Samataceae

Samataceae is a family of flowering plants that belongs to the order Malpighiales. The family is native to the tropical regions of the Americas, with a few species found in Africa and Asia. The family is characterized by its small to medium-sized trees and shrubs, which typically have simple, alternate leaves and showy, often brightly colored flowers. The flowers are typically actinomorphic, with five petals and five sepals, and are often zygomorphic in some species. The family is known for its economic importance, with several species used for timber, medicinal purposes, and as ornamental plants. The taxonomy of the family is complex, with some species previously placed in other families such as Passifloraceae and Violaceae. The family is named after the genus Samata, which is the type genus of the family. The family is monophyletic, and the relationships between the genera are well-supported by molecular data. The family is currently recognized as a distinct family in the APG IV system of plant classification.