Lacistemataceae Mart.

Milliken, W., Klitgard, B. and Baracat, A. (2009 onwards), Neotropikey - Interactive key and information resources for flowering plants of the Neotropics. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Morphology General Habit

Shrubs or small trees

Morphology Leaves

Leaves alternate simple, stipulate, blades pinnately veined, margins entire to (less commonly) denticulate or serrate

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescences axillary catkin -like cylindrical spikes or spiciform racemes

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers minute, bisexual (or less commonly andromonoecious or monoecious), each flower subtended by a bract or bracts, which are sometimes partially fused and cup-like

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Sepals 1-6

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Petals lacking

Disc

Disk present, variously shaped but sometimes annular or cup-shaped and misinterpreted as other structure

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens

Stamen 1, attached to the inner surface of the disk, connective between the anthers often expanded or anthers stipitate, anther dehiscence introrse

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium

Gynoecium of one pistil, ovary superior, unilocular, placentation parietal, style short or long, stigmas (2-)3

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Fruit berry -like but eventually dehiscent by three loculicidal valves

Morphology Reproductive morphology Seeds

Seed(s) 1(-3), arillate.

Distribution

Lacistema Sw.:  Mexico to SE Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and NE Argentina. Lozania Mutis ex Caldas:  Costa Rica to Peru and Brazil. Endemic.

Diagnostic

Key differences from similar families: If reproductive parts are available, the family is usually diagnosable by the presence of catkin-like spikes or spiciform racemes and flowers with a single stamen. Anthers usually with an expanded connective, that is, anther thecae stipitate. Seeds arillate. Distinguishing characters (always present): Trees or shrubs. Leaves simple and alternate. Catkin-like cylindrical spikes or spiciform racemes. Minute apetalous flowers. Parietal placentation. Stamen 1. Key to genera of Neotropical Lacistemataceae 1. Inflorescences catkin -like spikes .... Lacistema 1. Inflorescences slender spiciform-racemes (or -panicles) .... Lozania

Note

Lacistemaaggregatum Rusby is a fairly common and widespread species in the Neotropics. Number of genera: Lacistema (11 spp.) Lozania (3 spp.) Notes on delimitation: Lacistemataceae have traditionally been allied with or sometimes placed in Flacourtiaceae. Phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequence data have indicated that Flacourtiaceae are polyphyletic and that Lacistemataceae are related to one group of the former Flacourtiaceae now placed in Salicaceaesensu lato (Malpighiales).