Pericárdiales

Pericardiales is a class of flowering plants that belong to the order Malpighiales. This class is characterized by its distinctive flowers, which typically have four or five petals and are often brightly colored. The class is further divided into several families, including the Malpighiaceae, Passifloraceae, and Salicaceae. Pericardiales are found in various habitats, including tropical and temperate regions, and are known for their ecological significance, often serving as food sources for animals and contributing to the overall biodiversity of their ecosystems. The class is named after the pericarp, the outer layer of the fruit, which is often fleshy and edible in these plants. Despite their diverse forms and functions, Pericardiales share several common traits, such as the presence of latex in some species and the production of nectar by their flowers.