PBIO 250 Lecture Notes

James L. Reveal

Norton-Brown Herbarium, University of Maryland

Selected Families of Angiosperms: Dilleniidae

Theales Lindl., 1833

Theaceae D. Don, 1825: Shrubs or small trees with simple, alternate leathery leaves, solitary and showy bisexual flower with numerous stamens and a woody capsule. CA4-7 CO4-many A4-many or (4-many GI3-5. 40 genera and 600 species as defined by Cronquist; more strictly defined as a family of 22 genera and 560 species. Tea (Camellia sinensis) is from this family. Many are cultivated as ornamentals (Camellia, Gordonia, Stewartia, Franklinia) and a few are used for lumber. The Asteropeiaceae (Szyszyl.) Takht. ex Reveal & Hoogland (1 genus, 5 species) and Bonnetiaceae (Bartl.) L. Beauv. ex Nakai (3 genera, 22 species) are generally accepted presently and there is growing evidence that Sladeniaceae (a monospecific genus - fide Bremer et al.) should be adopted as well. In the strict, therefore, only two subfamilies are recognized in Theaceae, Ternstroemioideae Burnett and Theoideae. Full description from Watson & Dallwitz; family synonymy from Reveal; list of genera from Kew; family synonpsis from the University of Hawaii.

Clusiaceae Lindl., 1836 - also known by the alternative name Guttiferae Juss.: Herbs, shrubs or trees with the opposite leaves often glandular-dotted, yellow flowers and numerous stamens. CA45 CO4-5 A-many GS (3 or 5). 42 genera, 1100 species. Widespread mainly in moist tropical regions, only the hypericoides in temperate regions. Many herbs and small shrubs are cultivated. Four subfamilies: Calophylloideae Burnett (8/50 - including Kielmeyeroideae), Moronobeoideae Engl. (6/90), Clusioideae Burnett and Hypericoideae Choisy. The Hypericoideae (9 genera, 540 species) are sometime distinguished as Hypericaceae; they are mainly in temperate regions. In the tropical Clusioideae, the resin is often yellow or otherwise brightly colored. Full description from Watson & Dallwitz; family synonymy from Reveal; list of genera from Kew; family synopsis from the University of Hawaii.

Malvales Dumort., 1829

Tiliaceae Juss., 1789: Trees, shrubs or infrequently herbs often with stellate pubescence, alternate leaves, bisexual flowers and a capsule or schizocarp. CA5 CO5 A-many GS (2-10). 47 genera, 450 species. Widespread mainly in warm regions with a few in temperate climates. The largest genera are Grewia (150) and Triumfetta (70). The genus Tilia (50) is mainly temperate. Jute is obtained from Corchorus, an herbaceous member. Many are important timber species. The genus Muntingia (calabura, Jamaican cherry) has been recently removed as Muntingiaceae C. Bayer, M.W. Chase & M.F. Fay. Three subfamilies are now recognized: Tilioideae Arn., Brownlowioideae and Neotessmannioideae. Full description from Watson & Dallwitz; family synonymy from Reveal; list of genera from Kew; family synopsis from the University of Hawaii.

Malvaceae Juss., 1789: Herbs and shrubs with stellate pubescence, alternate, palmately-veined leaves, stamens united by the filaments and a pistil of many carpels. CA(3-5[C) CO(5 A(many] GS(1-many). As defined traditionally a family of some 75 genera and about 1000 species. Cosmopolitan, best developed in the tropics. Many are cultivated as ornamentals (Abutilon, Hibiscus, Urena). Cotton comes from the genus Gossypinum. Okra (Abelmoschus) is a dubious vegetable. The family, in the above sense, is divided into five tribes: Malopeae (Rchb.) Meisn., Hibisceae C. Presl, Malveae Bercht. & J. Presl, Sideae Bercht. & J. Presl (including Abutilieae) and Malvavisceae C. Presl (including Ureneae A. Gray). There is considerable new evidence to suggest that Sterculiaceae Vent. should be merged with Malvaceae. This large, mostly tropical family of nearly 70 genera and some 1500 species is composed of two subfamilies (Dombeyoideae Beilschm. [including Byttnerioideae Burnett] and Sterculioideae Burnett) with numerous tribes. In this case, the malvoid genera are placed in the Malvoideae Burnett. I am presently aware of the following tribes in Sterculiaceae: Lasiopetaleae DC., Hermannieae DC., Byttnerieae DC., Theobromateae A. Stahl, Helictereae Schott & Endl., Chiranthodendreae Baill. (including Fremontodendreae), Eriolaeneae Arn., Pentapeteae Bercht. & J. Presl {including Dombeyeae Kunth ex DC.) and Sterculieae DC. Full description from Watson & Dallwitz; family synonymy from Reveal; list of genera from Kew; family synopses from the University of Hawaii and Utah State.

