; inflorescence various or flowers solitary; leaves 

basal 

At or near the base of a plant or plant part. Especially said of leaves clustered near the ground or of a placenta confined to the base of an ovary.

and/or cauline

26. Ovary deeply 2–4-lobed, especially in fruit; style attachment surrounded by 

lobes 

1. A major expansion or bulge, such as on the margin of a leaf, sepal, or petal, or on the surface of an ovary. 2. The free tips of otherwise fused structures, such as sepals or petals; larger than teeth.

of ovary (style readily detaches in Lamiaceae as corolla falls); fruit generally breaking apart into 1-seeded nutlets or segments (sometimes only 1–3 nutlets maturing)

27. Ovary 2-lobed; leaves 

reniform 

Kidney-shaped; often pertaining to a leaf in which the blade base on both sides of the petiole is rounded and concave.

; 

petioles 

Leaf stalk, connecting leaf blade to stem; sometimes more or less indistinct.

> blades; stems matted, rooting at 

nodes 

Position on a stem from which one or more structures (especially leaves, buds, branches, or flowers) arise.

; flowers solitary, ± concealed by leaves ..... CONVOLVULACEAE (Dichondra) {G10}

27' Ovary 4-lobed; leaves variously shaped but not 

reniform 

Kidney-shaped; often pertaining to a leaf in which the blade base on both sides of the petiole is rounded and concave.

; 

petioles 

Leaf stalk, connecting leaf blade to stem; sometimes more or less indistinct.

0 or < blades; stems mostly not matted, generally not rooting at 

nodes 

Position on a stem from which one or more structures (especially leaves, buds, branches, or flowers) arise.

; flowers in clusters or 1-sided units, generally not solitary, not concealed by leaves

28. Stem ± round in ×-section; leaves generally 

alternate 

1. Arranged singly, often spirally, along an axis - e.g., one leaf per node. 2. Occurring in different ranks, appearing to be between, not directly above or below, as 'stamens alternate petals'.

 distally or leaves of a pair unequal; herbage not aromatic; inflorescence or branches of inflorescence generally ± coiled or 1-sided when young, unrolling during development ..... BORAGINACEAE {G18}

28' Stem 4-angled; leaves 

opposite 

1. Arranged in pairs along an axis - e.g., two leaves per node. 2. Occurring in the same rank, directly above or below, as 'stamens opposite petals'. 3. Located directly across from.

throughout; herbage generally strongly aromatic; inflorescence not coiled ..... LAMIACEAE (2) {G8,18}

26' Ovary 

entire 

Having margins that are continuous and smooth (i.e., without teeth, lobes, etc.).

or shallowly lobed; style clearly attached to tip of ovary; fruit generally a capsule, berry, drupe, or 

achene 

Dry, indehiscent, 1-seeded fruit from a 1-chambered ovary, sometimes winged, often appearing to be a naked seed. A 1-seeded dry fruit derived from an inferior ovary of > 1 carpel (e.g., Asteraceae, Dipsacaceae) is sometimes called a cypsela.

29. Filaments fused, forming a tube around style

30. Shrub; flowers solitary, yellow or orange to ± red; stems and leaves densely 

stellate 

Pertaining to a hair or other structure with three or more branches radiating in two or three dimensions from a common point.

— corolla-like whorl actually a calyx, subtended by sepal-like bracts ..... MALVACEAE (Fremontodendron) {G12}

30' Herb; flowers in 

scapose 

Pertaining to a plant or an inflorescence in which a relatively long peduncle (scape) arises, sometimes with leaf- or scale-like bracts but without true foliage leaves, from a rosette or other arrangement of leaves at ground level.

 umbels, white to pink or purple; stems and leaves glabrous or glandular-hairy ..... PRIMULACEAE (Primula)

