Family Elaeocarpaceae
Synonyms: Tremandraceae APNI*
Description: Trees or shrubs.
Leaves mostly alternate or sometimes opposite or whorled (Tetratheca), simple or 1-foliolate, commonly clustered at the end of branches, sometimes reduced to scales; margins usually regularly toothed, sometimes entire or almost so; stipules small, frequently shed early.
Inflorescence axillary, a raceme, panicle or dichasial cyme, or flowers solitary. Flowers actinomorphic, usually bisexual. Sepals mostly 4 or 5, distinct or fused at base, often valvate. Petals 4 or 5, free or rarely united, often deeply divided or petals absent. Stamens twice as many as the petals or numerous, usually free, borne on a ± enlarged disc or receptacle; anther 2- or 4-locular, usually much longer than the filament, dehiscing by apical pores, or apical or subapical slits; connective often elongated. Carpels 2–many, united, ovary superior.
Fruit a capsule, drupe or berry.
Distribution and occurrence: World: c. 13 genera, 430 species, widespread in tropical & subtropical regions, except for Africa. Australia: 8 genera, 70 species, Qld, N.S.W., Vic., Tas.
External links:
Angiosperm Phylogeny Website (Family: Elaeocarpaceae, Order: Oxalidales)
Wikipedia Timber from some species is used for interior trimming and turning as it is rather soft but relatively strong. Tremandraceae has been shown to be sister to Elaeocarpus, and is here included in Elaeocarpaceae.
Text by G. J. Harden
Taxon concept:
| | Key to the genera | |
| 1 | Fertile stamens twice as many as petals | Tetratheca |
| Fertile stamens more than twice as many as petals | 2 |
| 2 | Leaves alternate, petiole usually less than a third as long as lamina; fruit a capsule or drupe, not red | 3 |
| Leaves opposite or almost so, petiole usually at least half as long as lamina; fruit a berry, red
Back to 1 | Aristotelia |
| 3 | Fruit a capsule, covered with bristles or prickly, yellowish brown; peduncles usually 1-flowered | Sloanea |
| Fruit a drupe, smooth, usually blue, sometimes black; peduncles many-flowered, flowers in racemes
Back to 2 | Elaeocarpus |
|
