Meliaceae

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Meliaceae
Temporal range: Campanian–Recent
Melia azedarach in flower
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Sapindales
Family: Meliaceae
Juss.[1]
Subfamilies

Meliaceae, the mahogany family, is a

mangroves) in the order Sapindales
.

They are characterised by alternate, usually pinnate leaves without

cymes, spikes or clusters. Most species are evergreen, but some are deciduous, either in the dry season
or in winter.

The family includes about 53 genera and about 600 known species,[3] with a pantropical distribution; one genus (Toona) extends north into temperate China and south into southeast Australia, another (Synoum) into southeast Australia, and another (Melia) nearly as far north. They most commonly grow as understory trees in rainforests, but are also found in mangroves and arid regions.[4]

The fossil record of the family extends back into the Late Cretaceous.[5]

Fruits of Chisocheton cumingianus

Uses

Various species are used for vegetable oil, soap-making, insecticides, and highly prized wood (mahogany).

Some economically important genera and species belong to this family:

Genera

58 genera are currently accepted.[6]

Chinese rice flower (Aglaia odorata)

The family is divided into two subfamilies, Cedreloideae and Melioideae, which are supported by phylogenetic evidence.[7]

Subfamily Cedreloideae

This is also known as subfamily Swietenioideae.[8][9]

tribe Cedreleae[8]

other tribes and genera:

Subfamily Melioideae

tribe: Aglaieae

- related genera:

tribe: Guareeae[10] - Africa

tribe: Melieae

tribe: Sandoriceae

tribe: Turraeeae

- related genera:

tribe: Trichilieae

- related genera:

tribe: Vavaeeae

tribe unassigned:

Notes

  1. .
  2. ^ Of a gynoecium, made up of united carpels
  3. .
  4. .
  5. .
  6. ^ Meliaceae Juss. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
  7. ^ Holzmeyer, L., Hauenschild, F., Mabberley, D.J. and Muellner-Riehl, A.N. (2021), Confirmed polyphyly, generic recircumscription and typification of Dysoxylum (Meliaceae), with revised disposition of currently accepted species. Taxon, 70: 1248-1272. https://doi.org/10.1002/tax.12591
  8. ^
    PMID 17981877
    .
  9. ^ "Missouri Botanic Garden: list of Meliaceae genera (retrieved 18 January 2018)".
  10. ^ "Koenen E (2011) Phylogenetic and biogeographic studies in Guareeae (Meliaceae: Melioideae) - (retrieved 18 January 2018)".
  11. ^ Koenen E (2011) ibid.

References

  • Pennington, T.D. & Styles, B.T. (1975): A generic monograph of the Meliaceae. Blumea 22: 419–540.

External links