Modiola Moench

Annual herbs, prostrate with tuberous root stock, stellate- pubescent. Leaves digitately divided. Flowers axillary, solitary; pedicels jointed. Epicalyx segments 3, free, lanceolate. Calyx 5-lobed. Petals 5, red. Staminal column divided at apex into numerous filaments. Carpels numerous, locules 3 or 2-ovulate; styles as many as carpels; stigmas capitate. Fruit a schizocarp; mericarps separating with 2 crests on the back, 3-valved, transversely septate between seeds, setose-pilose. Seeds reniform.

Tropical and subtropical regions of America, ca 5 species; one in India.

List of Lower Taxa