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Viola tricolor, pansy. These zygomorphic flowers are typical for
the family. Nectar guides or "pencil lines" on the petals guide pollinators to
the source of nectar and to a position that will best effectuate pollination. Leafy
stipules may be visible in the left photo. A side view of the flower reveals the spur
produced by the rearward projection of the lower petal. Appendages of the lower 2 anthers
extend into this spur and secrete nectar. |
 |
Viola pedunculata, yellow violet. This view of a partly
dissected flower illustrates the sessile nature of the stamens and their weak coherence
around the pistil. An amber-colored flap of connective tissue extends from the tip of each
anther as is common in the family. In this species the nectar spur is reduced to a small
pouch and the appendages on the lower anthers are also reduced, visible here only as two
greenish ridges on the lower anthers. |
|
Viola chamissoniana, cf. var. tracheliifolia, pamakani,
violet. This Hawaiian endemic violet has woody stems that are unusual for the genus. |
|
Viola chamissoniana cf. var. robusta, pamakani, violet. Note the
capsule of 3 carpels that dehisces explosively to eject the seeds (two seeds are still
visible). |
 |
Viola lanaiensis, violet. Hawaiian endemic. |
 |
Viola maviensis, violet. Hawaiian endemic. |
 |
Isodendrion longifolium, aupaka. This Hawaiian endemic woody
genus has flowers that are more or less actinomorphic. A few persistent, pointed stipules
can be seen on the stem. |
