3-40 Fagaceae, beech family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Magnoliophyte, dicots, beech family, Fagus, beech, Quercus, oak

Abstract

A family of trees and shrubs, there are almost 800 species in 6–8 genera. Monoecious species, the inflorescence is of tiny unisexual flowers interspersed with a few perfect flowers. Staminate flowers arranged in clusters or catkins, with 4–7 tepals, appearing as the leaves unfurl. Stamens 6–12. Pistillate flowers may subtend the staminate ones in clusters, or are borne in separate axils. Inflorescences are subtended by an involucre. Ovary is inferior, with carpels numbering three or six, producing but a single seed, with the remaining carpels aborting. Fruit is a nut in our species, enclosed by numerous scales. Leaves are alternate, simple and ranging from entire to lobed. Stipules present and deciduous. Photographs are provided by Sean Blaney, Martin Thomas, David Mazerolle, and Alain Belliveau.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor