FLORA OF THE SUDAN
Flora of the Sudan
BY
A. F. BROUN,
_Formerly Director of Woods and Forests_,
AND
R. E. MASSEY,
_Government Botanist_.
_With a Conspectus of Groups of Plants and Artificial Key to Families_
BY
J. HUTCHINSON, F.L.S.,
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW.
* * * * *
_Published with the consent of the Sudan Government._
* * * * *
Obtainable from
THE CONTROLLER, SUDAN GOVERNMENT OFFICE,
WELLINGTON HOUSE, BUCKINGHAM GATE,
LONDON, S.W.I.
PRICE P.T. 50 or 10/-
1929.
MADE IN ENGLAND
BY
THOMAS MURBY & CO., 1, FLEET LANE, LONDON, E.C.4.
CONTENTS
PAGE
PREFACE vii
ABBREVIATIONS x
GLOSSARY OF BOTANICAL TERMS 1
CONSPECTUS OF PRINCIPAL GROUPS OF PLANTS AS ARRANGED
IN THIS FLORA 15
KEY TO THE FAMILIES OF DICOTYLEDONES 16
KEY TO THE FAMILIES OF MONOCOTYLEDONES 45
SYSTEMATIC ENUMERATION OF FAMILIES, GENERA AND SPECIES:—
Gymnospermæ 48
Angiospermæ:—
Dicotyledones 49
Monocotyledones 365
INDEXES TO NATIVE NAMES:—
Arabic Names 486
Hadendowa „ 490
Rashida „ 491
Nuba „ 491
Dinka „ 492
Jur „ 493
Golo „ 493
Bari „ 494
Hameg „ 494
Nuer „ 495
Shilluk „ 495
Burun „ 495
Bongo „ 495
Zande „ 495
Krej „ 496
Indogo „ 496
Tuku-Tuku „ 496
Kaliko „ 496
Makraka „ 496
INDEX TO GENERIC NAMES 496
INDEX TO FAMILY NAMES 501
PREFACE
In the Appendix of his Report on the Forests of the Sudan, published in
1901, Mr. C. E. Muriel, of the Imperial Indian Forest Service, gave a
list of the more common trees and shrubs and of a few other plants,
together with short descriptions and statements on their uses and
economic value, also their Arabic and, where possible, the Hameg names.
At the end of that year the Sudan Government gave me the appointment of
Director of Woods and Forests. At that time only few of the volumes of
the Flora of Tropical Africa had appeared and the earliest ones were
already antiquated. During the numerous journeys taken by me in various
parts of the Sudan, my wife and I were able to collect a large number of
plants, making at the same time notes of their names in various
languages of the Sudan, and their economic and other uses. I also
received considerable help, as regards Golo names, from the late Mr. S.
Skirmunt, then Deputy Inspector of Forests in the Bahr el Ghazal
Province. By 1906 I had gathered sufficient material both from my trips
and from the Kew Herbarium to draw up a rough “Catalogue of Sudan
Flowering Plants,” giving short descriptions, a number of vernacular
names and some economic and other uses, many of which were obtained from
Watt’s Dictionary of Economic Products.[1] As it was somewhat hastily
got up it was printed by the Sudan Government not for general
circulation, but for the use of Sudan officials only.
During the years which followed, up to my retirement in 1910, I was able
to add to the list a considerable number of names both scientific and
vernacular. I am indebted for the help I received, as regards Kordofan
plants, to Mr. H. B. MacMichael, of the Sudan Civil Service, and, as
regards the Red Sea littoral, to Mr. Cyril Crossland, at that time
Marine Biologist to the Sudan Government.
After my retirement Mr. R. E. Massey was appointed, in 1912, Sudan
Government Botanist, and I had the good fortune of securing his co-
operation in bringing out a more complete Catalogue of the Flowering
Plants of the Sudan. Mr. Massey, by his presence on the spot, and by his
technical knowledge, has been able to give to the present Catalogue a
greater completeness and finish than I should have been capable of
unaided; he was also able to get further assistance from other persons
in the Sudan. He particularly and gratefully acknowledges the help he
received from Mrs. Crowfoot, wife of Mr. J. W. Crowfoot, Director of
Education, in a variety of ways, such as collections of plants,
Hadendowa and other vernacular names, and drawings and paintings of
plants. A number of Dinka and Shilluk names were also given by Mr. H. C.
Jackson, of the Sudan Civil Service, and Nuer names by the late Major
Stigand. A collection of plants of the Burun country, with their
vernacular names, was received from Dr. Kamar, of the Egyptian Army, a
further collection by Mr. Sillitoe, superintendent of Gardens, Khartoum,
from the Lado District, and one from Admiral Lynes, C.B., C.M.G., in
Darfur, mostly in the region of the range of mountains, called Jebel
Marra, which attains an elevation of over 10,000 ft., and bears a flora
quite distinct from all other parts of the Sudan.
The Catalogue was at first compiled without any descriptive matter, but
Mr. R. Hewison, Director of Agriculture and Forests, Sudan Government,
speaking on behalf of that Government, which is defraying the costs of
printing this book, expressed an opinion that it would be more useful to
officials in the Sudan if short descriptions were added. In order,
therefore, to supply these as quickly as possible we depended very
largely on descriptions in the Flora of Tropical Africa, which we
shortened considerably. My wife and I worked this out as far as and
including the Cyperaceæ, and Mr. Massey undertook to do the grasses,
part only of which have as yet appeared in the Flora. He desires to
acknowledge the aid received from Mr. C. E. Hubbard in the preparation
of the key to the Grasses. Mr. J. Hutchinson kindly helped us with
plants in the Kew Herbarium which have not been described in the Flora.
But a further acknowledgment is due to Mr. Hutchinson. He has regrouped
the Natural Orders according to the system described in his recent book,
_The Families of Flowering Plants, I. Dicotyledons_,[2] and has also
furnished a key to the Classification, thus bringing this book into line
with all the African Regional Floras which are to be taken in hand. He
has also consented to look over the proofs. Our most cordial thanks are
due for his help.
My wife has been constantly associated with me in my share of the work
from the time when we collected material in the Sudan until now, and
deserves also to earn her share of whatever credit may be given for this
work.
Finally, I wish to record the debt of gratitude which we owe to Dr.
