| TREATMENT FROM THE JEPSON MANUAL (1993) |
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©Copyright 1993 by the Regents of the University of California
For up-to-date information about California vascular plants, visit the Jepson eFlora. |
AND IS MAINTAINED FOR ARCHIVAL PURPOSES ONLY |
Annual, perennial herb, ± fleshy, generally ± glabrous; roots sometimes tuber-like
Stem prostrate, often twining by petioles
Leaves generally simple, generally alternate, peltate; blade entire, lobed, or dissected; stipules often 0; petiole generally >> blade
Inflorescence: flower generally solitary on long, axillary peduncle
Flower showy, bisexual, generally bilateral; sepals 5, uppermost with a generally long nectar spur; petals generally 5, clawed, upper 2 unlike lower 3; stamens 8, in 2 whorls, unequal; ovary superior, chambers 3, placentas axile, style 1, >> ovary, 3-lobed, stigmas 3
Fruit separating into 3 generally nut-like, 1-seeded segments
Genera in family: 3 genera, 92 species: Mex to South America; some cultivated.
Flower bilateral; nectar spur conspicuous
Fruit segments nut-like
Species in genus: ± 90 species: Mex to Chile, c Argentina
Etymology: (Greek: trophy, from shield-like leaves)
Edible tubers of T. tuberosum Ruiz & Pav. are sold in Andean markets.