Combretaceae
Combretaceae R.Br. comprises approximately 14 genera and 520–550 species, distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. Molecular phylogenetic studies have confirmed the monophyly of the family and clarified relationships among its principal genera, particularly Combretum, Terminalia, and Conocarpus. Members are distinguished by their simple entire leaves, inferior ovary, valvate flowers, and characteristic winged or ridged fruits.
Key characteristics
- Trees, shrubs, or woody climbers
- Leaves simple, entire, opposite or alternate, exstipulate
- Flowers small, usually apetalous
- Well-developed hypanthium
- Inferior ovary
- Stamens numerous and often exserted
- Fruit winged, ridged, angled, or fleshy
- Taxonomic Significance
Distribution
Combretaceae is distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, with its greatest diversity occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Members inhabit tropical rainforests, dry deciduous forests, savannas, mangroves, riverbanks, coastal habitats, and semi-arid woodlands. Numerous species are important components of lowland tropical forests. In Pakistan, Combretaceae occurs, and parts of. Native representatives are relatively few, whereas several ornamental and avenue trees are widely cultivated in urban landscapes, botanical gardens, and parks. Terminalia arjuna occurs naturally along rivers and streams, while Terminalia catappa and Conocarpus erectus are extensively planted in cities, particularly in southern Pakistan. Some Combretum species are occasionally cultivated as ornamental climbers.