| Classification |
| Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order Type: Eudicots-Basal Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Family Common Name: Heath Family
Genera: Rhododendron, Vaccinium |
Defining Features: They grow
best in acidic soils (Acid-loving plants).
Defining Morphology: Floral
Features: Inflorescences are various forms of solitary flowers, axillary
clusters, racemes, corymbs, umbels and panicles. Flowers are bisexual,
actinomorphic or zygomorphic. Flowers are often tubular, or urceolate and
are sympetalus. Ovaries are superior to inferior with axile or parietal
placentation. Ovary has nectariferous tissue at its base or apex. Fruit
and Seed Features: Dicotyledon. Fruit a capsule, berry, or drupe. Seeds
have thin coat. Vegetative Features: Habit as shrubs, trees, herbs, or
woody vines. Leaves alternate, sometimes opposite or whorled, simple and
estipulate.
Distribution: Polar Regions
to the tropics (high elevations) in both hemispheres. They are rare in
lowland tropics.
Economic Use: As cultivated
garden and indoor ornamentals and some with edible fruits (Blueberries).
Number of Genera Globally:
130
Number of Species Globally:
2,700
