TREATMENT FROM THE JEPSON MANUAL	previous taxon | next taxon Jepson Interchange (more information)
	©Copyright 1993 by the Regents of the University of California Print edition is available from the University of California Press

	The second edition of The Jepson Manual (2012) is available from the University of California Press
	See also the Jepson eFlora, which parallels the Second Edition

MELIACEAE

MAHOGANY FAMILY

Elizabeth McClintock

Shrub, tree (rarely perennial herb); wood hard, often aromatic
Leaves generally alternate, often clustered near stem tips, generally 2-pinnate; stipules 0
Inflorescence: panicle, raceme, or umbel
Flower generally bisexual, radial; sepals generally 3–5, sometimes fused at base; petals generally 3–5, ± free (sometimes slightly fused at base or to filament tube); stamens generally 8–12, filaments generally fused; disk generally between stamens and ovary; ovary superior, chambers generally 2–5, placentas axile, style generally 1, stigma generally head-like, lobed
Fruit: generally drupe
Seeds many, often winged or with an aril
Genera in family: ± 50 genera, 550 species: tropical, subtropical (some temp). Timber crops, including mahogany (Swietenia ).