Stemona Family

R. David Whetstone

Herbs [herbaceous vines, or low shrubs], caulescent [stemless], from rhizomes [tuberous roots]. Leaves simple, stipules absent. Basal leaves sheathing. Cauline leaves present [absent], alternate [whorled], petiolate, venation ± palmate [arcuate-pinnate with strongly developed midvein], transverse parallel veinlets connecting primary veins. Inflorescences axillary, cymose [racemose or unifloral]. Flowers bisexual, radially [bilaterally] symmetric; perianth hypogynous [to epigynous]; tepals 4[–5], distinct [connate]; stamens 4[–5], opposite tepals; ovary 1-locular; placentation apical [basal]; style 1 [absent]; stigmas [1]–3. Fruits capsular, 2[–3]-valved. Seeds globose [to ellipsoid].

Genera 4, species 30–35 (1 genus, 1 species in the flora): North America, e and se Asia, n Australia.

SELECTED REFERENCES

Rogers, G. K. 1982. The Stemonaceae in the southeastern United States. J. Arnold Arbor. 63: 327–336. Whetstone, R. D. 1984. Notes on Croomia pauciflora (Stemonaceae). Rhodora 86: 131–137.

Lower Taxon

• Croomia Torrey