Contents
Description
Meliaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes approximately 50 genera and 640 species. Some of the most well-known members of this family are mahogany trees and neem trees. The family is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions in both hemispheres. The leaves of Meliaceae are usually alternate and compound, with leaflets that are often toothed or lobed. The flowers are usually bisexual and have five petals and sepals. The fruit is usually a capsule or a berry.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————|—————–|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Angiosperms|| Class| Eudicots|| Order| Sapindales|| Family| Meliaceae|| Genus| Azadirachta|| Subfamily| Melioideae|| Tribe| Melieae|| Subtribe| Aglaieae|
Appearance
Meliaceae plants vary greatly in size and appearance. Mahogany trees can grow up to 40 meters tall and have a broad crown. They have dark brown or reddish-brown bark that is deeply furrowed. The leaves are large and pinnate, with 4-12 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are usually small and white or pinkish. The fruit is a woody capsule that splits open to reveal seeds with a fleshy aril. Neem trees are smaller, usually growing up to 20 meters tall. They have a straight trunk and a rounded crown. The bark is greyish-brown and rough. The leaves are alternate and pinnate, with 20-31 leaflets. The flowers are small and fragrant, with five white petals. The fruit is a drupe that contains a seed with a thin layer of pulp.
Care Guide
Meliaceae plants are generally easy to care for. They prefer well-drained soil and regular watering, but can tolerate drought conditions. They also benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Most species prefer full sun or light shade, although some can tolerate deep shade. Meliaceae plants are generally hardy in USDA zones 9-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Meliaceae plants are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases. Some common pests include scales, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can cause leaf yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. Some common diseases include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. These diseases can cause leaf drop, defoliation, and plant death. Proper care can help prevent these pests and diseases.
Habitat
Meliaceae plants are found in tropical and subtropical regions in both hemispheres. They can be found in a variety of habitats, from rainforests to savannas. Some species are adapted to dry, arid conditions, while others prefer moist, humid environments.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the most well-known member of Meliaceae?
A: The most well-known member of Meliaceae is the mahogany tree.Q: What is the fruit of Meliaceae?
A: The fruit of Meliaceae is usually a capsule or a berry.Q: What is the care guide for Meliaceae plants?
A: Meliaceae plants prefer well-drained soil, regular watering, and regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. They also prefer full sun or light shade.Q: What are some common pests and diseases of Meliaceae plants?
A: Some common pests of Meliaceae plants include scales, mealybugs, and spider mites. Some common diseases include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot.
Related Plants
– Aphanamixis- Cedrela- Dysoxylum- Entandrophragma- Khaya- Swietenia
References
– “Meliaceae.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., n.d. Web.- “Meliaceae.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web.- Stevens, P.F. (2001 onwards). “Angiosperm Phylogeny Website.” Version 14, July 2017. Web.
