Class
Classification
Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Cucurbitaceae
Description
Monoecious or dioecious herbs; stems scandent or prostrate, creeping, mostly scabrid. Tendrils commonly present, lateral, simple or branched, spirally coiled. Fls generally solitary, actinomorphic, 5-merous. ♂ fls: calyx united, the lobes imbricate or not touching; petals gamopetalous or free; stamens (1)–3–(5), free or variously united; one anther always 1-locular, the others 2-locular, mostly syngenesious and contorted; connective often produced. ♀ fls: calyx adnate to ovary and often produced above; petals similar to those of ♂ fls; staminodes often present; ovary nearly always inferior; placentas (2)–3–(5), parietal but usually projecting into ovary cavity; ovules mostly numerous; styles usually simple; stigmas thick, usually divided. Fr. nearly always fleshy, mostly indehiscent, often large, with a thick skin or rind and a pulpy interior with embedded seeds. Seeds non-endospermic, generally flattened.
[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]
Biostatus
Indigenous (Non-endemic)
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Indigenous (Endemic) | 1 |
| Indigenous (Non-endemic) | 1 |
| Exotic: Fully Naturalised | 8 |
| Exotic: Casual | 2 |
| Total | 12 |
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.
