Shirakiopsis
Trees or shrubs, monoecious. Exudate (from cut stems) present, white. Unarmed*. Indumentum present, hairs simple (multicellular, usually coloured). Stipules free*, simple, unlobed, entire, not spine-like*, not leaf-like*, without glands. Leaves distributed evenly along stem, alternate, simple, unlobed, base symmetrical, margin toothed, blade not pellucid-punctate, upper surface without glands, lower surface with a row of strictly marginal glands; venation pinnate; domatia absent*; stipel-like structures absent*. Petiole short, without swellings or bends at base or apex*, without glands. Inflorescence with axis, terminal, raceme-like, with 1–3 female flowers towards base, upper part with many male flowers, the male part of the inflorescence often falling away later; bracts with a pair of spheroidal-elliptical glands, not leaf-like*, green; floral buds initially covered by large bracts; pedicels present, not articulated*. Male flowers: sepals 2–3, partially fused, greenish; petals 0; disc 0; stamens 2–3, free; anther without conspicuous modification, thecae extrorse in bud; pistillode absent. Female flowers: sepals 2–3, partially fused, greenish; petals 0; disc 0; ovary locules 2– 3, ovules per locule 1; styles 2–3, completely fused (stigmas free)*, stigmas 2–3, free, entire, not flat*, surface smooth*; staminodes absent. Fruit dehiscent or indehiscent, not sculptured, glabrous, greenish to brown; seed with a very small inconspicuous caruncle, or without caruncle, with no other covering or membranous layer; embryo flat, not minute, cotyledons leaf-like.
An asterisk * indicates a state has been assumed but not yet confirmed.
World Checklist: 6 spp.
With thanks to Hans-Joachim Esser (Botanische Staatssammlung München) for help with this genus.
Distribution: Native to Tropical and Southern Africa, Tropical Asia, Pacific.
The record for Shirakiopsis in Southern America (Guyana) followed an error (now corrected) in the Euphorbiaceae World Checklist. The neotropical distribution will be removed from the Key in the next update.