Hill, Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to Mr. Cotton, the
Keeper of the Herbarium, to Dr. Stapf, the late Keeper, and to the Staff
of the Herbarium, most particularly Mr. C. H. Wright, Mr. Dunn, Miss
Hughes, and Mr. Skan for the numerous acts of kindness and help which
they have given us, making thus our work light and pleasant.
A. F. BROUN.
“OAKLANDS,”
AMPTHILL,
_Dec. 18th,_ 1925.
Note.—Owing to various causes, for which we are not responsible, the
printing of this book has been considerably delayed. Mrs. Crowfoot, to
whom reference has been made above, is now bringing out a companion
volume to this, containing drawings of various plants from the Northern
and Central Sudan.
My dear wife, who shared all my work, died on the 11th April, 1927.
A. F. BROUN.
AMPTHILL,
_March 20th,_ 1928.
ABBREVIATIONS.
ab. stands for about
acumin. „ „ acuminate
alt. „ „ alternate
anth. „ „ anther or anthers
artic. „ „ articulate
cal. „ „ calyx
capit. „ „ capitulum
caps. „ „ capsule
cm. „ „ centimetre
cor. „ „ corolla
diam. „ „ diameter
excl. „ „ excluding
filam. „ „ filament or filaments
fl. „ „ flower or flowers
fld. „ „ flowered
fol. „ „ foliolate
foll. „ „ follicle or follicles
fr. „ „ fruit or fruits
ft. „ „ foot or feet
hermaphr. „ „ hermaphrodite
heterog. „ „ heterogamous
homog. „ „ homogamous
hypog. „ „ hypogynous
in. „ „ inch or inches
incl. „ „ including
infl. „ „ inflorescence
interpet. „ „ interpetiolar
invol. „ „ involucre
l. „ „ leaf or leaves
lanc. „ „ lanceolate
lin. „ „ linear
obl. „ „ oblong
obov. „ „ obovate
opp. „ „ opposite
pan. „ „ panicle or panicles
ped. „ „ peduncle or peduncles
pedic. „ „ pedicel or pedicels
per. „ „ perianth
pet. „ „ petiole or petioles
rac. „ „ raceme or racemes
recept. „ „ receptacle
segm. „ „ segment or segments
st. or sta. „ „ stamen or stamens
stip. „ „ stipule or stipules
suborbic. „ „ suborbicular
undershr. „ „ undershrub
GLOSSARY OF BOTANICAL TERMS
=abruptly pinnate=, when the leaflets are arranged in pairs along the
rhachis of a compound leaf without a terminal one.
=acaulescent=, without stem or apparently so.
=accrescent=, applied to a calyx or corolla, enlarging after flowering.
=achene=, a dry indehiscent, one-seeded fruit.
=acicular=, needle-like.
=aculeate=, prickly and pointed.
=acuminate=, narrowed at the apex into a long point.
=acute=, tapering to a sharp point.
=-adelphous=, suffix used to show the number of bundles of stamens there
are in a flower where these are joined by their filaments; see
=monadelphous=, =diadelphous=, =polyadelphous=.
=adhesion=, the union of dissimilar parts of a flower, _e.g._, calyx and
ovary.
=adnate=, attached through their whole length, usually the smaller to
the greater.
=adpressed=, see =appressed=.
=æstivation=, the arrangement of sepals and petals in bud.
=agglomerate=, crowded together in a bunch.
=alternate=, applied to leaves when only one issues from each node and
the next above or below is on another side of the stem.
=amplexicaul=, when a leaf, stipule or bract embraces the stem.
=ampulliform=, flask-shaped.
=andrœcium=, the male organs of a flower, considered as a whole.
=-androus=, suffix used to show the number of stamens, _e.g._,
pentandrous, with 5 stamens.
=annual=, a plant which lives only one year.
=anterior=, in front.
=anther=, the upper part of a stamen, bearing pollen.
=anticous=, foremost.
=apetalous=, flowers without petals.
=apex=, the tip.
=apiculate=, with a small hard point at the tip.
=appressed=, pressed close to something else.
=aril= or =arillus=, a fleshy covering of some seeds.
=aristate=, when the point of a leaf is fine like a hair.
=articulate=, jointed and separating freely.
=ascending=, sloping upwards.
=auricles=, appendages at the base of the leaf-blade.
=awn=, a thread-like extension of a seed or other organ (as in barley).
=axil=, the angle formed at the attachment of a leaf or a flower to the
stem.
=axillary=, arising from the axil.
=axile=, of ovules when attached to the central axis of the ovary.
=barren=, when a flower produces no seed or pollen.
=basifixed=, when an anther is attached by its base to the filament.
=berry=, a pulpy fruit containing one or several seeds.
=biennial=, a plant living for two years only.
=bifid=, 2-cleft.
=bipinnate=, when the divisions of a pinnate leaf are again pinnate
(_e.g._ =Acacia=).
=bipinnatifid=, when the segments of a pinnatifid leaf are also
pinnately lobed.
=bipinnatipartite=, when the segments of a pinnatipartite leaf are also
deeply and pinnately lobed.
=biternate=, when the parts of a ternate leaf are also ternately
divided.
=blade= (or =lamina=), the upper, usually broader part of a leaf.
=bract=, a small leaf, usually differing from foliage leaves in shape or
colour, at the base of a flower stalk; also the divisions of an
involucre.
=bracteoles=, the last minute bracts under each flower.
=bud=, a leaf or flower before it opens.
=bulb=, a modified, usually underground stem, more or less globose in
shape, clothed with succulent leaves or scales (_e.g._, the =Onion=).
=caducous=, falling off early.
=calyptrate=, with hood-like covering on flower or fruit.
=calyx=, the outer envelope of a flower, made up of sepals.
=campanulate=, bell-shaped.
=cancellate=, resembling a grill, or latticed.
=canescent=, hoary.
=capillary=, hair-like, very fine.
=capitate=, arranged in a head.
=capitulum= or =head=, when several sessile (or nearly so) flowers are
collected into a compact head-like cluster at the end of the axis.
=capsule=, a dry dehiscent seed-vessel composed of 2 or more carpels and
usually containing several seeds.
=carpel=, the leaf of one of the leaves forming the ovary.
=caudate=, produced at the apex into a long, tail-like appendage.
