Himantandraceae

plant family

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

The Himantandraceae is a plant family that contains a single genus, Galbulimima, also known as Himantandra. This genus consists of large trees found in the Molucca Islands of Indonesia, Malaysia, New Guinea, and northeastern Australia.1

Key characteristics of Himantandraceae include:
* Wood vessels with simple perforations.2
* Alternate leaves with lower surfaces covered in shield-shaped hairs.2
* Flowers that are typically solitary, with two leathery sepals that detach as the flower opens.2
* About 7 to 9 petals and stamens that resemble petals in shape and texture.2
* A globe-shaped, fleshy fruit formed from 6 to 10 spirally arranged carpels.2

The wood of Galbulimima has been utilized for cabinetmaking in Australia. Additionally, its leaves and bark contain piperidine derivatives that can induce narcotic and hallucinogenic effects.3

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Magnoliales
Himantandraceae
Himantandraceae consists of a single genus of large trees, Galbulimima (also known as Himantandra). The vessels of the mature wood have simple perforations (a more advanced feature than in Degeneria). The alternate leaves have their lower surfaces covered with characteristic shield-shaped hairs. Flowers are usually…
Read More
Himantandraceae consists of a single genus of large trees, Galbulimima (also known as Himantandra). The vessels of the mature wood have simple perforations (a more advanced feature than in Degeneria). The alternate leaves have their lower surfaces covered with characteristic shield-shaped hairs. Flowers are usually…
Read More

Magnoliales
Distribution and abundance
Himantandraceae contains one genus, Galbulimima (also known as Himantandra), found in the Molucca Islands of Indonesia, Malaysia, New Guinea, and northeastern Australia.
Read More
Himantandraceae contains one genus, Galbulimima (also known as Himantandra), found in the Molucca Islands of Indonesia, Malaysia, New Guinea, and northeastern Australia.
Read More