Spiderflower [Origin obscure]

Gordon C. Tucker

Herbs, annual. Stems sparsely branched [unbranched]; glandular-hirsute [glabrous]. Leaves: stipules absent; petiole with pulvinus basally or distally (petiolule base adnate, forming pulvinar disc); leaflets 3 or 5. Inflorescences terminal or axillary (from distal leaves), racemes (flat-topped or elongated); bracts present [absent]. Flowers: zygomorphic; sepals persistent, distinct, equal; petals equal; stamens 14-25[-35]; filaments inserted on a discoid or conical androgynophore, glandular-hirsute; anthers (oblong), coiling as pollen is released; gynophore obsolete. Fruits capsules, partly dehiscent, oblong, (glandular). Seeds [10-]25-40[-100], spheroidal, not arillate, (cleft fused between ends). x = 10.

Species ca. 10 (1 in the flora): introduced; Asia, Africa.

Lower Taxon

• Arivela viscosa (Linnaeus) Rafinesque