3-83 Scrophulariaceae, snapdragon 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, snapdragon family, Nuttalanthus, Linaria, Chaenorrhinum, Limosella, Verbascum, Pedicularis, Veronica, Gratiola, Lindernia, Euphrasia, Odontites, Melampyrum, Rhinanthes, Chelone, Scophularia, Penstemon, Agalinis, Collinsia,

Abstract

A larger family, the snapdragon relatives number about 4000. Most are herbaceous, and all have showy flowers. Several groups are favourite ornamentals. Flowers are perfect and always sympetalous. Typically the corollas are irregular, with 4–5 lobes. The calyx has as many lobes as the corolla and both are bilabiate. Generally there is a palate at the base of the corolla. Stamens number 2–5, alternating with the lobes of the corolla. Staminodes may be present in some species with four stamens. The ovary has two locules, superior. Fruits are generally capsules.

Root parasitism is common in this family, although chlorophyll production continues.

Photos used with permission from Martin Thomas, Sean Blaney, Alain Belliveau, Reta Cook 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.