=cauline=, growing from the stem.
=cell=, a unit of plant growth, also a subdivision of the ovary, _e.g._,
5-celled ovary.
=ciliate=, fringed with long hairs.
=circinate=, rolled up like the top of a bishop’s crozier.
=cirrhate=, with curled or forked tendrils.
=cladode=, a flattened branch taking on the appearance and functions of
a leaf (_e.g._, =Asparagus=).
=clavate=, club-shaped, _i.e._, cylindrical, but getting broader at the
apex.
=claw=, the narrowed base of a petal.
=club-shaped=, see =clavate=.
=coccus=, 1-seeded carpel of a dehiscent fruit.
=column=, applied to stamens and style when confluent, as in
=Asclepiadaceæ= and =Orchidaceæ=.
=compound inflorescence=, when an inflorescence, such as a =raceme=,
=umbel=, etc., is subdivided into subsidiary inflorescences, and forms a
=panicle=, =compound umbel=, etc.
=compound leaf=, when a leaf is divided into segments right down to the
midrib, so that each segment forms an individual =leaflet= which can
drop off by itself at the fall of the leaves.
=connate=, when two or more like-parts of a flower are united.
=connective=, the portion of the anther which unites the two cells.
=connivent=, converging.
=cordate=, heart-shaped, _i.e._, of a leaf, with 2 rounded basal lobes
and ovate, unless otherwise mentioned.
=coriaceous=, thick and tough, like leather.
=corm=, a bulb-shaped solid underground stem, in which reserve material
is stored.
=corolla=, the inner envelope of a flower (not always present), made up
of petals.
=corona=, a crown-like excrescence between corolla and stamens.
=corymb=, a raceme, the lower pedicels of which are gradually lengthened
so as to bring all its flowers on the same level.
=costate=, ribbed.
=cotyledon=, one of the (or the) first seed-leaves.
=crenate=, with rounded teeth.
=crenulate=, with small rounded teeth.
=culm=, the stem of =Bamboos=.
=cuneate=, wedge-shaped.
=cuspidate=, tipped with a sharp point.
=cyme=, an inflorescence in which the flowers are produced centrifugally
on successive lateral axes.
=deciduous=, applied to plants whose leaves are all shed at a certain
season of the year.
=decompound=, several times subdivided or compound, applied to leaves or
inflorescence.
=decumbent=, spreading horizontally, then turning upwards.
=decurrent=, applied to leaves, the margins of which run down the stem
below the insertion of the petiole.
=decussate=, when leaves are in pairs successively at right angles to
each other on the stem.
=dehiscent=, splitting (of fruits to let out the seeds).
=dentate=, dog-toothed, _i.e._, with teeth of equal sides.
=denticulate=, finely dog-toothed.
=diadelphous=, of stamens when they are joined by their filaments into
two groups, _e.g._, some of the =Papilionaceæ=.
=diandrous=, with 2 stamens.
=dichotomous=, applied to a stem, branch or inflorescence which forks
again and again.
=dicotyledons=, with two seed-leaves.
=didymous=, divided into two lobes, in pairs.
=didynamous=, with two long and two short stamens.
=diffuse=, widely and loosely spreading.
=digitate=, applied to a compound leaf, the leaflets of which spread
like the fingers of a hand.
=diœcious=, of plants the stamens of which are in flowers on one
individual and the ovary and style on another.
=disc= or =disk=, the receptacle on which are set flowers in a
capitulum, as in =Compositæ=, or at the base of the ovary within the
flower.
=disc-florets=, the regular tubular florets of certain =Compositæ=,
which, if accompanied by ligulate florets, occupy the centre of the
disc, while the latter are on the rim and called ray-florets.
=distichous=, arranged in the same plane, _i.e._, at two right angles to
each other.
=divaricate=, widely spreading.
=drupe=, a fleshy indehiscent fruit containing a “stone” in which the
seed is enclosed.
=echinate=, covered with prickles, like a hedgehog.
=elliptical=, shaped like an ellipse, oval.
=emarginate=, notched, usually at the apex of a leaf or petal.
=ensiform=, sword-shaped.
=entire=, applied to the margin of a leaf which is not toothed or
notched.
=epicalyx=, applied to a row of bracts, sometimes joined together,
outside the calyx, _e.g._, some of the =Malvaceæ=.
=epigynous=, apparently seated upon the ovary.
=epipetalous=, applied to stamens seated on the petals.
=epiphyte=, a plant which grows on another without being parasitic,
_e.g._, some =Orchids=.
=evergreen=, applied chiefly to shrubs and trees which bear leaves all
the year round.
=exserted=, protruding, applied chiefly to stamens which show outside
the flower.
=exstipulate=, having no stipules.
=extra-axillary=, from outside the axil.
=falcate=, scythe- or sickle-shaped.
=fascicled= or =fasciculate=, in bundles or tufts.
=fastigiate=, with parallel erect clustered branches.
=fertile=, capable of bearing fruit, applied also to stamens bearing
pollen.
=-fid=, a suffix, meaning split, _e.g._, =bifid=, split in two,
=trifid=, split in three, etc.
=filament=, the stalk of a stamen.
=filiform=, thread-like.
=fimbriate=, with a fringed margin.
=flabellate= or =flabelliform=, fan-shaped.
=flexuose=, bent alternately to right and to left.
=floccose=, with tufts of wool.
=foliaceous=, having the appearance or texture of leaves.
=follicle=, a carpel opening at the inner suture only, _e.g._, some
=Asclepiadiaceæ= and =Apocynaceæ=.
=-foliolate=, used to denote the number of leaflets, _e.g._,
=trifoliolate=, with 3 leaflets, etc.
=free=, not united.
=fruticose=, shrubby.
=fugaceous=, falling off early.
=funicle=, the stalk attaching the seed to the placenta.
=fusiform=, spindle-shaped.
=gamopetalous=, when all the petals of a corolla are united.
=gamophyllous=, when the leaves of a perianth are joined together.
=gamosepalous=, when the sepals of a calyx are joined together.
=geminate=, in pairs.
=gibbous=, swollen or humped on one side.
=glabrate=, almost hairless.
=glabrous=, smooth, without hairs.
=gland=, an organ of secretion, represented by a small lump, which is
sometimes stalked and called a =stipitate= gland.
