Cannabaceae

Cannabaceae (pronunciation: /ˌkænəˈbeɪsiːiː/) is a small family of flowering plants. As of the early 21st century, the family includes about 170 species grouped in about 11 genera, including Cannabis (hemp and marijuana), Humulus (hops) and Celtis (hackberries).

Etymology

The family name 'Cannabaceae' comes from the genus Cannabis, which is derived from the Greek kánnabis.

Description

Cannabaceae are trees, herbs, or lianas, and can be recognized by their simple, stipulate leaves that are either alternate or opposite, and by their small flowers that are often unisexual.

Genera

The family includes the following genera:

• Aphananthe
• Cannabis
• Celtis
• Chaetachme
• Gironniera
• Humulus
• Lozanella
• Parasponia
• Pteroceltis
• Trema

Distribution and habitat

Cannabaceae are distributed worldwide, mainly in the tropics and subtropics, with a few species in temperate regions. They are found in a variety of habitats, from forest to savannah, and from sea level to high mountains.

Economic importance

The most economically important genus is Cannabis, which is cultivated for its psychoactive product marijuana and for industrial hemp. Humulus is cultivated for use in brewing beer.

See also

• List of systems of plant taxonomy

References

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