Bignoniaceae
Bignoniaceae Juss. comprises approximately 80–85 genera and 800–850 species, occurring predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions. Modern molecular phylogenetic studies have refined the circumscription of tribes and genera, confirming the monophyly of the family. Bignoniaceae is distinguished by its showy tubular flowers, opposite compound leaves, and elongated capsules containing winged seeds.
Key characteristics
- Trees, shrubs, or woody climbers
- Leaves opposite, usually compound and exstipulate
- Tendrils often formed from modified leaflets in climbers
- Flowers large, tubular, and strongly zygomorphic
- Four didynamous stamens with one staminode
- Superior ovary
- Fruit an elongated capsule with numerous winged seeds
Distribution
Bignoniaceae is distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, with centres of diversity in Central and South America, tropical Africa, Madagascar, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia. Members occur in tropical rainforests, dry deciduous forests, savannas, mangroves, and disturbed habitats. Numerous ornamental species are cultivated globally and have become naturalized in many warm regions. Bignoniaceae is represented in Pakistan primarily by cultivated ornamental trees and climbers, including Jacaranda, Tecoma, Campsis, Spathodea, Tabebuia (currently placed in Handroanthus and allied genera), Catalpa, and Kigelia. These species are commonly planted Capital Territory, along roadsides, university campuses, parks, botanical gardens, and residential landscapes. Native representatives are extremely limited or absent in the natural flora.