=glandular hairs= are hairs which are enlarged at the top and contain a
viscous secretion.
=glaucous=, with a bluish waxy bloom.
=glochidiate=, applied to hairs or bristles hooked at the top.
=glume= is one of the bracts enclosing the flowers of sedges and
grasses.
=glumule=, the bract which forms the exterior covering of each flower of
a spikelet in grasses.
=granular=, covered with numerous minute excrescences.
=gymnosperms=, plants whose ovules are naked, _i.e._, not enclosed in
carpels, _e.g._, =Gnetaceæ= and =Cycadaceæ=.
=gynæcium=, the female organs of a flower.
=gynobasic=, of a style when it arises at or near the base of the ovary,
_e.g._, =Labiatæ=.
=gynophore=, applied to the receptacle below the ovary when elongated
and stalk-like.
=-gynous=, suffix used to show the number of carpels in an ovary,
_e.g._, trigynous, with 3 carpels.
=habit=, the habitual shape of a plant as it stands.
=habitat=, the locality which a plant selects for growing in on account
of suitability of climate, soil, elevation, etc., etc.
=hastate=, halberd-shaped, applied to leaves the basal lobes of which
are pointed and turned outwards at right angles to the axis of the leaf.
=head=, see =capitulum=.
=herbaceous=, tender and green, not woody.
=hermaphrodite=, applied to flowers having both male and female organs.
=hilum=, a scar on a seed showing the place of its attachment to the
fruit.
=hirsute=, with long, rough hairs.
=hispid=, with stiff hairs or bristles.
=hoary=, with short white hairs or down.
=hyaline=, glass-like, transparent or translucent.
=hypocrateriform=, salver-shaped, applied to a corolla when it expands
in a flat manner.
=hypogynous=, applied to a flower, the sepals, petals and the stamens of
which arise beneath the pistil.
=imbricate=, overlapping like the tiles of a roof.
=imparipinnate=, pinnate with an uneven number of leaflets.
=indefinite=, without fixed number, usually meaning a large number (of
sepals, petals, stamens, etc.).
=indehiscent=, applied to fruits which do not split to allow the seed to
escape.
=inferior=, applied to an ovary means that it is enclosed in and
adherent to the calyx.
=inflorescence=, the manner in which flowers are arranged on a plant.
=infundibuliform=, funnel-shaped.
=internode=, the portion of a stem between the point of attachment of
two successive leaves, if alternate leaves, or pairs of leaves, if they
are opposite.
=interrupted=, when applied to an inflorescence means that portion of
the axis bears no flowers although there are some both above and below.
=involucel=, the involucre of a secondary umbel.
=involucre=, a whorl of bracts, sometimes united and sometimes in
several rows below an inflorescence or an individual flower.
=involute=, rolled from the back, _e.g._, towards the upper surface of a
leaf.
=irregular=, applied to a flower which cannot be divided into two equal
sections in whatever direction from above it is cut.
=-jugate=, in pairs, _e.g._, bijugate in 2 pairs, trijugate in 3 pairs,
multijugate in many pairs, etc.
=keel=, the (more or less) united two lower petals in =Papilionaceæ=;
also applied to straight longitudinal nerves on bracts, sepals or
petals.
=labiate=, lipped, referring to the shape of the corolla or perianth.
=laciniate=, cut about, ragged, applied to leaves, the lobes of which
are narrow and irregular.
=lamina=, the blade or broad part of a leaf.
=lanceolate=, lance-shaped, applied to leaves about three times longer
than broad, broadest below the middle and tapering to the apex.
=latex=, milky sap.
=leaflet=, a subdivision of a compound leaf, _q.v._
=legume=, the seed-vessel of =Leguminosæ=, 1-celled and 2-valved.
=lepidote=, covered with small scurfy scales.
=ligulate=, strap-shaped.
=ligule=, a kind of stipule embracing the stem of grasses where the
sheath gives way to the blade of the leaf.
=ligulifloræ=, a section of the =Compositæ=, the florets of which in a
head have all a strap-shaped corolla.
=limb=, the broader part of a leaf, but more commonly the broader part
of the corolla above the tube, where it expands.
=linear=, narrow and long with parallel margins.
=lip=, a long more or less pendent corolla lobe or petal as in
=Labiatæ=, =Orchidaceæ=, etc.
=lobes=, the divisions of a simple leaf or calyx or corolla or fruit.
=lobulate=, having minute lobes.
=-locular=, divided into compartments or cells, _e.g._, trilocular =
3-celled.
=lodicules=, hyaline or fleshy nerveless scales in grasses, representing
the perianth of the flower.
=lunate=, crescent-shaped.
=lyrate=, applied to a pinnatifid leaf with a broader rounded terminal
lobe and smaller, shorter ones below, _e.g._, some =Cruciferæ= and
=Compositæ=.
=marcescent=, withering on the plant without falling off, _e.g._, the
flower of =Dombeya=.
=membranous=, thin and not stiff.
=-merous=, used to show the numbers of parts in each floral envelope,
_e.g._, trimerous, having 3 sepals, 3 petals (if any), 3 stamens, and
(or) 3 carpels.
=monadelphous=, when all the stamens are joined by their filaments, thus
forming a sheath round the ovary, _e.g._, =Malvaceæ=, some =Leguminosæ=,
etc.
=monandrous=, with one stamen.
=moniliform=, or beaded, repeatedly constricted, _e.g._, the pod of
=Acacia arabica=.
=monocotyledon=, having only one seed-leaf, _e.g._, =Palms=, =Grasses=,
=Sedges=, =Lilies=, etc.
=monœcious=, a plant having separate male and female flowers on the same
individual, see =diœcious=.
=mucronate=, terminating abruptly in a short stiff point or =mucro=.
=multifid=, divided distinctly into many parts.
=multipartite=, divided deeply into many parts.
=multisect=, divided so deeply into many parts that the individual parts
are practically divided off.
=muricate=, covered with short, sharp protuberances.
=naked=, applied to a flower means that it has no calyx or corolla,
applied to a seed that it has no pericarp.
=-nate=, a suffix showing that 2 or more leaves, etc., are together,
_e.g._, binate, 2 together, ternate, in a whorl of 3, etc.
=nectary=, an organ secreting sugary fluid within the flower.
