Caryophyllaceae
Caryophyllidae: Caryophyllales. The Caryophyllaceae are herbs or rarely
subshrubs comprising about 75 genera and 2,000 species further characterized by p-plastids
and usually swollen nodes. The leaves are simple, nearly always opposite and decussate,
and are estipulate or sometimes have scarious stipules. The flowers are actinomorphic and
mostly bisexual. Although the corolla rarely may be absent, the perianth typically
consists of a calyx of 5 connate sepals and a corolla of 5 distinct, frequently clawed
petals. The stamens are in one or two whorls, either equaling or twice the number of
petals. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2-5 carpels, usually with an
equal number of styles and with a superior ovary that has a single locule with numerous
free central ovules. In some cases the ovary is 3-5 loculed with axile placentation
basally and l-loculed with free central placentation above. Occasionally, there may be a
single basal ovule. The fruit most commonly is capsular.
Each "thumbnail" image below is linked to a larger photograph.
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Cerastium vulgatum. This typical representative of the family
has five sepals, five bilobed petals, 10 stamens in two whorls, and 5 styles. |
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Arenaria sp, sandwort. |
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Dianthus caryophyllus, sweet william. Note the swollen nodes
with opposite leaves and the tubular calyx. Five styles and 10 stamens are present in this
species. The cut away view in the lower right photo shows the long basal claw on the
remaining petal. The ovary has been longitudinally sectioned to show the free central
placentation in the single locule. |
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Schiedea adamantis. This is one of several species in this
Hawaiian endemic genus. The species show an interesting evolutionary modification toward
the dioecious condition. The plant in the left photo is functionally male with conspicuous
stamens and reduced pistils. The plant in the right photo is functionally female
with very reduced stamens and well-developed pistils. Note the three well developed styles
on each pistil. |
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