Linderniaceae

Abstract

Linderniaceae is a family of flowering plants in the order Lamiales, which consists of about 13 genera and 195 species, pantropical to warm temperate, mainly in neotropics. In their current circumscription, the Linderniaceae are characterized by conspicuous club-shaped stamen appendages. Plant is in Lindernia All. genus, often erect, prostrate, or creeping herbs. Leaves are opposite and petiolate or sessile. Leaf blade margins are often toothed or rarely entire. Veins are pinnate or palmate. Inflorescences are terminal or axillary, racemose, sometimes pseudo-umbellate, and rarely in large panicles, or flowers solitary. Flowers are opposite or alternate, and often pedicellate. Bracteoles are absent. Calyx lobes are five, equal or subequal, parted, or split on one side. Corolla is with lower lip larger than upper and extended. Upper lip is erect. Stamens are four, all fertile, or two anterior reduced and filaments are appendaged. Anthers are coherent or apex of locules of anterior ones pointed or spurred. Styles are mostly 2-lamellate. Apex is often enlarged. Seeds are small and numerous. Three species, belonging to Lindernia All. genus, are illustrated in this chapter.