Page:Manual of the New Zealand Flora.djvu/481

Parsonsia.] 



Herbs, shrubs, or trees. Leaves opposite, usually connected by interpetiolar stipules or by a raised line, simple, entire or toothed. Flowers regular, hermaphrodite or unisexual by abortion. Calyx inferior, 4–5-lobed or -partite; lobes valvate or imbricate or contorted. Stamens 4–5, inserted on the tube of the corolla and alternate with its lobes; anthers 2-celled, with longitudinal dehiscence. Ovary superior, 2-celled or rarely 3–5-celled; style simple; stigma capitate or 2-lobed; ovules 1 or more in each cell. Fruit a 2-celled capsule with septicidal dehiscence or an indehiscent berry. Seeds 1 or more to each cell; albumen copious; embryo straight, long or short.

Herbs, generally of small size. Leaves opposite, entire, usually connected by a transverse stipular line or short sheath. Flowers small, either solitary in the upper axils or in clusters or irregular umbels. Calyx campanulate, 4-partite or rarely 2-partite. Corolla campanulate or salver-shaped; lobes 4, valvate. Stamens 4, affixed to the corolla-tube; filaments usually short; anthers included or rarely exserted. Ovary 2-celled; styles 2, usually connate at first, but separating from the base upwards as the flowering advances; stigma capitate or 2-lobed; ovules numerous in each cell, affixed to peltate placentas. Capsule subglobose or ovoid or compressed, truncate or 2-lobed or almost 2-horned at the tip, opening along the inner margin of the carpels. Seeds numerous, subglobose or compressed; testa smooth, reticulate. 