Mahogany family facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Meliaceae |
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Meliaceae
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The Meliaceae family is a group of plants often called the Mahogany family. These plants are known for their beautiful wood and interesting leaves. Most Meliaceae plants are dicotyledons, which means their seeds have two parts. They belong to the plant order called Sapindales.
This plant family is quite large. It includes about 50 different groups of plants, called genera, and around 550 different species. You can find Meliaceae plants all over the world in tropical areas. Some types, like Toona, grow further north in cool parts of China. Others, like Melia, can be found far south in places like southeast Australia.
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What are Meliaceae Plants?
Meliaceae plants are mostly trees and shrubs. They are famous for their strong, beautiful wood. Many of these plants have leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern. Their leaves are often "pinnate," meaning they look like a feather with smaller leaflets growing along a central stem.
Where Do They Grow?
These plants love warm, wet places. Most of them grow in tropical forests around the world. This includes areas in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Their wide distribution shows how well they have adapted to different tropical environments.
Global Distribution of Meliaceae
While most Meliaceae are found in tropical zones, some species can handle cooler weather. For example, the Toona genus can grow in temperate regions of China. The Melia genus, which includes the Chinaberry tree, also extends into areas that are not strictly tropical. This makes them a very adaptable plant family.
Characteristics of Meliaceae
Meliaceae plants have several unique features. Their leaves are usually spirally arranged on the stem. They are often compound leaves, meaning each leaf is made up of several smaller leaflets. These leaflets can be smooth or have tiny hairs.
Flowers and Fruits
The flowers of Meliaceae plants are usually small. They often grow in clusters. These flowers can be white, yellow, or green. They produce fruits that can be different shapes. Some fruits are like berries, while others are capsules or nuts. The seeds inside the fruits help the plants reproduce.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Meliaceae plants reproduce through their seeds. The flowers are pollinated, often by insects. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruits. These fruits contain the seeds, which are then dispersed by animals or wind. When the seeds find a good spot, they can grow into new plants, continuing the life cycle of the Meliaceae family.
Uses of Meliaceae Plants
The Meliaceae family is very important to humans. Many species are valued for their wood. Others are used in traditional medicine or as ornamental plants.
Mahogany Wood
Perhaps the most famous use of Meliaceae plants is for their wood. Trees like those in the Swietenia genus (true mahoganies) produce highly prized wood. Mahogany wood is known for being strong, durable, and beautiful. It is often used to make furniture, boats, and musical instruments.
Other Important Uses
Beyond wood, some Meliaceae plants have other uses. For example, the Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is well-known for its medicinal properties. Parts of the Neem tree are used in traditional medicine for various ailments. Some species are also grown as ornamental plants in gardens and parks because of their attractive flowers or foliage.
Images for kids
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Fruits of Chisocheton cumingianus
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Chinese rice flower (Aglaia odorata)
See also
In Spanish: Meliaceae para niños
