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Santalaceae Members of the Sandalwood family are parasitic plants that feed off the roots of other plants, but they also have chlorophyll for photosynthesis. They have regular flowers, either bisexual or unisexual, with 4 or 5 sepals, but 0 petals and the same number of stamens as sepals. Note that the stamens are aligned opposite the sepals (in the middle of the sepals), instead of alternating with them. The ovary is positioned partly or wholly inferior and consists of 3 to 5 (sometimes 2) united carpels forming a single chamber. It matures as an achene (a dry seed) or as a drupe (a fleshy fruit with a stony seed). Worldwide, there are 30 genera and 400 species. Five genera are found in North America. Note that bastard toadflax (Commandra) is not related to toadflax (Linaria) from the Plantain Family. Key Words: Grayish plants with greenish or pink flowers. No petals. Please e-mail Thomas J. Elpel to report mistakes or to inquire about purchasing high resolution photos of these plants.
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