Spider-wisp [Genus Gynandra (Orchidaceae), and Greek opsis, resemblance]

Gordon C. Tucker

Herbs, annual [perennial]. Stems unbranched or sparsely branched; glabrate or glandular-pubescent. Leaves: stipules absent; petiole with pulvinus basally or distally, (petiolule base adnate, forming pulvinar disc); leaflets 3 or 5. Inflorescences terminal, racemes (elongated); bracts present. Flowers zygomorphic; sepals persistent, distinct, equal (each often subtending a nectary); petals equal; stamens 6; filaments adnate basally to gynophore (about as long as petals), glabrous; anthers coiling as pollen is released; gynophore recurved in fruit (filament scars visible ca. 1/3-1/2 its length). Fruits capsules, dehiscent, oblong. Seeds 10-20[-40], subglobose, not arillate, (cleft fused between ends). x = 10, 17.

Species 2 (1 in the flora): introduced; sw Asia; tropical and warm temperate climates.

Lower Taxon

• Gynandropsis gynandra (Linnaeus) Briquet