Irvinaceae

Irvinaceae is a family of flowering plants that belongs to the order Malpighiales. The family is named after the American botanist George Ironside (Irvin) who first described the family in 1967. The family is native to the tropical regions of the Americas, with a few species found in Africa and Asia. Irvinaceae is characterized by its small, often epiphytic or lithophytic herbs, with simple, entire leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers. The family is monotypic, containing only one genus, Irvingia, which includes about 10 species. The most well-known species is Irvingia gabonensis, commonly known as African black soapnut or African black soapberry, which is valued for its edible fruit and oil. The family is of interest to botanists and conservationists due to its unique adaptations and potential economic value.