Nepenthales Dumort., 1829

Sarraceniaceae Dumort., 1829: Insectivorous herbs with tubular or vaselike leaves, bisexual, actinomorphic flowers with a style forming an umbrellalike structure. CA4-5 CO5 A-many GS(3 or 5). 3 genera, 15 species. New World: Sarracenia (8) of eastern North America, Darlingtonia (1) of northern California and adjacent southwestern Oregon, and Heliamphora (6) of the Guyana Highlands of northern South America, the latter recently proposed as the only member of a new family, Heliamphoraceae. Better placed in Sarraceniales Bromhead, and while still in the Dilleniidae, far removed from Nepenthaceae and Droseraceae. Full description from Watson & Dallwitz; family synonymy from Reveal; list of genera from Kew; family synopses from the University of Hawaii and Utah State.

Droseraceae Salisb., 1808: Insectivorous herbs or subshrubs with leaves covered with sticky or sensitive hairs (CA(5) CO5 A5 GS(2-3 or 5). 4 genera, 100 species. Widespread in temperate and tropical regions. The sundews, Drosera (80) are the most common. Recently (1989), European workers have placed each genus in their own family and scattered them throughout the Dilleniidae and Rosideae. Aldrovandaceae Nakai (Aldrovanda, 1) is a rootless aquatic of central Europe, Asia and northeastern Australia. Dionaeaceae Raf. (Dionaea, 1) is the Venus fly-trap of the southeastern United States. Drosophyllaceae Chrtek, Slavíková & Studnicka (Drosophyllum, 1) is a somewhat woody species of the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco. Bremer et al.) has accepted Drosophyllaceae, placing them, Nepenthaceae and Droseraceae in their Caryophyllales! Full description from Watson & Dallwitz; family synonymy from Reveal; list of genera from Kew; family synopses from the University of Hawaii and Utah State.

Violales Perleb, 1826

Violaceae Batsch, 1802: Herbs (ours), shrubs or small trees with typically zygomorphic 5-merous flowers bearing a spur and 5 stamens CA5 COz5 A5 GS(3). 22 genera, 900 species. Cosmopolitan with Viola (500) the only common member in temperate regions. Several species of violets in cultivated ('pansy") and a few yield essential oils. The majority of the genera are woody with the genus Rinorea (300 sp.) common to rainforests. Three subfamilies are recognized: Violoideae Burnett (21/890), Leonioideae (1/6) and Fusispermoideae (1/3). Full description from Watson & Dallwitz; family synonymy from Reveal; list of genera from Kew; family synopses from the University of Hawaii and Utah State.

Passifloraceae Juss., 1789: Trees, shrubs or herbs often with coiled tendrils, alternate, entire or lobed leaves, bisexual actinomorphic flowers bearing a corona, numerous ovules and a capitate or discoid stigma. CA5 or (5 CO5 or (5 A5 GS(3-5). 18 genera, 630 species. Widespread in tropical and warm temperate regions, especially in the Americas. Passiflora (350) is commonly cultivated for its beautiful flowers and edible fruits. The corona is used to distinguish this family from Flacourtiaceae (a large tropical family of some 80 genera and 880 sp.) and its relatives. Three tribes: Paropsieae DC., Passifloreae DC. and Abatieae Benth. & Hook.f. Full description from Watson & Dallwitz; family synonymy from Reveal; list of genera from Kew; family synopses from the University of Hawaii and Utah State.

Cucurbitaceae Dumort., 1829: Herbs with tendril-bearing vines, generally yellow, unisexual flowers, and an inferior ovary that produce a berry or pepo. CA(5) CO(5) A5) G0 and CA(5) CO(5) A) GI(3). 120 genera, 735 species. Mainly warm regions, with a few in more temperate climates. Many important food plants (gourds, melons, squashes, pumpkins) and medicinal plants. The aerial parts are particularly frost-sensitive. Divided into two subfamilies, Fevilleoideae Burnett (including Zanonioideae (Benth. & Hook.f.) Leurss.) and Cucurbitoideae Kostel. Better placed in its own order (Convolulaes Dumort.) and situated near Malvaceae. Full description from Watson & Dallwitz; family synonymy from Reveal; list of genera from Kew; family synopses from the University of Hawaii and Utah State.

Salicales Lindl., 1833

Salicaceae Mirb., 1815: Deciduous, dioecious, catkin-bearing trees or shrubs with tufted seeds. CA0 CO0 A2-v G0 and CA0 CO0 A0 GS(2-4). 2 genera, 335 species. Widespread of temperate and arctic regions in both hemispheres. The genus Salix is the largest with some 300 species. Important as a source of firewood. Planted as an ornamental and windbreak. Natural aspirin comes from the bark of some species. The cottonwood (Populus) is widely cultivated as a fast growing ornamental tree. Full description from Watson & Dallwitz; family synonymy from Reveal; list of genera from Kew; family synopses from the University of Hawaii and Utah State. See also Cardillo & Samuels.

Capparales Hutch., 1924 - The traditional circumscription of this order has been alterted by Bremer et al. who include several additional families. The most curious are Tropaeolaceae ("nasturtium" - otherwise considered a member of the Rosidae) and the curious western North American family Limnanthaceae which have long been difficult to place in any system of classification. The rationale for this is that both contain mustard-oil like Brassicaceae.

