Sapindaceae
Sapindaceae Juss. following modern molecular phylogenetic studies have expanded the circumscription of the family to include the former Aceraceae and Hippocastanaceae, resulting in a monophyletic family comprising approximately 140–145 genera and 1,900–2,000 species. Members are distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, although Acer and Aesculus extend into temperate areas. The family is characterized by compound or simple leaves, small nectariferous flowers with a conspicuous disc, superior ovaries, and diverse fruit types including capsules, samaras, schizocarps, berries, and drupes.
Key characteristics
- Trees, shrubs, or woody climbers
- Leaves alternate or opposite; simple or compound
- Leaves exstipulate
- Nectariferous disc well developed
- Flowers small, usually 4–5-merous
- Ovary superior
- Carpels 2–3
- Fruits capsules, samaras, schizocarps, berries, or drupes
Distribution
Sapindaceae has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, with highest diversity in Tropical South America, Southeast Asia, Tropical Africa, Australia, Madagascar. Temperate representatives occur throughout Europe, East Asia, North America. Typical habitats include Tropical rainforests, Monsoon forests, Dry deciduous forests, Savannas, Mountain forests, Riparian woodlands, Temperate mixed forests. In Pakistan, Sapindaceae occurs in both natural vegetation and cultivation. The family is distributed in Potohar Plateau, Himalayan foothills. Habitats include Temperate forests, Subtropical forests, River valleys, Mountain slopes, Urban landscapes, Botanical gardens, Orchards. Representative Pakistani genera include Acer, Dodonaea, Koelreuteria, Aesculus, Sapindus, Cardiospermum.