Apocynum
androsaemifolium
Spreading Dogbane
Flower Longitudinal Section
Lac des Isles in Meadow Lake Provincial Park
11-August-2008
Note that the stamens converge to form a cone around the style and stigma. Note also there are two carpels which are distinct below but which fuse to a single style above. Finally, note the recurved corolla lobes.
There are three species of Apocynum found in the Canadian prairies: A. androsaemifolium, A. cannabinum, and A. medium. A. medium is considered to be a hybrid of the first two species. The answers colored in red below are those which separate A. androsaemifolium from A. medium. The ratio of petal length to sepal length is important in separating all three species; that answer is colored green.
Androsaemifolium: Answers to key questions in Budd's Flora and Flora of Alberta leading to this species.
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Apocynaceae: Answers to key questions in Budd's Flora leading to this family.
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