2. Streptolirion Edgew., Proc. Linn. Soc. London 1(no. 26): 254 (1845).
Taxon Description
Perennial herbs. Roots either fibrous or form tubers. Rhizomes absent. Stems climbing. Leaves alternate, long- petiolate, ovate-cordate, apex acuminate, blade elongated, cordate-orbicular, narrow, glabrous, sheaths vaginate, open, margin entire or slightly wavy. Inflorescence scorpoid cymes to panicle, involucral bracts not penetrating the leaf sheath and emerges through the mouth of sheath, small, proximal bracts leaf-like, distal one smaller and ovate-lanceolate, boat shaped. Flowers bisexual, actinomorphic. Pedicels absent. Sepals 3, free, boat-shaped or oblong, apex acute. Petals 3, free, linear-spatulate, white. Stamens 6, fertile, equal, filaments densely pubescent, anther locules parallel, ellipsoid, longitudinally dehiscent. Ovary 3-loculed, ovules 2 per locule. Capsule 3-valved, ellipsoid. Seeds 1 or 2 per valve, cylindric, trigonous, rugose, reticulate, hilum linear.
Taxon Statistics
Worldwide one species in tropical and subtropical regions. One species in Nepal.
1. Streptolirion volubile Edgew., Proc. Linn. Soc. London 1(no. 26): 254 (1845).
Streptolirion cordifolium (Griff.) Kuntze; Tradescantia cordifolia Griff.
Perennial herbs, 1–6 m. Roots fibrous. Stem long, climbing, 1–6m. Leaves alternate, cordate-orbicular, 3–15 X 2–5 cm, long-petiolate, apex caudate, adaxially pubescent. Inflorescence scorpoid cymes to panicle, involucral bracts not penetrating the leaf sheath and emerges through the mouth of sheath, small. Pedicels absent. Flowers white, actinomorphic, basal cincinnus bisexual, others male or bisexual, twisted or spiral appearance. Sepals 3, 3–5 mm, fused at base, lanceolate, apex acute, pinkish or greenish white. Petals 3, linear, 6–7 mm, white or pale purple. Stamens 6, fertile, equal, filaments densely pubescent, anther locules parallel, ellipsoid, blue. Ovary 3-loculed, ovules 2 per locule. Capsules 3-valved, ellipsoid-trigonous, acuminate. Seeds 2 per valve, grey-brown, angular, 2.5–3.5 mm, rugose.
Distribution: Nepal, W. Himalaya, E. Himalaya, Tibetan Plateau, Assam-Burma, E Asia and SE Asia.
Altitudinal range: 1,200–2,900 m.
Ecology: Twining on forest floor.
Flowering: July– August. Fruiting: September–October.