Marcgraviaceae
Quick Summary
The Marcgraviaceae is a small family of tropical American shrubs, trees, or vines, often growing as epiphytes. This family is part of the Ericales order and is exclusively found in the Neotropics.12
Key characteristics include:
* Growth Habit: Frequently lianas or epiphytes.2
* Leaves: Often thick with indistinct venation. Some species exhibit heterophylly, meaning they have different leaf types on the same plant.2
* Flowers: Pendulous flowers with petals united into a hood. Modified flower bracts function as flask-shaped nectaries.12
* Pollination: Primarily pollinated by birds and bats attracted to the nectar from the modified bracts.2
* Fruit: Distinctive fruits containing many small seeds exposed on a fleshy, brightly colored placenta.2
The genus Marcgravia is the type genus for this family and is known for its unique climbing and flowering shoot structures.23
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