Studies in the Hypoxidaceae. II. Floral morphology and anatomy

Abstract

The inflorescence and flowers of representatives of Spiloxene, Pauridia and  Empodium were studied. The inflorescence shows a reduction from a several-flowered umbel to a single flower. The anthers are non-versatile in all three genera, unlike those of Hypoxis and  Rhodohypoxis. In  Spiloxene and Pauridia the ovary is 3-locular with axile placentation, while in  Empodium it is unilocular with three parietal placentas. The floral vascular anatomy of the three genera is described and the generic differences pointed out. The close relationship between Spiloxene and  Pauridia is demonstrated and the inclusion of  Pauridia in the Hypoxidaceae is supported. Spiloxene is regarded as generically distinct from Hypoxis.