Overview of Achariaceae Family
The Achariaceae family is a small pantropical group of flowering plants with about 20 species. The plants in this family are mostly distributed in tropical America and Africa. The genus Acharia is the namesake of the Achariaceae family. The family was first recognized and described by Henri Ernest Baillon, a French botanist, in 1862.
Taxonomic Details
The Achariaceae family is placed under the order Malpighiales and it is closely related to Euphorbiaceae and Clusiaceae families. According to the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification system, Achariaceae is a monophyletic group classified under the rosid clade. The family comprises two tribes: Acharieae and Schradera.
The Acharieae tribe contains four genera: Acharia, Parinari, Bagassa, and Chrysophyllum. On the other hand, the Schradera tribe has only one genus, Schradera.
Unique Characteristics
Achariaceae plants are mostly trees or shrubs. Most of them have simple leaves with pinnate venation. The plants produce small, unisexual flowers with usually five sepals and petals. In some species, the petals are much reduced and not visible. The stamens are usually numerous, and the ovary is usually superior with two to five carpels. Unique among the Achariaceae is the genus Schradera, which comprises a single species, Schradera hondelmannii. It is a small, herbaceous plant that grows in savanna habitats in tropical Africa. Unlike other Achariaceae plants, Schradera has a weak and prostrate growth habit with leaves that are simple and ovate.
Distribution of Achariaceae
The Achariaceae family is found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This family is mainly distributed in Africa and South America but is also found in some regions of Asia, Australia, and Oceania.
The family includes about 300 species, which are distributed across several countries, including Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, China, India, and Madagascar.
Habitat of Achariaceae
Most of the plant species in Achariaceae are found in diverse habitats. These include forests, savannah, and grasslands. Some of the species can grow in humid, dry, or semi-arid environments.
Plants from Achariaceae are identified with various ecological preferences and adaptations depending on the species and genus. Some grow in open sites, while others grow under the forest canopy. Some of the species in this family are found growing on rotten logs, while others grow on humid soil or rock crevices.
The majority of the species in this family are found in the tropics, where drought, fire, and flooding are the major environmental factors affecting the growth and development of the plants.
General Morphology and Structure
The Achariaceae family consists mainly of shrubs, bushes, and small trees. The plants in this family have a simple leaf arrangement with alternate phyllotaxy. They may have palmately or pinnately compound leaves. The flowers are typically unisexual and lack petals. The fruit is a capsule or a berry.Anatomical Features and Adaptations
The Achariaceae family exhibits xeromorphic adaptations such as thick cuticles, sunken stomata, and succulent leaves or stems to help them thrive in arid environments. The leaves of some species have modified hairs called trichomes that help to reduce water loss through transpiration. The root systems are typically shallow and spread out to maximize water absorption.Variations in Leaf Shapes and Flower Structures
Within the Achariaceae family, there is a range of leaf shapes and flower structures. The leaves may be elliptical, lanceolate, or lobed. Some species have compound leaves with toothed or serrated edges. The flowers may be clustered together or arranged in a spike. They typically have bracts that are fused together to form a calyx that encloses the flower. The stamens and pistils are often fused together to form a structure known as the androecium-gynoecium complex, which is characteristic of the Achariaceae family. Overall, the Achariaceae family exhibits a diversity of adaptations and structures that allow the plants to thrive in various environments. From their xeromorphic adaptations to their unique flower structures, each species within the family has its own set of characteristics that make it unique.Reproductive Strategies in Achariaceae Family
The Achariaceae family is a group of tropical trees and shrubs that reproduce through various mechanisms. These plants have evolved several strategies to ensure the successful production of offspring and the survival of their species in their respective habitats. The reproductive strategies employed by these plants include sexual reproduction, asexual reproduction, and hybridization.
Mechanisms of Reproduction
The Achariaceae family reproduces sexually through cross-pollination. The male and female flowers are produced on separate plants, and pollination is usually carried out by insects. Some species in this family reproduce asexually through vegetative propagation, producing new plants from buds or stems. Hybridization, which is the crossbreeding between different species in the family, can also happen under specific environmental conditions.
Flowering Patterns and Pollination Strategies
Flowering patterns and pollination strategies in Achariaceae are usually species-specific. Most species of this family produce flowers that are small, inconspicuous, and lack petals. The flowers are often arranged in dense clusters, and they are usually greenish or white. The pollination mechanism of these plants is highly specialized, and it depends on the type of pollinators available in the ecosystem. Some species are pollinated by bees, while others depend on beetles, flies, and moths for pollination.
