Atriplex subsect. Saccariae

Leaves usually short petiolate; blade mostly cordate or ovate, entire. Staminate flowers in spicate or paniculate glomerules, the inflorescence soon deciduous. Fruiting bracteoles typically (but not always) dimorphic, some large, stipitate and faces mostly tuberculate, others small, cuneate and unappendaged, or lacking, united at base. Seeds: radicle superior.

Distribution

w North America.

Discussion

Species 1.

The taxa of subsect. Saccariae are morphologically similar to members of subsect. Argenteae, differing in the usually dimorphic fruiting bracteoles, the smaller sessile bracteoles mainly lacking surficial appendages, but with radiating appendages on the larger stipitate bracteoles, or with appendages radiating from the globular surface on the mainly stipitate, monomorphic bracteoles. The alliance of this complex with the Atriplex argentea assemblage is suggested by intermediacy of even the main diagnostic features. It seems probable that the sessile, smooth-faced bracteole might have been derived from some A. argentea-type ancestor. Certainly, the two complexes are closely allied both taxonomically and geographically.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Atriplex saccaria