Caryocaraceae

Description

Number of genera: 2

Number of species: 23

Taxonomic notes (from PLANTAE): Allied to the Theaceae, but differ by compound leaves, more complex structure of the vascular system of petiole, vessels with simple perforation, size and shape of the hypocotyl and cotyledons, morphology of pollen grains, drupaceous fruits. Have some common features with the Tetrameristaceae (subepidermal formation of the cork, presence of idioblasts), but differ in many other respects. A very distinct and isolated family, which according to Corner (1976:89) is "clearly a relict of an ancestral state far removed from modern Theales."

Distribution (from PLANTAE): Tropical America from Costa Rica to Paraguay, but best developed in the Amazon basin.

Map Distribution

View all records of Caryocaraceae