Araliaceae: Exploring the Family of Woody and Herbaceous Plants
Araliaceae, also known as Botryodendraceae or Hydrocotylaceae, is a family of plants belonging to the order Apiales. This diverse family consists predominantly of plants with a woody habit, although some species are herbaceous. Araliaceae is renowned for its impressive members, including Fats, Ginseng, and Hedera. With approximately 1500 species distributed across 55 genera, Araliaceae showcases a wide range of botanical diversity.
Characteristics of Araliaceae
Most Araliaceae species exhibit large, alternate foliage, providing an attractive display of greenery. The leaves are often aromatic, containing ethereal oils that release pleasant scents when crushed or brushed against. The flowers of Araliaceae are typically composed of five petals arranged in simple umbels, creating visually appealing clusters. The fruits of Araliaceae plants are usually berries, which lack carpophores (stalk-like structures) for attachment.
While the majority of Araliaceae species are woody, there are also herbaceous representatives within the family. This diverse mix of growth habits contributes to the family’s overall adaptability and ecological range. Araliaceae is primarily found in tropical regions, thriving in the warm and humid climates characteristic of such areas.
Exploring the fascinating world of Araliaceae reveals a myriad of plant forms, from towering trees to delicate herbaceous plants. The family’s botanical diversity and ecological significance make it an intriguing subject of study and a valuable addition to any botanical collection.
Araliaceae sub-families include:
Aralioideae
Hydrocotyloideae
The Genera in Araliaceae family include:
Anakasia
Aralia
Arthrophyllum
Astrotricha
Brassaiopsis
Cephalaralia
Cheirodendron
Chengiopanax
Cuphocarpus
Cussonia
Dendropanax
Dizygotheca
Eleutherococcus
Fatsia
Gamblea
Gastonia
Harmsiopanax
Hedera
Heteropanax
Hydrocotyle
Kalopanax
Macropanax
Merrilliopanax
Meryta
Metapanax
Motherwellia
Munroidendron
Neopanax
Neosciadium
Oplopanax
Oreopanax
Osmoxylon
Panax
Pentapanax
Polyscias
Pseudopanax
Raukaua
Reynoldsia
Schefflera
Seemannaralia
Sinopanax
Stilbocarpa
Tetrapanax
Tetraplasandra
Trevesia
Woodburnia
