Hexastylis Raf. (Aristolochiaceae)
North Carolina is the epicenter of diversity for Hexastylis. There are more species of Hexastylis in our state than in any other in North America. Species in the genus are low-growing, perennial herbs, exhibiting a remarkable floral structure. Unfortunately, species often exhibit considerable variation in form, making field identification challenging. A number of exercises follow that have been designed to build (or enhance) your concept of the pertinent morphological characters of interest and their variation.
Morphological exercises in North Carolina Hexastylis
The exercises are arranged in increasing order of complexity. Begin with 1. Leaf variation and work through the exercises in order.
1. Leaf variation: (Sort; Test)
2. Flower shape variation: (Sort)
3. Flower variation (Urceolate-campanulate/rhombic-ovate group): (No names; With names)
4. Flower variation (Cylindric group): (No names; With names)