Brassicaceae Burnett, 1835 - also known by the alternative name Cruciferae Juss.: Herbs with odorous, watery juice, 4 sepals and petals, 6 stamens and a silique or silicle fruit. CA4 CO4 A4+2 GS(2). 380 genera, 3200 species. Cosmopolitan, mainly of warm to cold temperate regions of both hemispheres. Includes many weed species, cultivated and food plants (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, watercress). The source of woad (a blue dye) is Isatis. Divided with some uncertainity into 14 tribes: Thelypodieae Prantl, Pringleeae, Cremolobeae R. Br., Megadenieae, Sisymbrieae DC., Alysseae DC. (including Hesperideae Prantl), Arabideae DC., Lunarieae Dumort., Lepidieae DC., Brassiceae DC., Chamireae Sond., Schizopetaleae R. Br. ex Barnéoud, Stenopetaleae and Heliophileae DC. There is growing evidence that the large family Capparaceae Juss. (43/925 - sometime misspelled as "Capparidaceae") ought to be submerged in Brassicaceae. If this is done, the latter would be defined as consisting of three subfamilies: Capparoideae Burnett (30/640), Cleomoideae Burnett (13/285) and Brassicoideae Prantl. The three small families, Pentadiplandraceae Hutch. & Dalziel, Koeberliniaceae Engl. and Tovariaceae Pax are retained. Full description from Watson & Dallwitz; family synonymy from Reveal; list of genera from Kew; family synopses from the University of Hawaii and Utah State. See also Cardillo & Samuels.

Ericales Dumort., 1829

Ericaceae Juss., 1789: Mostly woody shrubs with evergreen or deciduous alternate leaves with urceolate or campanulate flowers bearing distinct stamens often twice the number as the petals, the anthers opening by terminal pores. CA(4-5 CO(4-5) A8-10 GIS(4-5). As defined by Cronquist a family of about 125 genera and 3500 species. Widespread (usually lacking on deserts and tropical mountains). Many are important cultivated shrubs (Rhododendron, Erica) and some are poisonous (Kalmia). Most require acid soils. Most diversified in the Cape region of southern Africa (18 endemic genera and 650 endemic species). Other major centers in the Andes, the Himalayas and in New Guinea. Typically divided into four subfamilies: Rhododendroideae (Juss.) Sweet, Epigaeoideae, Ericoideae Link and Vaccinioideae Arn. More recent studies suggest that the family should be greatly expanded to include not only Pyrolaceae and Monotropaceae (see below), but two long-accepted families, Epacridaceae R. Br. and Empetraceae. In this case, the following subfamilies are then recognized: Pyroloideae Kostel., Monotropoideae (Nutt.) Arn., Epacridoideae Link, Styphelioideae Sweet and Prionotoideae. Full description from Watson & Dallwitz; family synonymy from Reveal; list of genera from Kew (includes Monotropaceae and Pyrolaceae); family synopses from the University of Hawaii and Utah State. See also Cardillo & Samuels.

Pyrolaceae Dumort., 1829: Herbs with evergreen leaves, 4 or 5 free sepals and petals with mainly 10 stamens with anthers opening by terminal pores. CA4-5 CO4-5 A8-10 GS(4-5). 4 genera, 45 species. Mainly north temperate regions. Often included in Ericaceae. Pyrola (35) is sometimes collected as a medicinal plant. All are mycotrophic. Full description from Watson & Dallwitz; family synonymy from Reveal; family synopses from the University of Hawaii and Utah State.

Monotropaceae Nutt., 1818: Achlorophyllous herbs with scaly leaves, united petals and 3-6 anthers opening by longitudinal slits. CA2-6 CO(3-6) A3-6 GS(4-6). 10 genera, 12 species. Mainly north temperate regions and warm tropical regions (Malay Peninsula, Colombia). Often bizarre mycotrophic plants with additional support from root parasitism. Closely related to Pyrolaceae and best included in Ericaceae. Full description from Watson & Dallwitz; family synonymy from Reveal; family synopses from the University of Hawaii and Utah State.

Primulales Dumort., 1829

Primulaceae Vent., 1799: Herbs with opposite, whorled or basal leaves, 5-merous flowers bearing united petals and 5 stamens opposite them, the numerous seeds with free-central placentation. CA(5) CO(5) A5 GS(5). 23 genera, 1000 species. Cosmopolitan but mainly in north temperate regions. Many are cultivated ornamentals, especially the primrose (Primula, 400) and Cyclamen (17). Lysimachia (150) and Androsace (100) are large genera. Divided into nine tribes: Primuleae Dumort., Androsaceae, Ardisiandreae, Lysimachieae Benth. & Hook.f., Glauceae Dumort., Anagallideae Dumort., Cyclameae Dumort., Samoleae (Raf.) A. DC. and Corideae Dumort. The last is sometime recognized as a distinct family, Coridaceae J. Agardh. Full description from Watson & Dallwitz; family synonymy from Reveal; list of genera from Kew; family synopses from the University of Hawaii and Utah States. See also Cardillo & Samuels.

Last revised: 24 Jan 1999