29' Filaments generally free

31. Sepals 2; stems and leaves ± fleshy

32. Vine with twining stems; flowers in many-flowered 

raceme 

In flowering plants excluding Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and some other groups, an unbranched inflorescence in which the flowers are borne on pedicels and nearly always open from the bottom to the top of the inflorescence. 2. In Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and some other groups, a raceme-like inflorescence is one in which the inflorescence units (e.g., heads in Asteraceae; spikelets in Cyperaceae and Poaceae), instead of individual flowers, are stalked and attached directly to the main axis of the inflorescence, not to branches, and in which floral development may or may not proceed as in 1.

or 

panicle 

1. In flowering plants excluding Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and some other groups, a branched inflorescence in which the basal or lateral flowers (or some of them) open before the terminal or central flowers on any axis. 2. In Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and some other groups, a panicle-like inflorescence is one in which at least some of the inflorescence units (e.g., heads in Asteraceae; spikelets in Cyperaceae and Poaceae), instead of individual flowers, are attached (stalked or unstalked) to branches and not directly to the main axis of the inflorescence and in which floral development may or may not proceed as in 1.

; fruit fleshy, 

indehiscent 

Not opening inherently to release contents; usually pertaining to fruits.

, 1-seeded ..... [BASELLACEAE]

32' Herb, stems 

prostrate 

Lying flat on the ground.

to 

erect 

Upright; vertically oriented.

, not twining; flowers solitary or in few-flowered clusters; fruit dry, 

dehiscent 

Opening at maturity to release contents; usually pertaining to anthers or fruits.

, 2–many-seeded ..... MONTIACEAE {G22,24}

31' Sepals 4 or more; stems and leaves generally not fleshy

33. Perianth parts in 6s or 7s

34. Style and stigma 1; 

placentas 

Structure or area to which ovules are attached in an ovary; variously shaped and positioned.

 

free-central 

Pertaining to a placenta along the central axis in a compound ovary with only one chamber.

; ovules several–many; fruit a capsule ..... MYRSINACEAE (2) {G24}

34' Styles and stigmas 3; 

placentas 

Structure or area to which ovules are attached in an ovary; variously shaped and positioned.

 

basal 

At or near the base of a plant or plant part. Especially said of leaves clustered near the ground or of a placenta confined to the base of an ovary.

; ovule 1; fruit a 3-angled 

achene 

Dry, indehiscent, 1-seeded fruit from a 1-chambered ovary, sometimes winged, often appearing to be a naked seed. A 1-seeded dry fruit derived from an inferior ovary of > 1 carpel (e.g., Asteraceae, Dipsacaceae) is sometimes called a cypsela.

— 6-parted perianth easily mistaken for corolla, especially in plant with 1-flowered, calyx-like 

involucre 

Group of bracts more or less held together as a unit, subtending a flower, fruit (acorn cup), or inflorescence.

..... POLYGONACEAE (3) {G2,6,8,15,16}

33' Perianth parts in 4s or 5s

35. Styles or style-branches 5; sepal tips and subtending bracts widely 

obtuse 

Having a short-tapered, blunt tip or base, the sides convex or straight and converging at more than a right angle.

, scarious (sometimes brightly pigmented) or calyx stalked-glandular

36. Sepals free, proximally overlapping; seeds 10 ..... LINACEAE (Linum trigynum)

36' Sepals fused; seed 1 ..... PLUMBAGINACEAE

35' Styles, style-branches, or stigmas generally 1–3; sepal tips and bracts generally not widely 

obtuse 

Having a short-tapered, blunt tip or base, the sides convex or straight and converging at more than a right angle.

and scarious, calyx glandular or not

37. Corolla-like calyx constricted above the ovary, persistent base becoming hardened or winged at maturity, enclosing fruit; ovary chamber 1, ovule 1; fruit an 

achene 

Dry, indehiscent, 1-seeded fruit from a 1-chambered ovary, sometimes winged, often appearing to be a naked seed. A 1-seeded dry fruit derived from an inferior ovary of > 1 carpel (e.g., Asteraceae, Dipsacaceae) is sometimes called a cypsela.

