3-85 Thymelaceae, mezereum 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, mezereum family, dicots, Daphne, Dirca, leatherwood, daphne, poisonous plants

Abstract

A worldwide family, it numbers about 500 species; in Nova Scotia consisting of two shrubs. One is an Acadian introduction; the other is a rare native shrub. All are highly toxic and most are woody, shrubs or trees. Ours have alternate, entire leaves. The flowers are perfect or unisexual, usually regular and 4–5-merous. Petals are absent or insignificant in size; the sepals are petaloid. Ovary is superior, with one developed carpel and one vestigial. The fruit is indehiscent. Use of images has been granted by Beth Cameron and Martin Thomas.

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.