1 | Stems succulent, armed; leaves usually absent |
1' | Stems not succulent, usually unarmed (if armed, then leaves present); leaves present |
2 | Carpels 1-several, distinct, ovule 1 per carpel, or carpels 2 or more, united in a compound ovary with as many locules and ovules as carpels |
2' | Carpels always 2 or more, united in a compound ovary, ovules more than 1 per carpel |
3 | Leaves alternate; inflorescence not subtended by a involucre; tepals free, not petaloid |
3' | Leaves often opposite; inflorescence often subtended by a conspicuous involucre; perianth connate in a petaloid tube simulating a corolla |
4 | Leaves succulent; ovary superior or inferior |
4' | Leaves usually not succulent; ovary superior |
5 | Perianth with only tepals, not petaloid |
5' | Perianth with sepals and petals, or sepaloid bracteoles and tepals |
6 | Perianth greenish, herbaceous; filaments free |
6' | Perianth scarious, dry; filaments connate below in a tube |
7 | Sepals or sepaloid bracteoles 2 |
7' | Sepals 4 or 5 |
8 | Herbs or subshrubs; ovules 2-several; fruit a capsule |
8' | Vines; ovule 1; fruit indehiscent |
9 | Leaves alternate, opposite or whorled; petals absent or inconspicuous; ovary with 2-several locules |
9' | Leaves opposite; petals usually present, conspicuous; ovary with 1 locule |