— corolla-like calyx easily mistaken for corolla, especially in plants with 1-flowered, calyx-like 

involucre 

Group of bracts more or less held together as a unit, subtending a flower, fruit (acorn cup), or inflorescence.

..... NYCTAGINACEAE (2) {G5,14,15,17}

37' True corolla present, generally not constricted above ovary, base not persistent as hardened or winged structure enclosing fruit; ovary chambers generally 1–4, ovules generally > 1; fruit various

38. Stamens 

opposite 

1. Arranged in pairs along an axis - e.g., two leaves per node. 2. Occurring in the same rank, directly above or below, as 'stamens opposite petals'. 3. Located directly across from.

 corolla 

lobes 

1. A major expansion or bulge, such as on the margin of a leaf, sepal, or petal, or on the surface of an ovary. 2. The free tips of otherwise fused structures, such as sepals or petals; larger than teeth.

; 

placentas 

Structure or area to which ovules are attached in an ovary; variously shaped and positioned.

 

free-central 

Pertaining to a placenta along the central axis in a compound ovary with only one chamber.

39. Flowers 

axillary 

Pertaining to or within an axil, especially a leaf axil.

or in racemes ..... MYRSINACEAE (2) {G24}

39' Flowers in 

scapose 

Pertaining to a plant or an inflorescence in which a relatively long peduncle (scape) arises, sometimes with leaf- or scale-like bracts but without true foliage leaves, from a rosette or other arrangement of leaves at ground level.

 umbels ..... PRIMULACEAE

38' Stamens 

alternate 

1. Arranged singly, often spirally, along an axis - e.g., one leaf per node. 2. Occurring in different ranks, appearing to be between, not directly above or below, as 'stamens alternate petals'.

 corolla 

lobes 

1. A major expansion or bulge, such as on the margin of a leaf, sepal, or petal, or on the surface of an ovary. 2. The free tips of otherwise fused structures, such as sepals or petals; larger than teeth.

; 

placentas 

Structure or area to which ovules are attached in an ovary; variously shaped and positioned.

 

parietal 

Pertaining to placentas on the inside surface of the ovary wall in a compound ovary with one or more chambers.

or 

axile 

Pertaining to an axis, as of a placenta along the central axis in a compound ovary with more than one chamber.

(rarely basal)

40. Filaments of stamens not fused to corolla, sometimes adhering weakly to base of corolla but readily separable

41. Annual; corolla 5-lobed; leaves pinnately lobed ..... HYDROPHYLLACEAE (Emmenanthe)

41' Shrub; corolla 4-lobed; leaves 

entire 

Having margins that are continuous and smooth (i.e., without teeth, lobes, etc.).

..... ERICACEAE (Menziesia)

40' Filaments of stamens definitely fused to corolla tube or throat, not separable without tearing stamen or corolla tissue

42. Inflorescence or branches of inflorescence generally ± coiled or 1-sided when young, unrolling during development, at maturity ± open, generally resembling a 1-sided 

spike 

1. In flowering plants excluding Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and some other groups, an unbranched inflorescence in which the flowers are sessile and nearly always open from the bottom to the top of the inflorescence. 2. In Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and some other groups, a spike-like inflorescence is one in which the inflorescence units (e.g., heads in Asteraceae; spikelets in Cyperaceae and Poaceae), instead of individual flowers, are sessile and attached directly to the main axis of the inflorescence, not to branches, and in which floral development may or may not proceed as in 1.

or 

raceme 

In flowering plants excluding Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and some other groups, an unbranched inflorescence in which the flowers are borne on pedicels and nearly always open from the bottom to the top of the inflorescence. 2. In Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and some other groups, a raceme-like inflorescence is one in which the inflorescence units (e.g., heads in Asteraceae; spikelets in Cyperaceae and Poaceae), instead of individual flowers, are stalked and attached directly to the main axis of the inflorescence, not to branches, and in which floral development may or may not proceed as in 1.

