Contents
Description
Crossosomatales is a small order of flowering plants that consists of only 8 families and around 340 species. These plants are mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in the Americas and Africa. The order was first described by Armen Takhtajan in 1967.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Crossosomatales |
| Family | Stachyuraceae, Crossosomataceae, Staphyleaceae, Ixerbaceae, Geissolomataceae, Strasburgeriaceae, Guamatelaceae, Picramniaceae |
| Genus | Crossosoma, Stachyurus, Staphylea, Ixerba, Geissoloma, Strasburgeria, Guamatela, Picramnia |
Appearance
Crossosomatales plants come in a variety of forms, from small shrubs to large trees. The leaves of these plants are typically simple and alternate, with serrated edges. The flowers are usually small and have 4 or 5 petals, and the fruit is often a capsule or berry.
Care Guide
Crossosomatales plants are generally easy to care for. Here are some tips:- Water: These plants prefer moist but well-drained soil. Water them regularly, but avoid overwatering.- Fertilization: Fertilize these plants once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: These plants prefer slightly acidic soil with good drainage.- Sunlight: Most Crossosomatales plants prefer partial shade, although some can tolerate full sun.- Hardiness Zones: These plants are generally hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Crossosomatales plants are relatively pest and disease-free. However, they may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plants.
Habitat
Crossosomatales plants are found in a variety of habitats, from rainforests to deserts. Most species prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the largest family in the Crossosomatales order?
A: The largest family in the Crossosomatales order is the Staphyleaceae family, which includes around 50 species.
Q: Are Crossosomatales plants suitable for indoor growing?
A: Crossosomatales plants are typically not suitable for indoor growing, as they require a lot of space and may not tolerate low light levels.
Q: Can Crossosomatales plants be grown from seed?
A: Yes, most Crossosomatales plants can be grown from seed. However, some species may require special conditions such as scarification or stratification to germinate.
Q: Are Crossosomatales plants used for medicinal purposes?
A: Some species of Crossosomatales plants have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, although scientific research on their medicinal properties is limited.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the same order as Crossosomatales:- Aphloia theiformis- Itea virginica- Ptelea trifoliata- Stachyurus praecox- Staphylea bumalda
References
– “Crossosomatales.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., n.d. Web. 17 June 2021. – Takhtajan, A. (1967). “Diversity and Classification of Flowering Plants”. Columbia University Press. – “The Plant List Version 1.1”. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden. 2013.
