Shrubs; unarmed (appearing ± thorny in Coleogyne). Leaves alternate or opposite, simple; stipules persistent or deciduous, free; venation pinnate. Flowers: perianth and androecium perigynous; epicalyx bractlets absent (present in Rhodotypos); hypanthium flat, shallowly cupped, saucer-shaped, or campanulate; torus absent, inconspicuous, or a rim or tubelike sheath surrounding carpels; carpels 2–5(–8) (usually 1 in Coleogyne), distinct, free, styles lateral or subapical (Neviusia), distinct; ovules 1 or 2, marginal, collateral when 2. Fruits aggregated nutlets or achenes; styles persistent, not elongate.

Distribution

North America, Asia, introduced in Europe.

Discussion

Genera 4, species 5 (4 genera, 5 species in the flora).

The base chromosome number for Kerrieae is x = 8 or 9. C. Kalkman (2004) described the fruits of Kerrieae as drupaceous achenes, with slightly fleshy mesocarp that dry at maturity and woody endocarp. Such fruits might easily be interpreted as nutlets or achenes. The fruit of Coleogyne, unplaced as to tribe in his treatment, have a coriaceous pericarp and can be considered achenes.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Coleogyne, Kerria, Neviusia, Rhodotypos

Key

1	Leaves opposite; sepals usually 4; tori surrounding ovary	> 2
1	Leaves alternate; sepals usually 5; tori absent or inconspicuous	> 3
2	Leaf blades ovate, membranous, margins doubly serrulate; stipules deciduous; epicalyx bractlets slender; petals 4, white; stamens 30–60; tori surrounding and overtopping ovaries, leaving styles free; carpels 4; fruits black, ovoid-globose drupelike nutlets.	Rhodotypos
2	Leaf blades oblanceolate-spatulate, leathery, margins entire; stipules persistent; epicalyx bractlets absent; petals usually 0; stamens (16–)20–25(–30); tori extending into tubelike sheath surrounding ovary and proximal style; carpels 1 (rarely 2); fruits brown, ovoid-reniform achenes.	Coleogyne
3	Stems: bark proximally grayish, distally reddish brown; stipules persistent; inflorescences 2–10-flowered, subumbellate corymbs; petals usually 0, rarely 1 or 2, white.	Neviusia
3	Stems: bark (periderm) not forming, epidermis green; stipules caducous; inflorescences: flowers solitary; petals usually (4 or)5(or 6), strong yellow to slightly orangish or yellow-cream.	Kerria