Perennial herbs. Leaves alternate. Inflorescence a thyrse, usually terminal. Flowers bisexual, bisexual and male or bisexual, male and female; all types present in same inflorescence. Sepals 3, free. Petals 3, free, upper 2 with a claw, lower 1 (the central petal) usually reduced or different in form. Staminodes 3, with 2-lobed anthers. Stamens 3, the middle one differing from the other 2. Ovary 2-3-locular. Capsule usually dehiscent, puberulent, 2-valved. Derivation of name: Without spathes or sheaths (Greek). Worldwide: 62 species in warm zones, mostly in Africa Zimbabwe: 8 taxa. |
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