Meliaceae

Meliaceae is a flowering plant family of the order Sapindales, comprising approximately 50 genera and over 550 species. The family is primarily distributed in the tropics and subtropics, with a few species extending into temperate regions. The family includes many economically important tropical trees, including the mahogany (Swietenia), Spanish cedar (Cedrela), and neem (Azadirachta).

Description

Members of the Meliaceae family are typically trees or shrubs, often with aromatic bark and leaves. The leaf arrangement is usually alternate, often pinnately compound or trifoliate. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, with 4-5 sepals and petals. The fruit is a capsule, berry, or drupe.

Taxonomy

The Meliaceae family was first described by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in 1806. The family is divided into three subfamilies: Melioideae, Cedreloideae, and Swietenioideae. The largest genera are Aglaia with about 110 species, Trichilia with about 85 species, and Chisocheton with about 70 species.

Distribution and habitat

Meliaceae species are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, with the greatest diversity in Southeast Asia and South America. They are typically found in rainforests, but can also occur in other types of forests and in savannas.

Uses

Many species in the Meliaceae family are economically important. The wood of several species, including mahogany and Spanish cedar, is highly valued for furniture making. The neem tree is used in traditional medicine and as a source of insecticide.

See also

• List of Meliaceae genera
• Mahogany
• Neem

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Meliaceae gallery

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  Chinaberry
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  Fruits of Chisocheton paniculatus
• Aglaia odorata
  Aglaia odorata