| Classification |
| Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order Type: Eudicots-Asterids I
Order: Gentianales
Family: Gentianaceae
Family Common Name: Gentian Family
Genera: Eustoma, Exacum |
Defining Features: Plants
usually accumulate bitter iridoid substances. Some species are mycoparasites
with reduced leaves and lacking chlorophyll.
Defining Morphology: Floral
Features: Inflorescences are determinate, axillary, terminal or reduced
to a solitary flower. Flowers are actinomorphic and bisexual with fused
sepals and petals. Epipetalous stamens alternate with the corolla lobes.
There is a glandular disk at the base of the gynoecium. Ovaries are superior
with parietal placentation. Fruit and Seed Features: Dicotyledon. Fruit
a dehiscent septicidal capsule, rarely a berry. Seeds are small with copious
oily endosperm and a straight embryo. Vegetative Features: Habit varies
from small trees, shrubs to (usually) herbs. Mycorrhiza are very common.
Plants are usually rhizomatous. Leaves opposite and simple. Stipules are
absent.
Distribution: Cosmopolitan,
especially in temperate regions.
Economic Use: As cultivated
garden and indoor ornamentals. Many species yield bitter principles used
medicinally and in flavorings.
Number of Genera Globally:
84
Number of Species Globally:
970
