Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which well-known plant families belong to the order Malpighiales?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Malpighiales
Weeping willow (Salix babylonica).
The order Malpighiales is a large and diverse group of flowering plants comprising 40 families. While many of its members are tropical and less familiar, several well-known plant families are included in this order.1
Prominent families within Malpighiales include:
- Salicaceae: The willow family.1
- Violaceae: The violet family.1
- Passifloraceae: The passion-flower family.1
- Euphorbiaceae: The spurge or croton family.1
- Rhizophoraceae: The mangrove family.1
- Erythroxylaceae: The coca family.1
Additionally, the order includes families such as Malpighiaceae and Elatinaceae, the latter of which is known for its role in wetland ecosystems and as a weed in agricultural settings like rice fields.12