Verbenaceae
Verbenaceae J.St.-Hil. following extensive molecular phylogenetic revisions, the family now comprises approximately 32–35 genera and 800–900 species, distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in the Americas. Many genera formerly placed in Verbenaceae, including Vitex, Clerodendrum, Tectona, and Callicarpa, are now classified within Lamiaceae. Members of Verbenaceae are characterized by opposite leaves, quadrangular stems in many species, zygomorphic sympetalous flowers, didynamous stamens, superior ovaries, and schizocarpic or drupaceous fruits.
Key characteristics
- Herbs, shrubs, climbers, or small trees
- Stems often quadrangular
- Leaves opposite or whorled
- Leaves exstipulate
- Flowers zygomorphic
- Corolla tubular and sympetalous
- Stamens four, didynamous
- Ovary superior
Distribution
Verbenaceae is distributed worldwide, with its greatest diversity in Tropical America, Central America, South America, Caribbean, Southern Africa, Australia. Species occupy Grasslands, Forest margins, Tropical forests, Riverbanks, Coastal habitats, Disturbed sites, Roadsides. The family is represented mainly by cultivated ornamentals and naturalized species. It occurs. Habitats include Gardens, Parks, Roadsides, Agricultural fields, Waste places, Urban landscapes. Representative Pakistani genera include Lantana, Verbena, Phyla, Aloysia, Duranta (cultivated).