Cercidiphyllaceae

plant family

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June 24, 2026

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The Cercidiphyllaceae is a plant family consisting of a single genus with two deciduous tree species native to China and Japan. The most well-known member is the katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum), which is the only surviving species in its family. These trees are known for their upright, graceful branching, and heart-shaped leaves that change color throughout the seasons. The katsura tree is valued as an ornamental plant and for its timber. Historically, this family had a wider distribution across the Northern Hemisphere during the Paleogene and Neogene periods.12

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Saxifragales
Major families
Cercidiphyllaceae comprises a single genus and two deciduous tree species from China and Japan. They are wind-pollinated. The flowers are unisexual and lack perianth parts, and there are separate male and female plants. Both the male and female structures that appear to be flowers are…
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Cercidiphyllaceae comprises a single genus and two deciduous tree species from China and Japan. They are wind-pollinated. The flowers are unisexual and lack perianth parts, and there are separate male and female plants. Both the male and female structures that appear to be flowers are…
Read More