43. Fruit splitting into nutlets; style/stigma conical, ± unlobed ..... HELIOTROPIACEAE

43' Fruit a capsule

44. Annual or 

perennial 

Completing life cycle (germination through death) in more than two years or growing seasons, generally non-woody (at least above ground) to woody; includes perennial herbs as well as subshrubs to trees; the abbreviation 'per' only refers to perennial herb, not to the word 'perennial' alone.

 herbs; leaves 

entire 

Having margins that are continuous and smooth (i.e., without teeth, lobes, etc.).

to 1–2-pinnate; style 1, 2-branched; stamens generally fused to corolla at same level (except Draperia, stamens attached at different levels) ..... HYDROPHYLLACEAE (3)

44' Shrubs, small trees, or herbs; leaves 

entire 

Having margins that are continuous and smooth (i.e., without teeth, lobes, etc.).

to toothed; styles 2, or if 1 with 2 branches, then stamens fused to corolla at different levels

45. Herbs; cauline leaves 

opposite 

1. Arranged in pairs along an axis - e.g., two leaves per node. 2. Occurring in the same rank, directly above or below, as 'stamens opposite petals'. 3. Located directly across from.

..... HYDROPHYLLACEAE (Draperia)

45' Shrubs, small trees, or herbs; cauline leaves 

alternate 

1. Arranged singly, often spirally, along an axis - e.g., one leaf per node. 2. Occurring in different ranks, appearing to be between, not directly above or below, as 'stamens alternate petals'.

..... NAMACEAE (2)

42' Inflorescence not coiled and unrolling, generally not 1-sided

46. Calyx 

lobes 

1. A major expansion or bulge, such as on the margin of a leaf, sepal, or petal, or on the surface of an ovary. 2. The free tips of otherwise fused structures, such as sepals or petals; larger than teeth.

generally bordered by or ± fused by a much thinner, transparent or translucent membrane; stigmas and ovary chambers generally 3 (1 or 2) ..... POLEMONIACEAE (2) {G18}

46' Calyx 

lobes 

1. A major expansion or bulge, such as on the margin of a leaf, sepal, or petal, or on the surface of an ovary. 2. The free tips of otherwise fused structures, such as sepals or petals; larger than teeth.

generally without a transparent or translucent marginal membrane; stigmas generally 2 (1 or 3), ovary chambers generally 1 or 2

47. Stem twining ..... CONVOLVULACEAE (2)

47' Stem not twining

48. Leaves palmately compound — rhizomed 

perennial 

Completing life cycle (germination through death) in more than two years or growing seasons, generally non-woody (at least above ground) to woody; includes perennial herbs as well as subshrubs to trees; the abbreviation 'per' only refers to perennial herb, not to the word 'perennial' alone.

of bogs, marshes, lake margins ..... MENYANTHACEAE (Menyanthes)

48' Leaves 

simple 

Composed of a single part; undivided; unbranched.

to pinnately compound

49. Plant aquatic; leaves floating on water surface, deeply 

cordate 

Heart-shaped; often pertaining to a leaf in which the blade base on both sides of the petiole is rounded and convex.

; inflorescence an 

umbel 

1. In flowering plants excluding Asteraceae and some other groups, an inflorescence in which three to many pedicels and, if compound, branches (rays) radiate from a common point; characteristic of but not confined to Apiaceae. 2. In Asteraceae and some other groups, an umbel-like inflorescence is one in which three to many stalked inflorescence units (e.g., heads in Asteraceae, umbels enclosed by involucres in Eriogonum), instead of individual flowers, radiate from a common point of attachment without an evident axis or branches.

or flower 1 ..... MENYANTHACEAE (Nymphoides) {G2}

49' Plant generally terrestrial, sometimes in damp soil; leaves not floating on water surface, shapes various; inflorescence not an 

umbel 

1. In flowering plants excluding Asteraceae and some other groups, an inflorescence in which three to many pedicels and, if compound, branches (rays) radiate from a common point; characteristic of but not confined to Apiaceae. 2. In Asteraceae and some other groups, an umbel-like inflorescence is one in which three to many stalked inflorescence units (e.g., heads in Asteraceae, umbels enclosed by involucres in Eriogonum), instead of individual flowers, radiate from a common point of attachment without an evident axis or branches.

