Triaspis Burch.

M. Thulin. Flora of Somalia, Vol. 1–4 [updated 2008] https://plants.jstor.org/collection/FLOS

Distribution

Genus of about 15 species, all in Africa.

Morphology General Habit

Woody climbers, scandent shrubs or small trees

Morphology Leaves

Leaves opposite, subopposite or rarely in threes, usually with glands near base of blade beneath, petiolate or sessile, with or without stipules

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescences usually many-flowered corymbs, umbels or panicles; pedicels articulated

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers regular or zygomorphic. Calyx without glands

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Petals white or pink (in Somalia), usually with fringed margins

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens

Stamens usually glabrous; anthers basifixed

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Ovary

Ovary (2–)3-celled, glabrous (in Somalia) or hairy; styles (2–)3, with strongly incurved tip

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Samara with a shield-like circular or ovate lateral wing; dorsal wing short or absent.

Malpighiaceae, E. Launert. Flora Zambesiaca 2:1. 1963

Morphology General Habit

Small trees, woody climbers, or scandent or semiscandent shrubs.

Morphology Leaves

Leaves opposite or subopposite or rarely ternate, usually with 2–4 glands on the under surface near the base, petiolate or sessile, with or without interpetiolar stipules.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescences terminal or axillary, usually forming many-flowered corymbs, umbels or panicles; bracts and bracteoles usually present, usually deciduous.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers actinomorphic or zygomorphic, bisexual.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Sepals 5, almost always without glands.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Petals 5, unguiculate, usually with fringed or denticulate margins; pedicels as long as, or longer than, the peduncle and articulated with it.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens

Stamens 10; anthers basifixed, usually glabrous; filaments subulate, glabrous or finely-pubescent.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Pistil

Ovary hairy or glabrous, 3-locular (or sometimes 2-locular outside our region); styles 3 (2), somewhat curved, with incurving stigmas.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Samara with a circular or ovate membranous or coriaceous lateral wing; dorsal wing shorter and narrower or absent.