Lepistemon Blume

Staples, G. W. (2007). A Synopsis of Lepistemon (Convolvulaceae) in Australasia. Kew Bulletin, 62(2), 223-232. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/20443347.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens Filaments

The lower filament (sometimes interpreted as an outgrowth from the nectary disc) develops into a curved scale The 5 Filament base scales arch inward and almost touch the style, the anthers encircle the style, dehiscing outward; this arrangement no doubt plays some role in pollination.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

The urceolate corolla has a unique spittoon shape.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Fruits are dehiscent, 4 (or less by abortion) -seeded capsules.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

The subumbellate, many-flowered, head-like inflorescence almost sessile in the leaf axils is a good field character.

Note

Two African genera, Lepistemonopsis Dammer (1 species) and Paralepistemon Lejoly & Lisowski (2 species), each share with Lepistemon the feature of filament base scales, though neither occurs in Australasia. Lepistemonopsis is readily differentiated by its campanulate, 5-lobed corolla; and an indehiscent, or tardily dehiscent, 4-seeded fruit. Paralepistemon is readily differentiated by the cymose inflorescences in the upper leaf axils that form lax panicles; a broadly funnelform corolla; and indehiscent, woody, 1-seeded fruits. Wilkin's (1999) morphological cladistic analysis suggested that Lepistemon (and all the other spinulose pollen genera) should be subsumed into Ipomoea. Subsequent molecular evidence (Manos et al. 2001; Stefanovic et al. 2002) reached the same conclusion. Six species: one widespread in tropical Africa; one widespread in tropical Asia; two confined to the Indian subcontinent; one in eastern Asia; one in Malesia, Melanesia, and Australia.

Type

Type species: Lepistemon flavescens Blume [= L. binectarifer]

Convolvulaceae, Maria Leonor Gonçalves. Flora Zambesiaca 8:1. 1987

Morphology General Habit

Herbaceous or woody twiners, usually hairy.

Morphology Leaves

Leaves petioled; lamina broad, ovate to circular, entire or lobed, often cordate at the base.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers in dense, axillary, sessile or peduncled cymes.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Sepals 5, subequal, herbaceous or subcoriaceous, acute or obtuse, hairy or glabrous.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Corolla urceolate, the tube narrowing upwards; limb shortly 5-lobed.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens

Stamens inserted low down in the corolla tube, dilated in their basal portions into large concave scales which arch over the ovary; pollen spinulose.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Pistil

Ovary glabrous or hairy, bilocular, each loculus with 2 ovules; style 1, very short; stigmas 2, capitate, or one, bilobed.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Capsule 4-valved or almost indehiscent.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Seeds

Seeds 4.