| Malpighiaceae | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Galphimia gracilis | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Malpighiaceae Juss.[2][3] |
| Genera | |
See text | |
Malpighiaceae is afamily offlowering plants in the orderMalpighiales. It comprises about 71genera[4] and 1315species,[5] all of which are native to thetropics andsubtropics. About 80% of the genera and 90% of the species occur in theNew World (theCaribbean and the southernmostUnited States toArgentina) and the rest in theOld World (Africa,Madagascar, andIndomalaya toNew Caledonia and thePhilippines).[4]
One useful species in the family isMalpighia emarginata, often called acerola. The fruit is consumed in areas where the plant is native. The plant is cultivated elsewhere for the fruit, which is rich invitamin C.
Another member of the family, caapi or yagé (Banisteriopsis caapi), is used in theentheogenic brew known asayahuasca.
One feature found in several members of this family, and rarely in others, is providingpollinators with rewards other thanpollen ornectar; this is commonly in the form of nutrient oils (resins are offered byClusiaceae).
71 genera are accepted.[4]
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Data related toMalpighiaceae at Wikispecies | ThisMalpighiaceae article is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |
