What plant families have stems that are square in cross section?

I can think of four common families that have tetragonal stems:

* Lamiaceae (Labiatae), the mint family,
* Lythraceae, the loosestrife family,
* Rubiaceae, the madder family, and
* Urticaceae, the nettle family.

Of these, only the Lamiaceae can claim the four-angled stem as one of its most defining characteristics.

I searched Watson and Dallwitz's The Families of Flowering Plants (http://delta-intkey.com/angio/index.htm) and found 18 other families that have young stems that are square in cross-section. These are:

* Alzateaceae,
* Batidaceae,
* Buddlejaceae,
* Cistaceae,
* Crypteroniaceae,
* Dipsacaceae,
* Garryaceae,
* Geissolomataceae,
* Guttiferae,
* Melastomataceae,
* Oliniaceae,
* Phrymataceae,
* Polypremaceae,
* Punicaceae,
* Restionaceae,
* Scyphostegiaceae,
* Thurniaceae, and
* Verbenaceae.

If you find a plant with a square stem, chances are it's a mint. Otherwise, you have a fun little taxonomic mystery on your hands!

Comments

It could be from the "Compositae" family and called "Bidens Frondosa". Recently discovered in Northern Cyprus. About 6 foot and is nicknamed "Beggars ticks " as its seeds are like ticks.I have a photo if you post me an answer to this address. Make comparison there!
- Report
by christophii on October 17th, 2009

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What plant families have stems that are square in cross section?

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