CARTONEMACEAE
NB This is a synonym of Commelinaceae. Cartonema is placed under Commelinaceae.
Morphological description
Herbaceous.
Leaves
Leaves linear, spiral, glandular hairy, base sheathing.
Inflorescence
Inflorescence a terminal spike.
Flowers
Flower bisexual, actinomorphic; sepals 3, petals 3, free; stamens 6; ovary superior.
Fruits
Fruit a 3-locular capsule.
Different from: Commelinaceae: not glandular hairy, inflorescence cymose.
Distribution: The only genus of the family, Cartonema, is almost confined to Australia, one species also in South New Guinea and Aru.
Notes: Formerly included in Commelinaceae.
Literature: M. Pichon, Sur les Commelinacees, Not. Syst. 12 (1946) 217-242.
Spot characters (Van Balgooy): 38.
Illustrations: Fig. 45. Cartonema spicatum R. Br. (Cartonemaceae). Inflorescence; enlarged flower. Reproduced from J. Linn. Soc. London, Bot. 59 (1966) 359, fig. 11, 12.