Woody climbers, trailing plants or erect herbs. Leaves opposite, pinnately or ternately compound. Inflorescence a panicle or composed of solitary flowers. Flowers actinomorphic. Perianth segments valvate or imbricate; petals and nectaries 0. Staminodes, transitional between sepals and stamens, sometimes present. Carpels free, normally 1-ovulate by abortion. Achenes arranged in a head, with a persistent, usually elongate, plumose or naked style. Worldwide: c. 295 species, northern temperate, a few southern temperate, Oceania and tropical African mountains Zimbabwe: 9 taxa. |
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