Lycaceae

Lycaceae is a historical or obsolete plant family name once used for a group of flowering plants characterized by spiny shrubs, simple leaves, and small tubular flowers. The name stems from the genus Lycium, the best-known member, commonly called boxthorn or goji. Among older treatments, Lycaceae included several genera with similar features, though circumscription varied among authors.

In modern plant systematics, Lycaceae is not recognized as a distinct family. Molecular phylogenetic studies place the genera formerly assigned to Lycaceae within Solanaceae, the nightshade family. In these treatments, Lycium and related taxa are included in Solanaceae, without a separate family rank.

Distribution and uses: Species historically associated with Lycaceae occur in dry and semi-dry regions across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The genus Lycium is widespread, and some species are cultivated or used by humans. Notably, Lycium barbarum (goji berry) and Lycium chinense are produced for edible fruit and traditional uses, though in current taxonomy they are treated as members of Solanaceae.

Morphology: Typical characters described for Lycaceae members include shrubs or small trees with spiny or thorny branches, simple and often deciduous leaves, small five-parted flowers with a tubular corolla, and berries as fruits. The precise traits vary by genus and taxonomic interpretation.

Taxonomic history: The status of Lycaceae reflects changes in classification driven by molecular evidence rather than a fixed morphological boundary. Contemporary references generally redirect the group to Solanaceae.