3-7 Araliaceae, ginseng 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, Aralia, Hedera, Panax, ginseng, dwarf ginseng, spikenard, sarsaparilla, ginseng family

Abstract

This is a relatively large family, but with few species in Nova Scotia. They are mostly woody plants of the tropics and subtropics, although a few perennials are also known.

It is typified by its umbellate inflorescences of tiny flowers. The flowers are five-merous and regular, although outer ones may be irregular. The calyx is reduced to a whorl of teeth around the ovary or absent. Stamens are distinct and alternating with the petals. Ovary is inferior and compound (2–5 carpels). Fruits are berries or drupes. The styles are swollen at the base, forming a disk fused to the nectary disk. Alternate leaves are compound or lobed. Each has a decurrent petiole.Photographs taken by Sean Blaney, Marian Munro 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