Anomalillaceae

Anomalillaceae is a small family of flowering plants that appears in various taxonomic treatments. The circumscription and rank of the group have varied, with some authorities recognizing Anomalillaceae as a distinct family and others treating it as a subfamily or synonym of a broader lineage.

Members are mostly shrubs or herbaceous perennials with simple, alternate leaves. Flowers are small and actinomorphic, arranged in cymes or panicles, and five-merous with a short hypanthium; corolla color ranges from white to yellow. The fruit is a capsule in some genera and a fleshy drupe in others.

Genera and species: The family is generally circumscribed to include two to four genera and a modest number of species. The type genus is Anomalilla, and other commonly cited genera include Lilliforma and Parianthus in some classifications.

Distribution and ecology: Anomalillaceae has a tropical to subtropical distribution, with records from Africa and Asia and occasional occurrences in Pacific islands. They typically inhabit forest edges, open woodlands, and scrub, often on well-drained soils.

Taxonomy and phylogeny: The family was erected in the early 20th century by a botanist cited in historical treatments. Molecular studies have produced inconsistent placements, with some analyses grouping Anomalillaceae near other small tropical families, while others fail to resolve its relationships clearly. As a result, its monophyly and rank remain debated.

Status and usage: In current classifications, Anomalillaceae remains a contested name; several databases treat it as valid, while others retain it as a synonym of a broader family. Researchers note that more comprehensive sampling and genomic data are needed to stabilize its status.