Harperocallis
J. Arnold Arbor. 49: 36, figs. 1, 2. 1968.
Herbs, perennial, from slender, nodose rhizomes with scarious scale leaves. Stems erect, simple, bracteate; bracts 2–5, much reduced, widely spaced, chaffy. Leaves basal, equitant, simple, sheathing; blade unifacial, striate, stiff; sheath margin scarious. Inflorescences terminal, erect, 1-flowered, bracteolate; bracteoles (2–)3(–4), in epicalyx, distinct, deltate-rhombic, small. Flowers: tepals persistent, 6, spreading, erect in fruit, distinct, oblanceolate, apex acute; stamens 6, hypogynous; filaments distinct; anthers basifixed, linear-lanceolate, with short appendages, introrse; gynoecium 3(–6)-carpellate, distally apocarpous; ovary superior, sessile, tuberculate; intercarpellary nectary present; styles 3(–6), slightly recurved; stigmas capitate. Fruits capsular, ellipsoid, prominently tuberculate, subtended by persistent tepals, dehiscence septicidal, then adaxially loculicidal. Seeds pale yellow, narrowly fusiform, straight or curved, short-appendaged at both ends. x = 15, 16.
Discussion
Species 1.
Discovered in 1968, Harperocallis is the only genus endemic to the Apalachicola River region of Florida’s western panhandle, where numerous endemic species occur (D. B. Ward [1979]). Carpel numbers often greater than 3, to 6, are frequently encountered (J. D. Ambrose 1975, 1980; L. C. Anderson and G. L. Smith 1994). The capsule is primarily septicidal, similar to those in Tofieldia, Triantha, and Pleea (J. D. Ambrose 1975, 1980; F. H. Utech 1993), and not simply loculicidal as originally described (S. McDaniel 1968; R. K. Godfrey [1979]).