3-62 Onagraceae, evening-primrose 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, evening-primrose family, Epilobium, Ludwigia, Chamerion, Oenothera, Circaea, evening-primrose, sundrops, enchanter`s nightshade, fireweed, water-purslane, water-primrose, willow-herb,

Abstract

Mostly this is a family of herbs, distributed throughout the Americas, and best developed in the western US. All have simple leaves and perfect flowers; the hypanthium extends beyond the ovary. Our species have the petals and sepals two- or four-merous. Sepals are reflexed at anthesis and equal in number to the stamens and carpels. Alternate stamens may be unequal in size. Carpels are united, forming a compound ovary. Fruit is generally a capsule, although some have berries or nuts. Photograph use is donated by Andy Dean, Ross Hall, Sean Blaney, Martin Thomas and David Mazerolle.

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