Rhus trilobata
 
Skunkbush

Perfect Flower Cut Open

Hidden Valley Nature Area
East of Craven in the Qu'Appelle Valley
05-May-07

Some sepals and petals have been removed to reveal the interior of the flower.  The style is three parted, and one of the three parts has also been removed to reveal the top of the ovary.  This species is polygamodioecious, meaning that there are perfect (bisexual) and male flowers on some plants, and perfect and female flowers on others.

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Trilobata: Answers to key questions in Budd's Flora (BF) and Flora of Alberta (FOA) leading to this species. 
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large shrubs, 1-2 m high; NOT [low shrubs]

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plant much branched; NOT [plant with a single stem]

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leaflets not over 3 cm long; NOT [leaflets 3-10 cm long]

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flowering before leaves appear; NOT [leafing before flowering]

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fruit red; NOT [fruit white]

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fruit hairy; NOT [fruit smooth]

 

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Anacardiaceae: Answers to key questions in Budd's Flora  leading to this family. 
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shrubs or trees; NOT [herbs]

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plants NOT climbing

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plants with normal leaves

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leaves alternate; NOT [leaves opposite]

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leaves compound; NOT [leaves simple]

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leaflets NOT leathery

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leaflets NOT spinose-tipped

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flowers dioecious or perfect; NOT [flowers perfect]

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flowers with two floral rings, and with each petal distinct from the others

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petals 5; NOT [petal (standard) solitary]

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stamens 5; NOT [stamens numerous]

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fruit NOT a legume