Rutaceae
Rutaceae
Rutaceae (pronounced roo-TAY-see-ee) is a family of flowering plants, commonly known as the rue or citrus family. The family includes a number of well-known plants and fruits, including oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits.
Etymology
The name Rutaceae comes from the genus Ruta, from the Latin 'rūta', which was derived from the Greek 'rhytē'. The family name is derived from the type genus, Ruta.
Description
Members of the Rutaceae family are typically woody plants with alternately arranged leaves. The flowers are often fragrant and the fruit is usually a capsule, berry, or samara. Many species have glands containing aromatic oils, which gives the plants a characteristic fragrance.
Distribution and habitat
The Rutaceae family is widespread, being found on all continents except Antarctica. They are most common in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Australia and Africa. They are typically found in a variety of habitats, from rainforests to deserts.
Economic importance
Many members of the Rutaceae family are economically important. The most notable are the citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. Other economically important species include the Zanthoxylum species, which are used as a spice in Asian cuisine, and Agathosma species, which are used in the production of buchu oil.
Related terms
- Citrus: A genus of flowering plants in the rue family, Rutaceae.
- Ruta: A genus of strongly scented evergreen subshrubs, native to the Mediterranean region.
- Zanthoxylum: A genus of about 250 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs in the rue family, Rutaceae.
- Agathosma: A genus of about 140 species of flowering plants in the family Rutaceae, native to the southern part of Africa.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rutaceae
- Wikipedia's article - Rutaceae
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