Fagaceae
Fagaceae
Fagaceae (pronounced /fəˈdʒeɪ.siː/), commonly known as the beech family, is a family of flowering plants that includes a number of important trees with economic value.
Etymology
The name Fagaceae is derived from the genus Fagus, the Latin word for "beech".
Description
Members of the Fagaceae family are characterized by their alternate leaves with pinnate venation, unisexual flowers, and fruit in the form of a nut, often enclosed in a cupule. The family includes about 900 species grouped into 7 to 10 genera. Notable members of this family include the oak, beech, and chestnut trees.
Genera
The Fagaceae family includes the following genera:
- Castanea (chestnuts)
- Chrysolepis (golden chinkapins)
- Fagus (beeches)
- Lithocarpus (stone oaks)
- Nothofagus (southern beeches)
- Quercus (oaks)
Economic Importance
Many members of the Fagaceae family have economic importance. For example, the oak is used for its hard, durable wood, while the chestnut and the beech are valued for their edible nuts and for timber.
Related Terms
- Dendrology: The scientific study of trees.
- Cupule: A protective covering surrounding the nut in many species of the Fagaceae family.
- Pinnate venation: A type of leaf venation where the veins extend from the midrib to the leaf margin.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fagaceae
- Wikipedia's article - Fagaceae
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