Selysia bidentata explained

Selysia bidentata is a species of the genus Selysia native to Panama. It is highly similar to S. smithii.^[1] It has ovate seeds and there are 6–9 of them in each fruit.^[2] The fruits turn from green to red at maturity. The leaves have three lobes. Selysia bidentata can be distinguished from the 3 other species of Selysia by its bidentate (two teeth-like parts) seeds. Seeds of the other three species are shaped like arrowheads.

Notes and References

1. Knapp . Sandra . Hampshire . Rachel J. . 1994 . A New Species of Selysia (Cucurbitaceae) from Mesoamerica and a Synopsis of the Genus . Novon . 4 . 1 . 35–37 . Missouri Botanical Garden Press . 3391696 . 10.2307/3391696.
2. Duchen. Pablo. Renner. Susanne S.. The evolution of Cayaponia (Cucurbitaceae): Repeated shifts from bat to bee pollination and long-distance dispersal to Africa 2–5 million years ago. American Journal of Botany. 97. 7. July 2010. 1129–1141. 10.3732/ajb.0900385 . 21616865.