Garryaceae

Garryaceae is a small family of flowering plants in the order Garryales. The family consists of a single genus, Garrya, with approximately 18 species. These plants are native to the Americas, ranging from the southwestern United States and Mexico to the Caribbean and Central America.

Garrya species are typically shrubs or small trees, characterized by their opposite, leathery leaves, which are often evergreen. A distinctive feature of the genus is its catkin-like inflorescences, which are pendulous and can be quite showy, particularly in winter. These catkins bear small, inconspicuous flowers that lack petals and sepals, relying on wind for pollination. Following pollination, the plants produce small, one-seeded fruits.

The family is of interest to botanists due to its phylogenetic position and unique morphological characteristics. The genus Garrya has a disjunct distribution, with some species found in mountainous regions and others in more arid or coastal environments. While not widely cultivated, some species are used ornamentally for their attractive winter foliage and catkins. The wood of some Garrya species has been used historically for minor purposes, but the family does not have significant economic importance.