Moniotaceae

Moniotaceae is a small family of flowering plants in the order Malpighiales. It contains only one genus, Moniotia, with two species native to South America, specifically Brazil and Paraguay. These species are typically shrubs or small trees.

The plants in Monioteae are characterized by their opposite leaves, which are often simple and entire. The flowers are usually bisexual and have five sepals and five petals. The stamens are numerous, and the ovary is superior. The fruit is typically a capsule.

One of the species, Moniotia brasiliensis, is found in the Atlantic Forest biome of Brazil. The other, Moniotia paruensis, is found in Paraguay. The family is not well-studied, and there is limited information available on its ecology, distribution, and uses.

Moniotaceae is considered a sister group to the Chrysobalanaceae family within the Malpighiales. Its taxonomic placement has been debated, but molecular phylogenetic studies have helped to clarify its relationships within the order. The family's limited number of species and restricted geographic range make it a subject of interest for botanical research.