=node=, the point of attachment of a leaf to a stem.
=nodose=, applied to roots and stems swollen at intervals, knotted.
=nut=, a dry indehiscent fruit with a hard woody pericarp.
=ob-=, a prefix which used with terms denoting shape (excepting oblong)
means that the shape is inverted; _e.g._, =oblanceolate= or =obovate=
applied to a leaf mean that the broader part of the leaf is towards the
apex as if it had been inverted, =obcordate= inverted heart-shaped, with
the lobes at the apex.
=oblong=, elongated elliptic.
=obtuse=, blunt.
=ochrea=, a membranous sheath, _e.g._, some =Polygonaceæ=.
=opposite=, applied to leaves means that these are inserted in pairs,
one leaf on either side of the stem.
=orbicular=, round, circular.
=organ=, every part of a plant which has a distinct function to perform.
=ostiole=, small aperture as, _e.g._, into the receptacle in =Ficus=.
=oval=, of the same shape as the mathematical figure.
=ovary=, one or more carpels enclosing one or more ovules.
=ovate=, somewhat egg-shaped in outline, flat and scarcely twice as long
as broad, broadest below the middle.
=ovoid=, applied to bodies of three dimensions, _e.g._, ovaries and
seeds, which are egg-shaped.
=ovule=, the early condition of future seeds within the ovary.
=palate=, part of the lower lip which closes the mouth of a ringent
corolla; _e.g._, in =Snap-Dragon=.
=paleaceous=, chaff-like.
=paleæ=, inner bracts or scales in =Compositæ= or =Gramineæ=, see also
=valvules=.
=palmate=, applied to a simple leaf divided like a hand into several
lobes.
=palmatifid=, more deeply divided than the former.
=palmatipartite= or =palmatisect=, palmately divided to the root of the
main ribs.
=pandurate= or =panduriform=, fiddle-shaped.
=panicle=, when the axis of an inflorescence bears branches having two
or more flowers, when the term is used alone it usually means a compound
=raceme=, a =cymose= panicle has the branches in cymes, a =corymbose=
panicle has them in corymbs and so on.
=pappus=, an appendage consisting of a ring of hairs or scales round the
top of a fruit, _e.g._, some of the =Compositæ=.
=parasite=, a plant living on the sap of another plant.
=-partite=, deeply divided, see =pinnatipartite=, =palmatipartite=,
=pedatipartite= and =multipartite=.
=patent=, open, spreading at right angles to the axis.
=pectinate=, finely divided like the teeth of a comb.
=pedate=, applied to a compound leaf when the divisions are at first
ternate, but the outer branches are forked and the outer ones of each
fork again forked.
=pedatifid=, applied to a simple leaf divided in a similar way to a
pedate leaf.
=pedatipartite= or =pedatisect=, when the divisions are practically to
the main nerve.
=pedicel=, the stalk of a flower in a compound inflorescence.
=peduncle=, the stalk of a solitary flower, or of an inflorescence.
=peltate=, applied to a leaf which is more or less orbicular and the
petiole of which is inserted not at the lower margin but near the
centre.
=perennial=, when the life of a plant lasts more than 2 years, although
the upper portion may die down to the ground every year.
=perianth=, the only floral envelope in the =Apetalæ= and in
=Monocotyledons=.
=pericarp=, the wall of the ovary when in fruit.
=perigynous=, when the corolla and stamens are borne on the calyx and
free from the ovary.
=persistent=, which does not fall off.
=petal=, a leaf of the inner envelope of a flower, often brightly
coloured, absent from certain plants.
=petaloid=, having the appearance of a petal.
=petiole=, the leaf-stalk.
=petiolule=, the stalk of a leaflet.
=phanerogam=, a flowering plant.
=pilose=, sprinkled thinly with long soft hairs.
=pinnate=, applied to a compound leaf, the leaflets of which are
arranged, feather like, on either side of the rhachis; see =abruptly
pinnate=, =imparipinnate=, =bipinnate=.
=pinnatifid=, when a simple leaf is divided into a series of lobes on
either side of the midrib.
=pinna=, in bi- or tripinnate leaves each subdivision with the leaflets
it comprises is called a =pinna=.
=pinnatipartite= or =pinnatisect=, the lobes more deeply divided than in
a =pinnatifid= leaf and reaching almost to the midrib.
=pistil=, the innermost whorl of the flower consisting of one or more
carpels, and includes ovary, style and stigma.
=pitted=, covered with small depressed spots.
=placenta=, is the part of the interior of the ovary to which the ovules
are attached.
=placentation=, the method of attachment of the ovules, _viz._, =axile=
when attached to the axis, but if this axis does not reach the top the
placentation is =free central=, and =parietal= when attached to the
inner wall of the ovary.
=plicate=, folded longitudinally like a closed fan.
=plumose=, like a tuft of long feathers, _e.g._, the leaves of a palm.
=plumule=, the leaf-bearing part of the embryo.
=pod=, a one-celled, two-valved seed vessel.
=pollen=, the fertilizing dust contained within the anther.
=pollinia= or =pollen-masses=, club-shaped collections of pollen in
=Asclepiadaceæ= and =Orchidaceæ=.
=polyadelphous=, when the stamens are united into several bundles by
junction of filaments.
=polyandrous=, with many stamens.
=polycarpous= or =polycarpellary=, with many carpels.
=polygamous=, bearing male, female and hermaphrodite flowers at the same
time on the same plant, but if on distinct plants they are =polygamo-
diœcious=.
=polypetalous= or =dialypetalous=, when the petals are free.
=polysepalous= or =dialysepalous=, when the sepals are free.
=præmorse=, as though the end were bitten off.
=prickle=, a sharp excrescence from the epidermis of a plant and not
from the wood.
=procumbent=, of a plant which lies along the ground for the greater
part of its length.
=prostrate=, when a plant lies down throughout its length.
=puberulent=, minutely downy.
=pubescent=, downy.
=quadrate=, square.
=raceme=, an inflorescence in which stalked flowers are inserted along a
central axis.
=rachilla= and =rachis=, see =rhachilla= and =rhachis=.
=radical=, springing from the root.
=radicle=, the embryo root.
=ray florets=, the outer florets, in the capitulum of certain
=Compositæ=.
