Geocaulon

Herbs, perennial, andromonoecious. Rhizomes not woody, reddish to dark brown, cortex smooth, not exfoliating. Leaves: petiole short. Inflorescences axillary (appearing terminal in early developmental stages but occupying middle axils with continued growth of main axis), cymules; cymules mostly 3-flowered; prophyllar bracteole subtending each flower caducous. Pedicels present. Flowers bisexual and staminate (central flower, or rarely 2 flowers, of dichasium usually bisexual, sometimes staminate, laterals staminate), campanulate to turbinate; hypanthium completely adnate to ovary; petals (4–)5, greenish to bronze (bisexual and unisexual flowers often differing in color), triangular or ovate; nectary nearly flat, lobes prominent, alternating with filaments; styles short-conic; stigmas slightly lobed. Pseudodrupes usually solitary; petal remains vestigial at apex; exocarp fleshy.

Distribution

North America.

Discussion

Species 1.

Geocaulon is one of only two genera named by M. L. Fernald (the other being Alcoceria, Euphorbiaceae, now treated as a synonym of Dalembertia Baillon). Fernald stated that many features of Geocaulon are similar to Nestronia (Santalaceae); however, molecular data clearly indicate that Geocaulon is sister to Comandra.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Geocaulon lividum