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Violet familyπ
Violaceae
γΉγγ¬η§
A family centered on the genus Viola. Approximately 23 genera and 830 species are known, with over 500 species in Viola alone. Distinguished by a spur on the lower petal (lip) containing nectar. Many species also produce seeds from cleistogamous (closed, self-pollinating) flowers.
Key Characteristics
- β5 petals (zygomorphic)
- βSpur at the base of the lower petal (lip)
- βCleistogamous flowers frequently produced
- βSeeds bear elaiosomes, dispersed by ants (myrmecochory)
Morphological Traits
A family may include species with different trait values β multiple values indicate the range within the family.
Leaf arrangement
Alternate / Opposite
Leaf type
Simple
Venation
Pinnate / Palmate
Leaf margin
Entire
Growth form
Shrub / Tree / Vine / Herb
Evergreen/Deciduous
Deciduous
Leaf dissection
Dissected / Undivided
Stipules
Present
Flower symmetry
Actinomorphic / Zygomorphic
Petal count
Many
Ovary position
Superior
Stamen count
5
Plant sex
Hermaphrodite
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Malpighiales > Violaceae
Divergence Era
Paleogene
Representative Genera
Related Evolution Events
- γ»Evolution of a dual reproductive strategy with cleistogamous and chasmogamous flowers
- γ»Evolution of seed dispersal by ants (myrmecochory)