Combretaceae

Combretaceae is a family of flowering plants in the order Myrtales. The family comprises about 20 genera and 600–800 species, distributed across tropical and subtropical regions, with the highest richness in Africa and Asia. Members are typically trees, shrubs, or lianas. Leaves are usually simple and can be deciduous or evergreen; flowers are small and often arranged in dense inflorescences, frequently with a conspicuous calyx and a short corolla that may be inconspicuous. The fruit types are varied across genera, including drupes, capsules, and winged seeds.

The most diverse and widespread genera are Combretum and Terminalia, the latter including several large tropical trees. Lagerstroemia, or crape myrtle, is another well-known genus within the family. Terminalia catappa, known as the tropical almond, and Terminalia arjuna are among the economically and culturally significant species, used for timber, traditional medicine, and agroforestry. Several Combretaceae species yield hardwoods, dyes, and in some instances edible fruits.

Ecology and distribution: Combretaceae occupy a wide range of tropical habitats, from rainforests to savannas and wetlands, often in seasonally dry areas. They can be important components of forest and woodland communities and provide resources for various animal species.

Systematics: The family is placed in the order Myrtales. Molecular phylogenetic studies support Combretaceae as a distinct lineage within Myrtales, with relationships among genera still being refined in ongoing botanical research.