Cornaceae

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dogwood family
Cornus suecica
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Cornales Family: Cornaceae
Genera
Cornaceae sensu stricto     Cornus -- dogwood     Alangium Nyssaceae     (Nyssa -- tupelo)     (Camptotheca -- happy tree)     (Davidia -- dove tree)

The Dogwood family (Cornaceae) is a widespread family, mostly in the north temperate zone, in the order Cornales. The family mostly comprises woody shrubs and trees, in about fifteen genera, although which genera properly belong to this family is controversial.

The Cornaceae is best known for two genera, Cornus, the dogwoods, and Nyssa, the tupelos; the latter is often placed, together with the Dove tree Davidia and the Happy tree Camptotheca, in a separate family, the Nyssaceae.

All members of the family have simple leaves and most are deciduous and have attractive fall foliage; some Cornus are however evergreen. Dogwood 'flowers' are actually reduced inflorescences or pseudanthia.

The genus Griselinia formerly often included in the Cornaceae, is now placed in its own family, Griseliniaceae.

The genus Aucuba, formerly often included in the Cornaceae, has now been transferred to the family Garryaceae.