AIZOACEAE - Fig-marigold Family
Leaves opposite or alternate, simple and entire, epidermis with
large bladder-like cells. In some, only the tops of the leaves are
above ground. The tops of the leaves do not contain chloroplasts and
function as a skylight, the interior of the leaf is filled with
transparent cells while the chloroplasts are located on the
periphery. This allows light to enter through the top of the leaf and
reflect around the interior, eventually being absorbed by the
chloroplasts. Look at the plant below where the top of one of the
leaves has been cut.
Seeds with perisperm, no endosperm
12 genera, 2500 species
This family had once been united with the Molluginaceae but
members of the Aizoaceae are betalain-producers
Economic uses: horticultural - Lithops
(Stone plant)
Diagnostic characteristics - succulent, epidermis with large
bladder-like cells
IMAGE GALLERY
FLOWERING
PLANT GATEWAY