Myrtaceae facts for kids
The Myrtle family, also known as Myrtaceae, is a large group of plants. They are part of a bigger plant group called dicotyledons and belong to the order Myrtales. This family includes many well-known plants like myrtle, clove, guava, feijoa, allspice, and Eucalyptus.
Most plants in the Myrtle family are woody, meaning they have stems and branches that are hard and strong, like trees or shrubs. Many of them contain special liquids called essential oils, which give them their unique scents and flavors. Think of the smell of eucalyptus or cloves!
Quick facts for kids Myrtle family |
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Myrtaceae
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Contents
What Makes Myrtaceae Plants Special?
Leaves and Stems
Plants in the Myrtle family have leaves that stay green all year round; they are called evergreen plants. Their leaves are usually simple, meaning they are not divided into smaller leaflets. They often grow opposite each other on the stem, or sometimes they alternate. The edges of their leaves are usually smooth, not toothed or jagged.
A special feature of these plants is how their internal tubes are arranged. Unlike most plants where the phloem (which carries food) is only on the outside of the xylem (which carries water), in Myrtaceae plants, the phloem is found on both sides of the xylem.
Flowers and Reproduction
The flowers of the Myrtle family usually have five petals, though sometimes the petals are very tiny or even missing. One of the most noticeable parts of their flowers are the stamens. These are the parts that produce pollen, and in Myrtaceae flowers, they are often very colorful and numerous, making the flowers look fluffy or bushy.
After the flowers are pollinated, they produce fruits. These fruits can be berries, capsules, or nuts, depending on the specific plant. For example, guava is a berry, and eucalyptus trees produce small, woody capsules.
Where Do They Grow?
The Myrtle family is found all over the world, especially in warmer, tropical, and subtropical regions. They are very common in Australia, where many types of eucalyptus and bottlebrush plants grow. They also thrive in South America, Africa, and Asia.
Many plants from this family are important for people. For instance, cloves are dried flower buds used as a spice, and guava is a popular fruit. Eucalyptus trees are known for their wood and the oil extracted from their leaves, which is used in medicines and perfumes.
Images for kids
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Pimenta dioica (Allspice)
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Syzygium samarangense, also known as Wax Apple, with a cross section of the fruit
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See also
In Spanish: Mirtáceas para niños
