Hingetoraceae

Hingetoraceae is a small family of flowering plants that appears in some classifications as a distinct lineage, while in others it is treated as a subfamily within a closely related group. The family currently comprises two genera and roughly 15 to 20 described species. Members are generally herbaceous perennials, and a few shrubs occur within the range. Diagnostic features used to recognize Hingetoraceae include leaves that are opposite or in whorls, a calyx of five sepals, and a corolla with five lobes that may be fused at the base; the flowers are typically bisexual and borne in small axillary or terminal inflorescences. The fruit is usually a dry capsule that dehisces to release seeds.

Hingetoraceae are native to temperate and subtropical regions of Eurasia and Africa. They occupy a variety of habitats, including forest margins, grasslands, and montane meadows, often on well-drained soils. They are typically found in sunny to partially shaded sites and can vary in moisture preference.

Ecology and phylogeny: Pollination is primarily by bees and flies, with some species attracting butterflies. Seed dispersal is mainly by gravity, with occasional animal-assisted dispersal in certain taxa. Molecular and morphological studies generally support Hingetoraceae as a distinct lineage within a broader clade, though its exact relationships to closely related families remain a topic of ongoing taxonomic revision.

Genera: The two recognized genera are Hingera and Toraginia. The group includes a limited number of species, several of which are rare or threatened by habitat loss and climate change. Ongoing research focuses on clarifying delimitation and relationships within the family using DNA sequencing and comparative anatomy.