e-Key <span id="jodit_selection_marker_1703165027562_1912311202215502" data-jodit_selection_marker="start" style="line-height: 0; display: none;"></span>v3 - Vellozi<span id="jodit_selection_marker_1703165027562_13164676887019744" data-jodit_selection_marker="end" style="line-height: 0; display: none;"></span>aceae
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Interactive keys to the identification of seed plants of southern Africa using keys based on plant morphology.

MONOCOTYLEDON - LILIIDAE - LILIALES - Velloziaceae

Compiled by R.H. Archer

Description:

  • Fibrous perennials; stems dwarf and tufted, or sparsely branched, up to about 4 m tall, protected by noninflammable leaf bases
  • Leaves in tufts at ends of branches, narrow, ± persistent or blade eventually falling from sheath
  • Flowers bisexual, regular, solitary or few between fascicles of leaves
  • Perianth: segments 3 + 3, petaloid, spreading, forming a very short or obsolete tube
  • Stamens 6; anthers 2-thecous, linear, basifixed or dorsifixed, opening by longitudinal slits
  • Ovary inferior, 3-locular, with many ovules in each locule on axile placentas; style simple; stigma subcylindric or capitate
  • Fruit a capsule, often flat or concave on top and crowned with scar of perianth, or 6-toothed, sometimes spiny, loculicidally dehiscent
  • Seeds black

Nomenclature:

  • Velloziaceae
    • Smith & Ayensu: 181 (1974)

Distribution & Notes:

  • Global: Genera 6, species ± 80; Africa, Madagascar and South America
  • Southern Africa: Genera 2, species 10

References:

  • SMITH, L.B. & AYENSU, E.S. 1974. Classification of Old World Velloziaceae. Kew Bulletin 29

Resources:

  • Velloziaceae genera:
Talbotia Xerophyta    

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