| Classification |
| Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsid
Order Type: Basal Angiosperm-Dicots
Order: Magnoliales
Family: Magnoliaceae
Family Common Name: Magnolia Family
Genera: Magnolia, Liriodendron |
Defining Features: The group
comprises one of the oldest known plant families. The seed is large and
suspended on a funiculus within the dehiscent fruits. Many of the features
described below have been thought to represent the most 'primitive' condition
of the angiosperm flower.
Defining Morphology: Floral
Features: Flowers are actinomorphic, bisexual with an elongate receptacle.
Flowers are large and showy. Inflorescence of a solitary flower. Calyx
and corolla are often as undifferentiated tepals. Carpels of the gyneocium
are free and not fused. Flower parts are spirally arranged. Ovaries are
superior with lateral placentation. Fruit and Seed Features: Dicotyledon.
Fruit a follicle, samara or rarely berry. Seed is large. Vegetative Features:
Habit as shrubs or trees. Leaves are simple and alternate and sometimes
evergreen. Leaves margin either entire or lobed. Stipules are present,
often forming an ocrea.
Distribution:Widespread in
warm temperate, especially in southeast U.S. and east Asia.
Economic Use: As the source
of cultivated garden ornamentals and lumber (Liriodendron) and also as
a source of ethereal oils used in perfumes.
Number of Genera Globally:
2
Number of Species Globally:
225
