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Theophrastaceae Habit: Perennial herb [shrub, tree], [generally glandular-hairy]. Leaf: simple, alternate but generally clustered at stem tips, petioled, stipules 0, margins entire [spiny-toothed]. Inflorescence: generally terminal, [rarely flowers 1 in axils]. Flower: bisexual [unisexual, plants dioecious], radial, parts generally in 5s, generally with glandular dots, lines, or pits; sepals free or united at base; corolla united at base, lobes spreading; stamens epipetalous, opposite corolla lobes, anthers forming cone as flower opens, then spreading; staminodes 5, alternate stamens, epipetalous, scale-, petal-, or stamen-like; ovary partly inferior, 1-chambered, placenta free-central or basal, style 1, stigma head-like. Fruit: capsule [generally dry berry or drupe]. Seed: 1--many, generally yellow to orange-red. Genera In Family: 7--9 genera, +- 100 species: generally tropical America. Note: Incl in Primulaceae in TJM (1993). Unabridged Note: Incl in Primulaceae in TJM (1993). The partially inferior ovary as well as aspects of staminode anatomy are unusual for Primulaceae. Recent research (Källersjö et al. 2000 Amer J Bot 87:1325--1341) has shown that Samolus is a sister-taxon to Theophrastaceae, providing evidence for its removal from Primulaceae. Jepson eFlora Author: Anita F. Cholewa Reference: [Caris & Smets 2004 Amer J Bot 91:627--643] Scientific Editor: Thomas J. Rosatti. Index of California Plant Names (ICPN; linked via the Jepson Online Interchange) Previous taxon: Tamarix ramosissima Next taxon: Samolus |