familyPhytolaccaceae
genusAgdestis
Show Lower Taxa
Agdestis
Syst. Nat. 1: 511, 543. 1817.
Etymology: A mythi-cal hermaphrodite monster, in reference to the original inclusion in Menispermaceae, where it was the only genus with bisexual flowers
Vines, perennial, semiwoody. Leaves alternate. Inflorescences terminal or axillary panicles, mostly 50–100-flowered. Flowers epigynous (hypogynous in all other genera); sepals 4(–5); stamens 15–20; carpels (3–)4, connate at least halfway proximally; ovary inferior (3–)4-locular, eventually 1-locular by abortion of septa; style 1; stigmas (3–)4. Fruits cypselas, turbinate, crowned by winglike sepals. Seed 1, by abortion of other (2–)3 ovules.
Distribution
North America, Mexico, Central America.
Discussion
Species 1.
Selected References
None.