Related Directory Categories
- Ericaceae (34)
- Arbutus (6)
- Rhododendron (5)
- Epigaea (3)
- Kalmia (2)
- Bejaria (2)
- Erica (2)
- Ledum (2)
- Cassiope (2)
- Oxydendrum (2)
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Ericaceae
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The plant family Ericaceae (also called the heath family or ericaceous plants) are mostly lime-hating or calcifuge plants that thrive in acid soils. The family Ericaceae includes numerous plants from mostly temperate climates: cranberry, blueberry, heath, heather, huckleberry, azalea and rhododendron are well-known examples.
The Ericaceae family consists of herbs, shrubs and trees with leaves that are alternate, simple and estipulate. Plants in this family are synoecious. Flowers in the family show considerable variability. The corollas are often sympetalous with shapes ranging from narrowly tubular to funnelform or widely bowl-shaped. The corollas are often actinomorhpic but flowers in the genus Rhododendron have flowers that are often zygomorphic.[citations needed]
Recent genetic research by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group has resulted in the inclusion of the formerly recognised families Empetraceae, Epacridaceae, Monotropaceae, Prionotaceae and Pyrolaceae into Ericaceae. Most Ericaceae, except Monotropaceae, Prionotaceae and Pyrolaceae form ericoid mycorrhiza. This symbiotic relationship is considered crucial to the success of members of the family in edaphically stressful environments worldwide (Cairney and Meharg, 2003).
- Ericaceae in L. Watson and M.J. Dallwitz (1992 onwards). The families of flowering plants.
- Neotropical blueberries reference at New York Botanical Garden (very detailed, keys to genera and species, etc.)
- Cairney, JWG & Meharg, AA (2003). Ericoid mycorrhiza: a partnership that exploits harsh edaphic conditions. European Journal of Soil Science 54, 735-740.
- Walters, Dick R. and David J. Keil. Vascular Plant Taxonomy. Kendall\Hunt: 1996, Dubuque