| Classification |
| Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order Type: Eudicots-Basal Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Theaceae
Family Common Name: Tea Family
Genera: Franklinia |
Defining Features: Similar
to the Dilleniaceae, but differing in some flower and seed characteristics.
Defining Morphology: Floral
Features: Flowers are often actinomorphic and bisexual (rarely unisexual
and dioecious). Flowers are large and showy. Inflorescence as a solitary
flower or as terminal racemes or panicles. Calyx and corolla are not easily
distinguishable from one another. Ovaries are superior with axile placentation.
Bracts are present. Fruit and Seed Features: Dicotyledon. Fruit a capsule
or rarely an achene or berry. Seeds are often flattened and have straight
embryo. Vegetative Features: Habit as shrubs or small trees. Leaves simple,
alternate and evergreen. Leaves margins are serrate. Leaves turn red before
falling. Stipules are lacking.
Distribution: Pantropical,
but centered in Asia and the New World tropical regions.
Economic Use: As source of
tea (Camellia sinensis) in SE Asia and as cultivated garden
and indoor ornamentals.
Number of Genera Globally: 20
Number of Species Globally: 300