=rays= of an umbel, the pedicels bearing the flowers or secondary
umbels.
=receptacle=, the short, flat, convex or conical axis on which the
flowers of a head are seated, as in =Compositæ=; also the extremity of
the flower-stalk above the calyx (also called =torus=) on which the
corolla, stamens and pistil are inserted.
=reclinate=, bent downwards.
=recurved=, bent back.
=reduplicate=, folded back.
=reflexed=, bent back abruptly.
=regular=, applied to a flower means that all parts of the floral whorls
are equal among themselves.
=reniform=, kidney-shaped.
=reticulated=, net-like.
=retrorse=, turned backwards.
=retuse=, very blunt and slightly indented.
=revolute=, rolled back, in case of a leaf towards the underside.
=rhachilla=, a secondary axis in the flowers of =Sedges= and =Grasses=.
=rhachis=, the stalk of a compound leaf bearing the leaflets; also the
portion of the axis of an inflorescence from the lowest ramification
upwards.
=rhomboidal=, applied to leaves or leaflets means more or less 4-angled
but not square.
=rostellate=, with a small beak.
=rostrate=, beaked.
=rosulate=, rosette-shaped.
=rotate=, wheel-shaped; of a corolla when the petals or lobes are spread
out horizontally from the base.
=rufous=, foxy-red.
=rugose=, wrinkled.
=runcinate=, pinnatifid with the lobes pointing downwards.
=runner=, a prostrate branch, rooting at places.
=saccate=, bag-like.
=sagittate=, applied to a leaf the basal lobes or auricles point
downwards like the barbs of an arrow.
=samara=, a winged fruit.
=sarcocarp=, the fleshy layer in certain fruits.
=scabrous= or =scabrid=, rough to the touch.
=scales=, leaves much reduced in size, but having neither colour nor
functions of leaves; also circular disc-like hairs.
=scandent=, climbing.
=scape=, a naked peduncle springing apparently from the root.
=scarious=, thin and more or less translucent, not green.
=scorpioid= inflorescence, a cymose compound inflorescence, in which, by
the abortion of one of the branches in each of the successive subsidiary
cymes, always on the same side, the inflorescence becomes curled up
somewhat like a scorpion’s tail; _e.g._, =Boraginaceæ=.
=-sect=, cut completely to the base, _e.g._, =pinnatisect= when the
lobes of a simple leaf are cut down to the midrib.
=secund=, when all the leaves or flowers are turned to the same side of
the stem.
=sepal=, one of the leaves forming the calyx.
=serrate=, sawlike, applied to the teeth on the margin of a leaf, the
point of which is sharp and the sides unequal.
=serrulate=, finely serrate.
=sessile=, having no stalk.
=seta=, a bristle.
=setaceous= or =setose=, bristly.
=sheath=, the dilated petiole of a leaf when it encloses the stem for
some distance above the node, _e.g._, =Grasses=, some =Umbelliferæ=,
etc.
=shrub=, a woody plant over 3 ft. high, which naturally branches into
several stems from near the ground; a plant with a single stem, but too
small to be classed as a tree is known as an =arborescent shrub=.
=siliqua=, a linear pod divided into 2 cells by a thin membranous
partition, from which the valves generally separate at maturity. When
the pod is short and broad it is called a =silicule=. Both are
characteristic of the =Cruciferæ=.
=simple=, applied to a leaf means that it is not subdivided into
leaflets, and to an inflorescence when the main floral axis only bears
single flowers and not subsidiary inflorescences.
=sinuate=, or =wavy= when the margins of a leaf have a wavy outline,
like an oak-leaf.
=sinus=, the space between the teeth or lobes of a leaf.
=spadix=, a fleshy spike as in the =Araceæ=.
=spathe=, a sheath-like bract enclosing the flower of some
Monocotyledons, _e.g._, in =Araceæ=.
=spathulate=, ladle-shaped, _i.e._, broad in the short upper part and
contracted below.
=spike=, a simple inflorescence bearing sessile flowers along the axis.
=spikelet=, applied to the small clusters of flowers in =Sedges= and
=Grasses= enclosed within one or more glumes.
=spine=, a woody persistent thorn.
=spur=, a conical hollow projection in the tube or lower part of a
petal, _e.g._, in some =Scrophulariaceæ= and =Orchidaceæ=.
=squamæ=, see scales.
=squarrose=, applied to imbricated scales, bracts or leaves having
pointed tips and which are also spreading or recurved.
=stamen=, the male organ of the flower.
=staminode=, imperfect and barren stamen.
=standard=, the large upper petal in =Papilionaceæ=.
=stellate=, applied to a corolla the petals or lobes of which spread out
like the rays of a star; also to branched hairs radiating from a centre.
=sterile= or =barren=, applied to stamens without pollen and to flowers
without a pistil.
=stigma=, the upper part of the pistil on which the pollen settles
before fertilizing the ovules.
=stipe=, a term applied to a stalk on any part of the plant except
leaves and flowers.
=stipellæ= or =stipels=, subsidiary stipules of leaflets.
=stipitate=, stalked.
=stipule=, leaf-like appendages, often in pairs and winged at the base
of the petiole in certain plants; when taking the form of spines they
are known as stipular thorns, _e.g._, =Acacia arabica=, etc.
=stolon=, a horizontal runner.
=striate=, marked with longitudinal lines or furrows.
=strigose=, applied to shortish hair lying close along the surface in
one direction.
=strobilate=, closely overlapping as the scales in the cone of a fir.
=style=, the portion of the pistil which bears the stigma.
=subsessile=, almost sessile.
=subulate=, awl-shaped.
=succulent=, juicy, sappy.
=sulcate=, grooved, fluted, furrowed.
=superior ovary=, an ovary which is free, _i.e._, not adnate to the
calyx or perianth.
=suture=, the line along which similar organs cohere, _e.g._, carpellary
leaves.
=syncarpous=, applied to an ovary composed of several carpels cohering
to one another.
=tendril=, a thread-like process, usually an abortive petiole or
peduncle, having the faculty of grasping and twining round objects and
thus enabling the plant to climb.
=terete=, with a circular cross section, _e.g._, a cylinder.
=ternate=, in threes, whether three leaves in a verticil or 3 lobes or 3
leaflets of a leaf, but the last two are more commonly called tri-lobed
or tri-fid and tri-foliolate respectively.