Seed Dispersal Methods and Adaptations
Seed dispersal is crucial for the survival and propagation of plants in the Achariaceae family. The seeds are typically small and lightweight, enabling them to be carried by wind or water. Some species have evolved specialized adaptations to ensure the dispersal of their seeds. For instance, some plants produce capsules that split open at maturity, releasing the seeds into the wind. Other species produce fruits that are eaten by birds and mammals, which disperse the seeds through their droppings.
Economic Importance
The Achariaceae family is known for its medicinal properties. Many species in the family have traditionally been used for treating ailments such as fever, headache, and respiratory conditions. For example, Carcochia longipedunculata has been found to have antimalarial and anti-inflammatory properties. Pseudagrostistachyum pulverulentum is used for treating snake bites and stomach problems, while Carpotroche platyptera has been used as a remedy for asthma and other respiratory ailments. Apart from medicinal uses, some species in the Achariaceae family also have culinary uses. The seed of the Carpotroche platyptera is edible and is consumed in some parts of Africa. The fruit of Garcinia kola is used to make a type of cola drink in West Africa. The Achariaceae family also has significant industrial potential due to the presence of useful chemical compounds in some species. The bark of Anthonotha macrophylla contains tannins that are used in the leather industry. The bark of Rytigynia favosa contains a chemical compound that has anti-tumor properties.Ecological Importance
Species in the Achariaceae family play important ecological roles in their ecosystems. They are habitat for a variety of animals, including birds and insects. Some species in the family also have mutualistic relationships with pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and moths. Several species in the family also have roles in soil conservation, erosion control, and land restoration. For example, the roots of different Carpotroche species help prevent soil erosion in areas prone to landslides or other forms of erosion.Conservation Status
Many species within the Achariaceae family are of conservation concern due to habitat loss, over-exploitation, and climate change. Currently, much of the attention for conservation in this family is focused on the protection of specific species such as Pseudagrostistachyum pulverulentum and Carcochia longipedunculata. There are ongoing conservation initiatives aimed at protecting and managing the species in the family. These initiatives work to raise awareness about the importance of the species, protect their habitats, and promote their sustainable use. Some of these efforts include the planting of these species in designated conservation areas, improving land use practices, and supporting sustainable harvesting practices in areas where these plants are harvested for medicinal or other use. With continued protection, the species in the Achariaceae family can continue to provide ecological and economic benefits to future generations.- Acharia tragodes Thunb.
- Amphiloma lanuginosum (Hoffm.) Nyl. - >>leproloma Membranaceum
- Ceratiosicyos ecklonii Nees
- Ceratiosicyos laevis (Thunb.) A.Meeuse
- Degelia Arv. & D. J. Galloway - Degelia
- Degelia plumbea (Lightf.) P. M. Jorg. & P. James
- Erioderma boreale Ahlner - >>erioderma Pedicellatum
- Erioderma Fee - Erioderma
- Erioderma mollissimum (G. Sampaio) Du Rietz
- Erioderma pedicellatum (Hue) P. M. Jorg.
- Erioderma sorediatum D. J. Galloway & P. M. Jorg.
- Fuscopannaria ahlneri (P. M. Jorg.) P. M. Jorg.
- Fuscopannaria laceratula (Hue) P. M. Jorg.
- Fuscopannaria leucophaea (Tuck.) P. M. Jorg.
- Fuscopannaria leucosticta (Tuck.) P. M. Jorg.
- Fuscopannaria leucostictoides (Ohlsson) P. M. Jorg.
- Fuscopannaria maritima (P. M. Jorg.) P. M. Jorg.
- Fuscopannaria mediterranea (Tav.) P. M. Jorg.
- Fuscopannaria P. M. Jorg. - Fuscopannaria
- Fuscopannaria praetermissa (Nyl.) P. M. Jorg.
- Fuscopannaria pulveracea (P. M. Jorg. & Henssen) P. M. Jorg.
- Fuscopannaria saubinetii (Mont.) P. M. Jorg.
- Guthriea capensis Bolus
- Leioderma Nyl. - Leioderma
- Leioderma sorediatum D. J. Galloway & P. M. Jorg.
