Lepisanthes tetraphylla Radlk. Main specimen
Sapindaceae
{ Description | Flower }

The inflorescences of Lepisanthes tetraphylla are axillary or terminal panicled racemes. These panicles are 10-12 cm long and 2 cm across with a short pedicel.
Lepisanthes tetraphylla has both bisexual and male flowers on the same plant (andromonoecious).
The flowers are white and sessile.
The calyx is composed of 5 imbricate and subequal sepals. The 2 outer smaller than the 3 inner. The calyx-lobes are light green coloured, hairy outside, cuneate and the larger are about 3 mm long and wide.
The corolla is composed of 4 (male flowers) or 5 (bisexual flowers) obovate and white petals. The petals are 6-7 mm long and 3-4 mm wide, fimbriate with 2-3 scales at the base.
There are 8 free stamens with pilose filaments and ovoid anthers.
The ovary is superior and globose, 3-celled with 1 ovule in each cell. The style is short and stout and the stigma is oblique.
The flowers of Lepisanthes tetraphylla are fragrant.

Lepisanthes tetraphylla inflorescence with male flowers in bloom
Lepisanthes tetraphylla inflorescence with male flowers in bloom and buds
Lepisanthes tetraphylla male flower structures
Lepisanthes tetraphylla inflorescence with hermaphrodite flowers in bloom and buds
Lepisanthes tetraphylla hermaphrodite flowers in bloom and buds
Lepisanthes tetraphylla hermaphrodite flower structures
Lepisanthes tetraphylla inflorescence with male flowers in bloom and buds
Lepisanthes tetraphylla inflorescences
Lepisanthes tetraphylla inflorescence with hermaphrodite flowers in bloom and buds
Lepisanthes tetraphylla male flowers
Date of collection
2015-04-28
Collected by
N.L.I.B.
GPS coordinates
11.99615 N - 79.82155 E
Locality
Pitchandikulam Forest, Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India