Viola L.

Violaceae, N. K. B. Robson. Flora Zambesiaca 1:1. 1960

Morphology General Habit

Herbs, rarely shrublets.

Morphology Leaves

Leaves alternate, petiolate, usually ± serrate; stipules sometimes foliaceous, persistent.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescence almost always of single flowers in the leaf axils; pedicels not articulated.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers zygomorphic.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Sepals almost equal, usually with a basal appendage (± absent in V. abyssinica).

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Petals unequal, the anterior usually larger than the others with a basal spur of varying length, blue or purple to yellow or white but always yellow at the base.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens

Stamens with very short free filaments; anthers free or slightly coherent, with a ± thick dorsal prolongation of the connective ("connective-appendage"), and the ventral anthers with two appendages which extend into the spur and secrete nectar ("spur-appendages").

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Pistil

Ovary with 3 placentas, each bearing numerous ovules; style usually bent downwards and ± thickened towards the apex, entire or with various appendages; stigma terminal, or apparently lateral when the style apex is reflexed.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Fruit a loculicidal capsule with 3 contractile valves keeled and thickened along the sutures.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Seeds

Seeds globose-ovoid, usually smooth, with abundant endosperm and with or without a thickened aril.

Violaceae, C. Grey-wilson. Flora of Tropical East Africa. 1986

Morphology General Habit

Herbs or rarely subshrubs

Morphology Leaves

Leaves alternate, peiolate; stipules entire to variously toothed or lobed, sometimes foliaceous

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers solitary, axillary, zygomorphic; pedicels with a pair of small bracteoles, generally above the middle

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Sepals ± equal, usually with a short basal appendage

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Petals unequal, the lowermost (the lip) usually larger, sometimes equal to or smaller than the other petals and with a short or long basal spur directed backwards

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens

Stamens with very short free filaments and free or slightly coherent anthers; connective-appendages entire, generally oblong or ovate; lower 2 anthers each with an appendage extending into the spur and which excretes nectar

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Pistil

Ovary generally with numerous ovules; style usually deflexed downwards and thickened towards the tip

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Fruit a loculicidal capsule with 3 contractile valves

Morphology Reproductive morphology Seeds

Seeds usually smooth, with or without an aril.