50. Stigmas 3 ..... POLEMONIACEAE (2) {G18}

50' Stigmas 1–2

51. Leaves 

alternate 

1. Arranged singly, often spirally, along an axis - e.g., one leaf per node. 2. Occurring in different ranks, appearing to be between, not directly above or below, as 'stamens alternate petals'.

or of unusual arrangement [in some Solanum species 2 leaves that are not 

opposite 

1. Arranged in pairs along an axis - e.g., two leaves per node. 2. Occurring in the same rank, directly above or below, as 'stamens opposite petals'. 3. Located directly across from.

may be attached at the same 

node 

Position on a stem from which one or more structures (especially leaves, buds, branches, or flowers) arise.

, and inflorescences may arise from internodes], not opposite or all 

basal 

At or near the base of a plant or plant part. Especially said of leaves clustered near the ground or of a placenta confined to the base of an ovary.

52. Stigma 1, generally undivided

53. Some or all stamens densely hairy; inflorescence a narrow 

raceme 

In flowering plants excluding Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and some other groups, an unbranched inflorescence in which the flowers are borne on pedicels and nearly always open from the bottom to the top of the inflorescence. 2. In Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and some other groups, a raceme-like inflorescence is one in which the inflorescence units (e.g., heads in Asteraceae; spikelets in Cyperaceae and Poaceae), instead of individual flowers, are stalked and attached directly to the main axis of the inflorescence, not to branches, and in which floral development may or may not proceed as in 1.

or 

panicle 

1. In flowering plants excluding Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and some other groups, a branched inflorescence in which the basal or lateral flowers (or some of them) open before the terminal or central flowers on any axis. 2. In Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and some other groups, a panicle-like inflorescence is one in which at least some of the inflorescence units (e.g., heads in Asteraceae; spikelets in Cyperaceae and Poaceae), instead of individual flowers, are attached (stalked or unstalked) to branches and not directly to the main axis of the inflorescence and in which floral development may or may not proceed as in 1.

..... SCROPHULARIACEAE (Verbascum) {G18}

53' Stamens glabrous or nearly so; inflorescence variously cyme-like, or flowers solitary ..... SOLANACEAE

52' Stigmas or stigma 

lobes 

1. A major expansion or bulge, such as on the margin of a leaf, sepal, or petal, or on the surface of an ovary. 2. The free tips of otherwise fused structures, such as sepals or petals; larger than teeth.

2

54. Style undivided ..... CONVOLVULACEAE (2)

54' Styles or style branches 2

55. Herbage densely silky-canescent; flowers solitary in distal 

leaf 

Organ arising from a stem, generally composed of a stalk (petiole) and a flat, expanded, green, photosynthetic area (blade); distinguished from a leaflet by the presence in its axil of a bud, branch, thorn, or flower; sometimes with lateral, basal appendages (stipules); either simple (toothed, lobed, or dissected but not divided into leaflets) or compound (divided into leaflets).

 axils, ± on 1 side of stem; leaves 

entire 

Having margins that are continuous and smooth (i.e., without teeth, lobes, etc.).

..... CONVOLVULACEAE (Cressa)

55' Herbage glabrous or variously hairy and/or glandular, not silky-canescent (somewhat so in Tiquilia canescens); flowers solitary or clustered; leaves 

entire 

Having margins that are continuous and smooth (i.e., without teeth, lobes, etc.).

to lobed or compound

56. Fruit splitting into nutlets ..... EHRETIACEAE (2) {G18}

56' Fruit a capsule

57. Annual or 

perennial 

Completing life cycle (germination through death) in more than two years or growing seasons, generally non-woody (at least above ground) to woody; includes perennial herbs as well as subshrubs to trees; the abbreviation 'per' only refers to perennial herb, not to the word 'perennial' alone.

