Class
Classification
Subordinate Taxa
Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Gentianaceae
Description
Mostly annual or perennial herbs, occasionally climbing, sometimes shrubs, usually glabrous. Lvs simple, usually opposite, entire, exstipulate, bitter-tasting, very rarely reduced to scales. Infl. commonly a dichasial cyme, sometimes a fascicle, umbel, or fls solitary. Fls usually ☿, rarely unisexual, usually actinomorphic, 4–6–(14)-merous. Calyx gamosepalous, usually deeply lobed, persistent. Corolla cylindric to funnelform, campanulate or rotate, often with scales or glands; lobes contorted in the bud, ± persistent. Stamens epipetalous, as many as corolla segments, usually free. Ovary superior, 2-carpellate, 1–(2)-locular, with 2 parietal placentae, sometimes walls intrusive; ovules many; style 1 or 0; stigma usually 2-lobed. Fr. usually a septicidal, 2-valved capsule, rarely baccate. Seeds usually numerous and minute, endospermic.
[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]
Biostatus
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Indigenous (Endemic) | 30 |
| Indigenous (Non-endemic) | 1 |
| Exotic: Fully Naturalised | 3 |
| Total | 34 |
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.