=terrestrial=, growing in the earth in contradistinction to epiphytes
and tree-parasites.
=tesselated=, marked with small squares, _e.g._, nuts of some =Sedges=.
=thorn=, usually an abortive branch petiole or peduncle with a sharp,
pointed end.
=throat=, the upper part of a corolla tube.
=thyrsus=, a compound inflorescence in which cymes, usually opposite,
are arranged in a narrow pyramidal panicle.
=tomentose=, covered with light-coloured, short, soft and somewhat
felted hairs (=tomentum=).
=torulose=, cylindrical with small swellings and depressions.
=torus=, see =receptacle=.
=tree=, a plant capable of carrying a single stem, up to about 25 ft. at
least.
=trigonous=, obtusely 3-angled.
=triquetrous=, more sharply 3-angled, almost 3-winged.
=truncate=, ending abruptly, as if cut off square.
=tuber=, a short underground stem containing farinaceous matter, _e.g._,
potato.
=tubercled= or =tuberculate=, covered with roundish knobby projections.
=tumid=, inflated, swollen.
=turbinate=, top-shaped.
=umbel=, an inflorescence in which the flowers radiate from a common
point on stalks of about the same lengths.
=umbellule=, a subsidiary umbel in a compound umbel.
=umbonate=, with a boss as on a shield.
=uncinate=, hooked.
=undershrub=, a woody plant less than 3 ft. in height.
=undulate=, applied to margins of leaves which without being cut out
rise and fall like waves.
=unguiculate=, clawed, applied to a stalked petal.
=unisexual=, of one sex only, applied to flowers which have stamens and
no pistil or _vice versa_.
=urceolate=, urn-shaped.
=utricle=, the pericarp of a nut when it is thin and loose.
=valvate=, applied to the æstivation of a corolla means that in bud the
petals or lobes are arranged edge to edge without overlapping.
=valves=, these are (_a_) the segments into which a capsule splits on
becoming ripe; (_b_) the bracts between the glumes and the =paleæ= (or
=valvules=) in the flowers of =Grasses=.
=valvules= (or =paleæ=), 2-nerved, hyaline bracts situated between the
valves (see above) and the =lodicules=.
=ventricose=, swelling or inflated.
=verrucose=, covered by wart-like lumps.
=versatile=, applied to anthers which are attached by one point on their
backs to the tips of the filaments so as to swing loosely.
=verticil=, whorl.
=villous=, having long, soft hairs, shaggy.
=virgate=, twiggy.
=viscous= or =viscid=, giving out a sticky secretion.
=vittæ=, linear vesicles, filled with oil, in the pericarp of
=Umbelliferæ=.
=wavy=, see =undulate=, also applied to =sinuate=.
=whorl= or =verticil=, 3 or more leaves or flowers arranged round a stem
on the same level.
=wing=, (_a_) the prolongation of a fruit or seed into a membrane, (_b_)
a thin membrane along the angle of a stem, (_c_) protuberances on the
rhachilla of certain =Sedges=.
=woolly=, with long loose hairs like wool.
CONSPECTUS OF PRINCIPAL GROUPS OF PLANTS AS ARRANGED IN THIS FLORA
=GYMNOSPERMÆ= (p. 48). Ovules naked, not enclosed in an ovary, no calyx
or corolla.
Plants palm-like with fusiform or globose stem; leaves pinnate;
flowers in cones.
=Cycadaceæ= (p. 48).
Whip-like shrub or climber with more or less whorled branches; leaves
scale-like, connate at the base, flowers spicate.
=Gnetaceæ= (p. 48).
=ANGIOSPERMÆ=. Ovules enclosed in an ovary; calyx or corolla usually
present.
=Dicotyledones= (p. 49). Embryo with 2 seed-leaves (cotyledons).
Leaves typically net-veined. Vascular bundles of stem usually in a
ring. Flowers mostly with parts in 4’s or 5’s—for key to families of
this group see p. 16.
=Monocotyledones= (p. 365). Embryo with only 1 seed leaf. Leaves
typically parallel-nerved. Vascular bundles of the stem scattered.
Flowers mostly with parts in 3’s—for key to families of this group see
p. 45.
ARTIFICIAL KEY TO THE FAMILIES OF DICOTYLEDONES REPRESENTED IN THIS
FLORA.
(Extracted and adapted from Hutchinson, _Families of Flowering
Plants_.)
KEY TO THE ARTIFICIAL GROUPS.[3]
Gynæcium composed of 2 or more separate or nearly quite separate
carpels with separate styles and stigmas (rarely the free carpels
immersed in the expanded torus (Nymphæaceæ).
“=APOCARPÆ=”
Petals present free from each other, sometimes considerably modified
or scarcely distinguishable from the sepals.
Group 1 (p. 17).
Petals present more or less united
Group 2 (p. 18).
Petals absent
Group 3 (p. 18).
Gynæcium composed of 1 carpel or 2 or more united carpels with free or
united styles, or if carpels free below, then the styles or stigmas
united.
“=SYNCARPÆ=”
Ovules attached to the wall or walls of the ovary.
“=Parietales=”
Ovary superior:
Petals present, free from each other
Group 4 (p. 19).
Petals present, more or less united
Group 5 (p. 22).
Petals absent
Group 6 (p. 24).
Ovary inferior:
Petals present, free from each other
Group 7 (p. 25).
Petals present, more or less united
Group 8(p. 25).
Petals absent
Group 9 (p. 26).
Ovules attached to the central axis, or to the base or apex of the
ovary cell.
“=Axiles=”
Ovary superior:
Petals present, free from each other
Group 10 (p. 26).
Petals present, more or less united
Group 11 (p. 33).
Petals absent
Group 12 (p. 37).
Ovary inferior:
Petals present, free from each other
Group 13 (p. 41).
Petals present, more or less united
Group 14 (p. 43).
Petals absent
Group 15(p. 44).
=GROUP 1. Two or more free carpels; petals present, free from each
other.=
a) Leaves opposite or verticillate:
b) Stamens numerous, 15 or more; leaves stipulate; fruits follicular
or indehiscent, sometimes arranged on a large fleshy torus; style
often lateral or basal.