- Lepraria arctica (Lynge) Wetmore - >>leproloma Vouauxii
- Lepraria membranacea (Dickson) Vainio - >>leproloma Membranaceum
- Lepraria vouauxii (Hue) R. C. Harris - >>leproloma Vouauxii
- Leproloma diffusum J. R. Laundon
- Leproloma diffusum J. R. Laundon var. chrysodetoides J. R. Laundon
- Leproloma diffusum J. R. Laundon var. diffusum
- Leproloma membranaceum (Dickson) Vainio
- Leproloma Nyl. ex Crombie - Leproloma
- Leproloma vouauxii (Hue) J. R. Laundon
- Pannaria ahlneri P. M. Jorg. - >>fuscopannaria Ahlneri
- Pannaria cheiroloba (Mull. Arg.) - Matted Lichen
- Pannaria conoplea (Ach.) Bory - Matted Lichen
- Pannaria Delise - Matted Lichen
- Pannaria hookeri (Borrer ex Sm.) Nyl. - Hooker's Matted Lichen
- Pannaria hypnorum (Vahl) Korber - >>psoroma Hypnorum
- Pannaria laceratula Hue - >>fuscopannaria Laceratula
- Pannaria lepidiota (Sommerf.) Th. Fr. - >>fuscopannaria Praetermissa
- Pannaria leucophaea (Vahl) P. M. Jorg. - >>fuscopannaria Leucophaea
- Pannaria leucosticta (Tuck.) Tuck. ex Nyl. - >>fuscopannaria Leucosticta
- Pannaria leucostictoides Ohlsson - >>fuscopannaria Leucostictoides
- Pannaria lurida (Mont.) Nyl. - Matted Lichen
- Pannaria mariana (Fr.) Mull. Arg. - Matted Lichen
- Pannaria maritima P. M. Jorg. - >>fuscopannaria Maritima
- Pannaria mediterranea Tav. - >>fuscopannaria Mediterranea
- Pannaria microphylla (Sw.) A. Massal. - >>fuscopannaria Leucophaea
- Pannaria pezizoides (Weber) Trevisan - Matted Lichen
- Pannaria pityrea auct. - >>pannaria Conoplea
- Pannaria praetermissa Nyl. - >>fuscopannaria Praetermissa
- Pannaria pulveracea P. M. Jorg. & Henssen - >>fuscopannaria Pulveracea
- Pannaria rubiginosa (Ach.) Bory - Matted Lichen
- Pannaria rubiginosa (Ach.) Bory var. lanuginosa (Hoffm.) Zahlbr. - >>pannaria Conoplea
- Pannaria saubinetii (Mont.) Nyl. - >>fuscopannaria Saubinetii
- Pannaria tavaresii P. M. Jorg. - Tavares' Matted Lichen
- Pannaria waghornei Eckf. - >>parmeliella Arctophila
- Parmeliella arctophila (Th. Fr.) Malme - Lead Lichen
- Parmeliella cheiroloba Mull. Arg. - >>pannaria Cheiroloba
- Parmeliella corallinoides (Hoffm.) Zahlbr. - Coral Lead Lichen
- Parmeliella crossophylla (Tuck.) G. Merr. & Burnham - Lead Lichen
- Parmeliella cyanolepra (Tuck.) Herre - Lead Lichen
- Parmeliella lepidiota (Sommerf.) Vainio - >>fuscopannaria Praetermissa
- Parmeliella microphylla (Sw.) Mull. Arg. - >>fuscopannaria Leucophaea
- Parmeliella Mull. Arg. - Lead Lichen
- Parmeliella pannosa (Sw.) Nyl. - Lead Lichen
- Parmeliella plumbea (Lightf.) Vainio - >>degelia Plumbea
- Parmeliella praetermissa (Nyl.) P. James - >>fuscopannaria Praetermissa
- Parmeliella ruderatula (Nyl.) Hasse - Lead Lichen
- Parmeliella saubinetii (Mont.) Zahlbr. - >>fuscopannaria Saubinetii
- Parmeliella triptophylla (Ach.) Mull. Arg. - Lead Lichen
- Psoroma hypnorum (Vahl) Gray - Bowl Lichen
- Psoroma Michaux - Bowl Lichen
- Psoroma tenue Henssen - Bowl Lichen
- Psoroma tenue Henssen var. borealis Henssen - Northern Bowl Lichen