Moraceae
Moraceae Gaudich. comprises approximately 38–40 genera and 1,100–1,200 species, occurring primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, with several temperate representatives. Molecular phylogenetic studies have refined generic relationships, particularly within the large genus Ficus, while confirming the monophyly of the family. Members are characterized by milky latex, alternate stipulate leaves, unisexual flowers, multiple fruits, and specialized inflorescences, especially the unique syconium of Ficus.
Key characteristics
- Trees, shrubs, or woody climbers with milky latex
- Leaves alternate, simple, stipulate
- Stipules leaving annular scars
- Flowers minute and unisexual
- Plants monoecious or dioecious
- Superior ovary
- Fruit a multiple fruit (syncarp) or fleshy infructescence
- Ficus with enclosed syconium
Distribution
Moraceae has a nearly pantropical distribution, extending into warm temperate regions. The greatest diversity occurs in Southeast Asia, tropical Africa, Central and South America, and the Indo-Malayan region. Members inhabit tropical rainforests, monsoon forests, riverine woodlands, dry forests, coastal vegetation, and cultivated landscapes. In Pakistan, Moraceae occurs throughout, the Potohar Plateau, Salt Range, and lower Himalayan foothills. Species grow in riverine forests, agricultural lands, village groves, urban parks, roadsides, orchards, and subtropical forests. Ficus religiosa, Ficus benghalensis, Ficus racemosa, Morus alba, and Morus nigra are among the most widespread representatives.
