Menispermaceae
Menispermaceae Juss. comprises approximately 70–75 genera and 520–550 species, occurring mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Molecular phylogenetic studies support the monophyly of the family and have refined relationships among its major tribes and genera. Members are characterized by their predominantly climbing habit, palmately veined leaves, small unisexual flowers, drupaceous fruits, and the presence of biologically active isoquinoline alkaloids.
Key characteristics
- Woody climbers or lianas
- Leaves alternate, simple, palmately veined, exstipulate
- Plants usually dioecious
- Flowers small and unisexual
- Superior ovary with free carpels
- Fruit a one-seeded drupe
- Endocarp curved or horseshoe-shaped
Distribution
Menispermaceae has a pantropical distribution, with the greatest diversity occurring in Southeast Asia, tropical Africa, Central and South America, and northern Australia. Species inhabit tropical rainforests, monsoon forests, riverine woodlands, secondary forests, and forest margins, where they commonly climb over trees and shrubs. In Pakistan, members occur, lower Himalayan foothills, Margalla Hills, Murree Hills, and parts of. Species grow in subtropical forests, riverine vegetation, scrublands, forest margins, ravines, and moist valleys, particularly in lower to middle elevations.