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

Polygonaceae - Polygonoideae - Persicarieae - *Fagopyrum Mill.

Description :

  • Twining or erect perennial or annual herbs with hollow stems
  • Leaves triangular-sagittate, cordate; ocrea short, truncate, entire
  • Inflorescence branched or flowers in axillary clusters
  • Flowers unisexual, heterostylous, male, in narrow, terminal and axillary, raceme-like panicles; pedicels equalling perianth, articulated above middle
  • Perianth campanulate, with 5 segments, not accrescent
  • Stamens 8, alternating with yellow nectaries on disc
  • Ovary 3-angled; styles 3, long and slender; stigmas capitate, small
  • Fruit a triquetrous nut, greatly exceeding perianth
  • x = 8 (polyploidy)

Nomenclature:

  • *Fagopyrum Mill.
    • Miller: [495] (1754)
    • Webb: 81 (1964)
    • Brandbyge: 542 (1993)

Distribution & Notes:

  • Global : Species 8, in Europe and Asia, widely cultivated
  • Southern Africa : * Fagopyrum esculentum L. (Buckwheat) occasionally found as an escape

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
  • MILLER, P. 1754. The gardener's dictionary , abridged edn 4. Rivington, London
  • WEBB, D.A. & CHATER, A.O. 1964. Polygonum . Flora europaea 1

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