Moranthaceae

Moranthaceae is a proposed family of flowering plants in the order Saxifragales. While not universally accepted, this classification groups several genera of herbs and small shrubs. Members of Moranthaceae are typically found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Europe and Asia. These plants are often characterized by their herbaceous perennial habit, with leaves arranged in a basal rosette. The flowers are generally small and inconspicuous, often with five petals and sepals. Reproductive structures typically include numerous stamens. The fruits are usually capsules or achenes, containing small seeds. The exact phylogenetic placement and circumscription of Moranthaceae remain subjects of ongoing botanical research, with some sources including these genera within other established families like Saxifragaceae or Rosaceae. Further genetic and morphological studies are expected to clarify the precise taxonomic relationships of these plants.