Caesalpinioideae
Quick Summary
The subfamily Caesalpinioideae is a diverse group within the legume family (Fabaceae), comprising about 160 genera and 4,680 species. It is considered the most basal lineage from which other legume subfamilies evolved. Primarily found in tropical regions, these plants are typically woody.12
Caesalpinioideae species exhibit varied leaf structures, often with compound leaves or leaflets that are further divided. Their flowers can range from nearly radial to bilateral or irregular in symmetry. Many species are valued as ornamental plants in tropical areas, including the royal poinciana and orchid trees. Some members, like the honey locust, are also found in temperate climates.1
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FabalesEvolutionā¦evidence confirms the hypothesis that Caesalpinioideae includes the earliest diverging lineages among the legumes. This was also the prevailing theory prior to molecular studies, based on the groupās high diversity in the tropics, an extended fossil record, and the wide variation of floral and vegetative structures beyond the specializations inā¦
Read Moreā¦evidence confirms the hypothesis that Caesalpinioideae includes the earliest diverging lineages among the legumes. This was also the prevailing theory prior to molecular studies, based on the groupās high diversity in the tropics, an extended fossil record, and the wide variation of floral and vegetative structures beyond the specializations inā¦
Read More- FabalesClassification of Fabaceae
ā¦been divided into three subfamilies: Caesalpinioideae, Mimosoideae, and Faboideae (or Papilionoideae), each of which have been considered a separate plant family in the past. Molecular analyses led to a significant restructuring of Caesalpinioideae, which now houses the former Mimosoideae. The tribe Cercideae is also recognized as a separate and moreā¦
Read Moreā¦been divided into three subfamilies: Caesalpinioideae, Mimosoideae, and Faboideae (or Papilionoideae), each of which have been considered a separate plant family in the past. Molecular analyses led to a significant restructuring of Caesalpinioideae, which now houses the former Mimosoideae. The tribe Cercideae is also recognized as a separate and moreā¦
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