| Classification |
| Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order Type: Eudicots-Basal Asterids
Order: Cornales
Family: Hydrangeaceae
Family Common Name: Hydrangea Family
Genera: Hydrangea |
Defining Features: In spite
of morphological evidence that keeps it as a separate family, some botanists
either divide the family into several smaller groups or place it within
the Saxifragaceae. Margin of inflorescences are sometimes with sterile
flowers and elongated petal.
Defining Morphology: Floral
Features: Inflorescences are determinate, axillary or terminal in cymes,
corymbiform clusters, heads or racemes. Flowers are rarely solitary. Flowers
bisexual, and predominantly actinomorphic. Ovaries are often inferior with
parietal placentation. Fruit and Seed Features: Dicotyledon. Fruit primarily
a capsule, sometimes a berry. Seeds are often winged. Vegetative Features:
Habit as shrubs, vines, or herbs. Leaves are opposite, simple and estipulate.
Distribution: Widespread in
the Northern Hemisphere in temperate and subtropical regions.
Economic Use: Cultivated as
an important garden ornamentals, also the source of the medicinal compound
hydrangin and as a poison.
Number of Genera Globally: 17
Number of Species Globally:
250
