Humiriaceae

This book is a comprehensive monograph on the Humiraceae family, covering economic botany, conservation, phylogenetic relationships, taxonomic history, ecology, cytology, anatomy, and phytochemistry. It is written by the world-leading authority on the plant group and contains 65 species and 15 infraspecific taxa, with two new species described. It is volume 123 in the Flora Neotropica book series.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 241 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive monograph delves into the intricate world of the Humiraceae family, encompassing a wide range of topics. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, offering a thorough exploration of economic botany, conservation, phylogenetic relationships, taxonomic history, ecology, cytology, anatomy, and phytochemistry. The book is adorned with captivating illustrations, including line drawings, black and white photographs, and distribution maps, enhancing its visual appeal and aiding in understanding the diverse aspects of the Humiraceae. Authored by the esteemed world-leading authority on this plant group, the volume comprises a total of eight genera, 65 species, and 15 infraspecific taxa, with two exciting new species described. This remarkable work proudly stands as volume 123 in the prestigious Flora Neotropica book series, edited by Lawrence M. Kelly. Flora Neotropica volumes are renowned for their taxonomic treatments of plant groups or families thriving in the Americas, spanning from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn.

The Humiraceae family, belonging to the Malpighiales order, is a diverse and fascinating group of plants that are distributed throughout the Americas. These plants are known for their unique characteristics and play important ecological roles in various ecosystems. In this monograph, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the Humiraceae family, including its taxonomy, distribution, biology, and economic importance.

Taxonomy:
The Humiraceae family is divided into several genera and subfamilies, with over 100 species recognized to date. The family is characterized by its distinctive flowers, which are usually small and have a five-lobed structure. The flowers are usually white or pink and have a sweet fragrance. The leaves of Humiraceae plants are usually simple and alternate, and they may be hairy or glabrous. The fruits of the family are usually berries or drupes, and they may be fleshy or dry.

Distribution:
Humiraceae plants are found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, savannas, and scrublands. They are particularly abundant in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including Brazil, Mexico, and Central America. Some species of Humiraceae are also found in Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Biology:
Humiraceae plants are primarily herbaceous, but some species can grow as shrubs or small trees. They are generally low-growing plants, but some species can reach heights of up to 3 meters. Humiraceae plants have a deep root system that helps them to stabilize their soil and resist erosion. They are also adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, including acidic and alkaline soils.

Humiraceae plants are known for their medicinal properties. Many species of the family are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and pain. Some species of Humiraceae are also used as ornamental plants, and they are grown for their attractive flowers and foliage.

Economic Importance:
Humiraceae plants have economic importance in several ways. Many species of the family are used as raw materials in the pharmaceutical industry, and they are used to produce a variety of compounds that are used in medicine. Some species of Humiraceae are also used as food plants, and they are grown for their fruits and berries. Additionally, Humiraceae plants are used in the production of wood, fiber, and rubber.

Conclusion:
The Humiraceae family is a diverse and fascinating group of plants that are distributed throughout the Americas. These plants are known for their unique characteristics and play important ecological roles in various ecosystems. In this monograph, we have provided a comprehensive overview of the Humiraceae family, including its taxonomy, distribution, biology, and economic importance. We hope that this information will be useful to scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 397g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030823610
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021