3-82 Saxifragaceae, saxifrage 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, dicot, saxifrage family, Chrysosplenium, Tiarella, Parnassia, Saxifraga, mitrewort, foamflower, Mitella, saxifrage, grass-of-Parnassus

Abstract

About 700 species in 40 genera comprise this family of herbs and shrubs. Nova Scotia has several representative species, ranging from the highland saxifrages to deciduous forest mitreworts.

Calyx and corolla are 4-5-merous. Sepals appear to be lobes of the hypanthium. Petals are variable in size and dissection. Stamens are equal in number or double the number of sepals and petals. Pistils number one or three; carpels 2–5, united basally to form a compound ovary, which may be deeply lobed. Fruit is dehiscent. Leaves are alternate with or without stipules, basal or cauline. Several genera are cultivated, but not persisting outside of cultivation.Image use donated by Sean Blaney, Beth Cameron and Jamie Ellison.

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.