Annonaceae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Annonaceae |
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| Annona squamosa fruit | |
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Annonaceae
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The Annonaceae family is also known as the custard-apple family. It is the largest group within the magnolia order of plants. This family includes 129 different types of plants (called genera) and 2,220 unique species.
Many plants in this family are important because they grow large, tasty fruits. Some are used for their wood, which is good for timber. Others are grown just for their beauty as ornamental plants. Most Annonaceae plants are trees, shrubs, or woody climbing plants. They are mainly found in warm, tropical areas, but a few species live in cooler regions.
Contents
What are Annonaceae Plants Like?
Most plants in the Annonaceae family grow in tropical places. Some can be found in areas with milder weather. They can be deciduous (lose their leaves in a season) or evergreen (keep their leaves all year). These plants are usually trees, shrubs, or climbing vines. Their bark, leaves, and flowers often have a nice smell.
Stems, Leaves, and Flowers
The bark of these plants is usually strong and has a pleasant scent. Their leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stem. This means they are not directly opposite each other. The leaves are simple, meaning they are not divided into smaller leaflets. They have veins that look like a feather (pinnately veined). The leaves also have leaf stalks.
The flowers often grow from where old leaves used to be on the stem. They can also grow from new shoots. Annonaceae flowers usually have parts in groups of three. They can grow alone or in small clusters. Most flowers have both male and female parts.
The flowers typically have two to four sepals. These are small, leaf-like structures that protect the bud. They also have six petals, usually arranged in two groups of three. The outer petals are often larger than the inner ones.
Inside the flower, there are many stamens. These are the male parts that produce pollen. There are also one or more pistils, which are the female parts. Each pistil can have one or many ovules, which develop into seeds.
Fruits and Seeds
The fruits of Annonaceae plants can be single berries. Sometimes, several pistils from one flower grow together to form a larger, combined fruit. This is called an aggregate fruit.
Each fruit contains one or many seeds. The seeds often have a fleshy, brightly colored covering. They also contain a special tissue called endosperm, which provides food for the growing plant embryo. The seeds are usually oily.
Images for kids
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Uvaria ovata
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Asimina triloba fruit, also known as pawpaw.
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Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) flowers.
See also
In Spanish: Anonáceas para niños
