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

Polygonaceae - Polygonoideae - Polygoneae - Polygonum L.

Description :

  • Annual or perennial herbs or dwarf shrubs, erect, prostrate or decumbent, often swollen at nodes
  • Leaves articulated at base; ocrea stem-clasping, silvery hyaline, glabrous
  • Inflorescence lax and spike-like with axillary flowers in clusters or solitary
  • Flowers bisexual
  • Perianth (4)5-lobed or -partite, persistent; lobes or segments equal or outer slightly larger
  • Stamens usually 8, arising near base of perianth; anthers with 2 thecae united by short connective
  • Ovary 3-angled with 3 styles, or lenticular with 2 styles; stigmas capitate, usually entire
  • Fruit a 3-angled or lenticular nut, enclosed in persistent perianth
  • x = 10, 11 (8, 12) (aneuploids, high polyploidy)

Nomenclature:

  • Polygonum L.
    • Linnaeus: 359 (1753)
    • Wright: 463 (1912)
    • Graham: 11 (1958)
    • Webb & Chater: 76 (1964)
    • Brandbyge: 542 (1993)

Distribution & Notes:

  • Global : Species ± 20, temperate regions of the northern hemisphere
  • Southern Africa : Species 5, including some introductions; widespread

References:

  • BRANDBYGE, J. 1993. Polygonaceae . In K. Kubitzki, J.G. Rohwer and V. Bittrich, The families and genera of vascular plants 2. Springer-Verlag, Berlin
  • GRAHAM, R.A. 1958. Flora of tropical East Africa . Polygonaceae
  • LINNAEUS, C. 1753. Species plantarum (Facsimile edn 1957) 1. Ray Society, London
  • WEBB, D.A. & CHATER, A.O. 1964. Polygonum . Flora europaea 1
  • WRIGHT, C.H. 1912. Polygonaceae . Flora capensis 5,1

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