Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Bignoniaceae
 Description

Trees, shrubs, often climbing, occasionally herbaceous. Branches often glandular near nodes, twining in some lianes. Lvs usually opposite, rarely alternate, exstipulate (outer bud scales may simulate stipules), sometimes simple, more commonly pinnate or digitate, often the terminal leaflet forming a tendril. Infl. terminal or axillary, racemose or paniculate, sometimes cauliflorous, occasionally fls solitary; bracts and bracteoles caducous. Fls ☿, zygomorphic to varying degrees, often large and showy. Calyx campanulate, 3–5-lobed or toothed, sometimes truncate. Corolla with 5 imbricate lobes, slightly to strongly 2-lipped; tube cylindric to campanulate. Stamens often 4 and didynamous, less commonly 2, the fifth stamen represented by a short staminode or 0, sometimes 3 staminodes present and only 2 stamens fertile; anthers connivent in pairs, rarely free, 2-locular. Hypogynous disc usually present around ovary. Ovary superior, generally 2-locular and 2-carpellate, sometimes 1-locular with 2 parietal placentae. Ovules numerous. Style 2-lobed. Fr. usually a 2-valved capsule, less commonly indehiscent and fleshy. Seeds often compressed and winged, non-endospermic; embryo straight.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Number of species and named hybrids in New Zealand within Bignoniaceae
CategoryNumber
Indigenous (Endemic)1
Exotic: Fully Naturalised6
Exotic: Casual8
Total15
 Bibliography
Cronquist, A. 1988: The evolution and classification of flowering plants. The New York Botanic Gardens, New York.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.
Mabberley, D.J. 2017: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 4. Cambridge University Press.