Mendoncia Vell. ex Vand.

Acanthaceae (part 1), Kaj Vollesen, Flora of Tropical East Africa, 2008

Morphology General Habit

Erect or scandent shrubs or woody twiners; cystoliths absent.

Morphology Leaves

Leaves opposite, entire.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers solitary or in axillary fascicles or on old branches; bracteoles 2, large, bract-like.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Calyx a narrow undulate rim or shallowly 5-lobed.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Corolla contorted in bud, tubular, subcylindric below, widening above with 5 small rounded lobes, all spreading or two upper broader and reflexed.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens

Stamens 4, didynamous, all included or 2 longer exserted; anthers 2-thecous, thecae slightly unequal, slightly diverging below, apiculate at apex, opening by short apical slits.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Disc

Disc conspicuous, annular, fleshy.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Ovary

Ovary becoming 1-locular (of 2 fused locules), 2-ovulate; ovules ascending from the base but affixed by ventral suture nearly to apex; stigma funnel-shaped, slightly 2-lobed.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Fruit an indehiscent 1–2-seeded drupe; retinacula absent.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Seeds

Seed with thick stony exocarp.

Distribution

Range: 60–70 species in tropical America, 4 species in tropical Africa and 3 species in Madagascar.