3-78 Rubiaceae, coffee 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, coffee family, dicots, Cephalanthus, buttonbush, Houstonia, bluets, Galium, bedstraw, Mitchella, partridgeberry, cleavers, stickywilly, false baby's-breath

Abstract

A relatively large family, there are 6500 species of shrubs or herbaceous plants, centred about the tropics/subtropics. Leaves are simple and entire and opposite with stipules, or whorled. The inflorescence is a cyme. Our species are generally four-merous; the flowers are perfect, subtended by a reduced calyx. Stamens are inserted, alternating with the corolla lobes. Ovary is inferior; carpels number 2–5. Nova Scotia has only four genera. Photograph use donated by 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.