e-Key v3 - Caldesia
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Interactive keys to the identification of seed plants of southern Africa using keys based on plant morphology.

Alismataceae - Caldesia Parl.

Description :

  • Perennial or annual aquatic or wetland herbs
  • Leaves floating or submerged, rarely erect, leaf blade broadly elliptic to broadly ovate, apex rounded to obtuse, base truncate to deeply cordate
  • Inflorescence compound, pyramidal, consisting of whorls of 3 branches or 3 flowers
  • Flowers bisexual
  • Sepals spreading or reflexed
  • Petals white
  • Stamens 6(-11); filaments filiform or flattened; anthers oblong
  • Carpels 2-9(-20), free, crowded on a small receptacle; style ventral; ovule lateral
  • Achenes swollen, smooth, ridged or warty
  • x = 11

Nomenclature:

  • Caldesia Parl.
    • Parlatore: 598 (1860)
    • Carter: 7 (1960)
    • Cook: 27 (1990)

Distribution & Notes:

  • Global : Species 4, Europe, SE Asia, Australia and Africa
  • Southern Africa : Species 1: Caldesia reniformis (D.Don) Makino in the Okavango Delta area

References:

  • CARTER, S. 1960. Flora of tropical East Africa . Alismataceae
  • COOK, C.D.K. 1990. Aquatic plant book . SPB Academic Publishing, The Hague
  • PARLATORE, F. 1860. Flora italiana 3. Le Monnier, Florence