(lady's mantle; family Rosaceae)
A genus of herbs and low shrubs in which the stipules are leaf-like; the leaves alternate, palmately veined or lobed; and the flowers are green, small, with 4 sepals, borne in cymes, with no petals. An epicalyx of 4 lobes is present. There are 4 or 5 stamens. The fruit is dry, and formed from the single carpel. Many apomictic (see apomixis) species occur in Europe, and several local endemics in E. Africa. The plants occur in open, grassy habitats and some are cultivated. There are about 250 species, found in the northern temperate zone and in the mountains of tropical Africa.
Subjects: Plant Sciences and Forestry.