=Rosaceæ=
bb) Stamens up to 15 in number:
c) Herbs, often succulent; leaves often connate at the base,
exstipulate; flowers mostly cymose; carpels the same number as the
petals; seeds often minute, with fleshy endosperm.
=Crassulaceæ=
cc) Trees, shrubs or woody climbers; carpels 1-3; petals often
clawed, thin; stipules mostly intrapetiolar, often connate at the
base; sepals often with 2 glands at the base; hairs on the leaves
usually medifixed.
=Malpighiaceæ=
aa) Leaves alternate or all radical:
b) Leaves stipulate:
c) Stamens free from one another or nearly so; fruits follicular or
indehiscent, often arranged on a large fleshy torus; sepals
imbricate; seeds without endosperm.
=Rosaceæ=
cc) Stamens free from one another or nearly so; fruits not on an
enlarged torus; trees with large leaves and stellate hairs; calyx
valvate; seeds with copious endosperm.
=Tiliaceæ=
ccc) Stamens more or less united into a column; calyx valvate; mostly
trees or shrubs; hairs often stellate or lepidote.
=Sterculiaceæ=
bb) Leaves without stipules:
c) Carpels completely sunk in the tissue of the large broad torus;
aquatic plants with floating leaves and bright showy flowers.
=Nymphæaceæ=
cc) Carpels not sunk in the tissue of the torus; not aquatic:
d) Stamens the same number and opposite to the petals; carpels
usually 3; leaves simple; fruit drupaceous; endosperm sometimes
ruminate.
=Menispermaceæ=
dd) Stamens alternate with the petals or monadelphous or more
numerous than the petals:
e) Stamens numerous (more than 12):
f) Flowers usually hermaphrodite, mostly fairly large and
solitary; anthers usually with a broad truncate connective; seeds
with abundant ruminate endosperm.
=Anonaceæ=
ff) Flowers dioecious, small; anthers with a narrow connective;
lateral nerves of the leaves not markedly prominent.
=Menispermaceæ=
fff) Flowers hermaphrodite, paniculate, small to medium-sized;
anthers small, with a narrow connective; lateral nerves of the
leaves prominent and parallel; seeds arillate; sepals persistent
and often accrescent.
=Dilleniaceæ=
ee) Stamens few (12 or fewer):
f) Leaves compound or very much divided:
g) Herbs; fruit an achene; seed with copious endosperm and small
embryo; flowers mostly yellow.
=Ranunculaceæ=
gg) Trees or shrubs; fruit a follicle; seeds without endosperm;
leaves pinnate.
=Connaraceæ=
ff) Leaves simple:
g) Flowers hermaphrodite; shrubs or trees; seeds arillate, aril
entire, more or less cupular; petals 5.
=Connaraceæ=
gg) Flowers unisexual; petals and stamens in threes or multiples
of three.
=Menispermaceæ=
=GROUP 2. Two or more free carpels; petals present, more or less
united.=
Herbs with fleshy opposite leaves; flowers racemose, cymose or
paniculate; corolla more or less tubular; calyx sometimes inflated and
membranous.
=Crassulaceæ=
Trees, shrubs or climbers with usually pinnate or unifoliolate
leaves; petals very shortly connate at the base; seeds often arillate;
calyx never inflated.
=Connaraceæ=
=GROUP 3. Two or more free carpels; petals absent.=
a) Trees, shrubs or hard-wooded climbers; leaves simple or rarely
compound:
b) Leaves stipulate; stamens free or slightly connate at the base;
anthers opening by slits; fruits drupaceous, included by the tubular
calyx.
=Rosaceæ=
bb) Leaves stipulate; stamens united into a column; anthers in a ring
around the top of the column or unequally arranged, opening by slits;
hairs often stellate.
=Sterculiaceæ=
aa) Herbs with radical or alternate leaves, or very soft wooded
climbers with often opposite leaves and rather broad medullary rays in
the wood:
b) Carpels usually numerous, rarely reduced to 1 and then stipulate,
often with long hairy tails; sepals induplicate valvate or rarely
imbricate, often petaloid; stamens free; leaves sometimes opposite and
much divided.
=Ranunculaceæ=
bb) Carpels definite in number, often 3 or 6; flowers unisexual;
stamens free or variously connate; climbers with simple leaves.
=Menispermaceæ=
=GROUP 4. One carpel or more than one united carpels; ovules on the
walls of the ovary; ovary superior; petals present, free from each
other.=
a) Leaves opposite:
b) Stamens more or less united into 3 or more separate bundles; leaves
often gland-dotted or with lines of resin; mostly herbaceous; styles
free to the base or very nearly so.
=Hypericaceæ=
bb) Stamens free or more or less united into not more than 2 separate
bundles (diadelphous), sometimes adnate to a gynophore; leaves not or
very rarely glandular:
c) Connective of the anthers produced above the cells; flowers often
somewhat zygomorphic (irregular), the lower petal often gibbous or
saccate at the base.
=Violaceæ=
cc) Connective of the anthers not produced beyond the cells; flowers
usually actinomorphic (regular) or papilionaceous:
d) Flowers actinomorphic (regular), sessile; leaves small and
ericoid, more or less connate at the base; stamens free.
=Frankeniaceæ=
dd) Flowers zygomorphic (irregular); stamens diadelphous; fruit a
legume.
=Papilionaceæ=
aa) Leaves alternate or all radical:
b) Stamens numerous (more than 12):
c) Filaments more or less connate into a tube or into separate
bundles:
d) Filaments connate in 1 or 2 and unequal bundles; leaves compound;
flowers mostly arranged in dense spikes or heads.
=Mimosaceæ=
dd) Filaments connate into more than 2 separate bundles opposite the
sepals; calyx valvate; fruits prickly.
=Tiliaceæ=
cc) Filaments free or at most partially adnate to a gynophore:
d) Ovary supported on a gynophore; petals often clawed; seeds
without endosperm.
=Capparidaceæ=
dd) Ovary sessile or very nearly so:
e) Anthers horse-shoe shaped; ovary placentas 2; ovules numerous;
stipules caducous, leaving a wide scar; leaves large, palminerved
at the base; pedicels often with 5 large glands below the sepals.
=Bixaceæ=
ee) Anthers straight or nearly so, opening by apical pores or short
pore-like slits: