| Classification |
| Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order Type: Eudicots-Rosids I
Order: Rosales
Family: Moraceae
Family Common Name: Fig Family
Genera: Ficus, Maclura, Morus |
Defining Features: The family
has been placed in the Urticaceae by some botanists. It has laticifers
containing milky juice and glandular hairs.
Defining Morphology: Floral
Features: Flowers are actinomorphic, unisexual and plants are monoecious.
Flowers are apetalus, small and borne on inflorescences of various types.
Ovaries are usually superior with apical placentation. Fruit and Seed Features:
Dicotyledon. Fruit an achene or drupe. Vegetative Features: Habit as shrubs,
trees and woody vines. Leaves are simple and alternate or opposite with
entire, toothed or lobed margins. Stipules are present.
Distribution: Tropical to
subtropical with some species in temperate climates.
Economic Use: Important for
the fruits such as mulberry, fig and breadfruit as well as cultivated garden
ornamental plants. Several species are valuable for their timbers.
Number of Genera Globally: 53
Number of Species Globally:
1,500