 herbs; leaves 

entire 

Having margins that are continuous and smooth (i.e., without teeth, lobes, etc.).

to 1–2-pinnate; style 1, 2-branched; stamens generally attached to corolla at same level ..... HYDROPHYLLACEAE (3)

57' Shrubs, small trees, or herbs; leaves 

entire 

Having margins that are continuous and smooth (i.e., without teeth, lobes, etc.).

to toothed; styles 2, or if 1 with 2 branches, then stamens attached to corolla at different levels ..... NAMACEAE (2)

51' Leaves 

opposite 

1. Arranged in pairs along an axis - e.g., two leaves per node. 2. Occurring in the same rank, directly above or below, as 'stamens opposite petals'. 3. Located directly across from.

or all 

basal 

At or near the base of a plant or plant part. Especially said of leaves clustered near the ground or of a placenta confined to the base of an ovary.

58. Corolla 

lobes 

1. A major expansion or bulge, such as on the margin of a leaf, sepal, or petal, or on the surface of an ovary. 2. The free tips of otherwise fused structures, such as sepals or petals; larger than teeth.

4

59. Herb ..... GENTIANACEAE (2) {G24}

59' Shrub

60. Corolla ± 

rotate 

Wheel-shaped, spreading, or saucer-shaped; often applied to a fused corolla with a short or nonexistent tube and a spreading limb.

, 

lobes 

1. A major expansion or bulge, such as on the margin of a leaf, sepal, or petal, or on the surface of an ovary. 2. The free tips of otherwise fused structures, such as sepals or petals; larger than teeth.

± leathery, ± green-white; coastal lagoons or salt marshes ..... ACANTHACEAE (Avicennia)

60' Corolla ± 

salverform 

Having a slender tube and an abruptly spreading, flat limb; often applied to a fused corolla.

, 

lobes 

1. A major expansion or bulge, such as on the margin of a leaf, sepal, or petal, or on the surface of an ovary. 2. The free tips of otherwise fused structures, such as sepals or petals; larger than teeth.

thin, ± yellow or white to purple; generally dry places ..... SCROPHULARIACEAE (Buddleja) {G7,9}

58' Corolla 

lobes 

1. A major expansion or bulge, such as on the margin of a leaf, sepal, or petal, or on the surface of an ovary. 2. The free tips of otherwise fused structures, such as sepals or petals; larger than teeth.

5

61. Flowers solitary, inflorescence 

scapose 

Pertaining to a plant or an inflorescence in which a relatively long peduncle (scape) arises, sometimes with leaf- or scale-like bracts but without true foliage leaves, from a rosette or other arrangement of leaves at ground level.

..... HYDROPHYLLACEAE (Hesperochiron)

61' Flowers 1–many, borne on a ± leafy stem

62. Leaves toothed, lobed, or compound ..... HYDROPHYLLACEAE (3)

62' Leaves 

entire 

Having margins that are continuous and smooth (i.e., without teeth, lobes, etc.).

63. Plants glandular-hairy ..... SOLANACEAE (Petunia)

63' Plants glabrous or hairy, but not glandular

64. Stems 

spreading 

Oriented more or less perpendicularly to the axis of attachment; often, more or less horizontal.

or mat-forming; stems and leaves densely 

strigose 

With stiff, straight, sharp, appressed hairs.

; flowers 

sessile 

Without a petiole, peduncle, pedicel, or other kind of stalk.

or subsessile in forks of stem; leaves of a pair often unequal ..... EHRETIACEAE (2) {G18}

64' Stems mostly 

erect 

Upright; vertically oriented.

or 

ascending 

Curving or angling upward from base, or about 30–60 degrees less than vertical or away from axis of attachment.

; stems and leaves glabrous or short-hairy; flowers 

axillary 

Pertaining to or within an axil, especially a leaf axil.

or in terminal inflorescences; leaves of a pair equal ..... GENTIANACEAE (2) {G24}