TREATMENT FROM THE JEPSON MANUAL (1993) |
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©Copyright 1993 by the Regents of the University of California
For up-to-date information about California vascular plants, visit the Jepson eFlora. |
AND IS MAINTAINED FOR ARCHIVAL PURPOSES ONLY |
Perennial, shrubs, trees, very aromatic, sometimes thorny
Leaves generally alternate, simple to pinnately compound (sometimes reduced to spines), prominently oil-gland-dotted; stipules 0
Inflorescence: cyme, raceme, or flowers solitary, generally bracted
Flower generally bisexual, generally strongly aromatic; sepals generally 5, free or fused at base, generally persistent; petals generally 5, free or fused at base, generally whitish or greenish; stamens generally 24 X petal number; ovary generally superior, generally lobed, chambers generally 45, ovules generally many
Fruit: berry, drupe, winged achene, or capsule, generally aromatic
Seeds generally oily
Genera in family: ± 150 genera, ± 1500 species: especially tropical, warm temp, especially s Africa, Australia; used or cultivated for food (Citrus , 50 species), perfume, medicine, timber, ornamental (Choisya, Skimmia , etc.).Some TOXIC: oils may promote localized sunburn or produce dermatitis .
Subshrub or shrub
Leaf very small, ephemeral
Inflorescence: panicle (raceme-like or flowers scattered along stems)
Flower bisexual; calyx persistent, 4-lobed; petals 4, erect in flower; stamens 8, in 2 series; ovary stalked, deeply 2-lobed, style thread-like
Fruit: capsule, deeply 2-lobed, leathery, opening at tip
Species in genus: 6 species: sw North America, s Africa
Etymology: (Greek: bush odor)