Hydnoraceae
| Hydnoroideae | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Prosopanche americana | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Magnoliids |
| Order: | Piperales |
| Family: | Aristolochiaceae |
| Subfamily: |
Hydnoroideae Walpers |
| Genera | |
 |
|
| Hydnoroideae distribution map | |
Hydnora Thunb.
Prosopanche de Bary
Hydnoroideae is a subfamily of parasitic flowering plants in the order Piperales. Traditionally, and as recently as the APG III system it given family rank under the name Hydnoraceae. It is now submerged in the Aristolochiaceae. It contains two genera, Hydnora and Prosopanche:
Members of this subfamily have been described as the strangest plants in the world.
The most striking aspect of the Hydnoroideae is probably the complete absence of leaves (not even in modified forms such as scales). Some species are mildly thermogenic (capable of producing heat), presumably as a means to dispersing their scent.
Hydnora johannis, young plant in Um Barona, Wad Medani, Sudan.
Hydnora triceps, roots at Gemsbokvlei Farm, Wolfberg Road, southeast of Port Nolloth, South Africa, 2003
Flower of Hydnora africana in Karasburg District, Namibia, 2002.
Emerging flower of Hydnora africana in a desert dominated by Euphorbia mauritanica near Fish River Canyon, in the south of Namibia, 2000
Hydnora johannis in flower in Um Barona, Wad Medani, Sudan
Flowers of Hydnora triceps in Namaqualand, South Africa, 1999
Hydnora triceps, freshly cut fruit near Port Nolloth, South Africa, 2002
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