Stromaaceae

Stromaaceae is a small family of flowering plants within the order Oxalidales. This family comprises primarily herbaceous plants that are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, with some species found in Central and South America. The family is characterized by its often herbaceous, fleshy, or succulent members, which typically grow in moist, shaded environments.

The family Stromaaceae includes a limited number of genera, with Stroma being the most prominent and widely recognized. Species within this genus are usually low-growing plants featuring simple, alternate leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers. The flowers are generally bisexual and may possess attractively colored petals, although they are often somewhat overlooked due to their modest size.

Taxonomically, Stromaaceae has undergone various revisions. Historically, the family was sometimes included in other families such as Oxalidaceae or Malpighiaceae, but molecular phylogenetic studies have supported its status as a distinct lineage within Oxalidales.

Members of the Stromaaceae are generally not of significant economic importance but may be of interest for horticulture or botanical research due to their unique morphological features. The family's small size and specialized habitat requirements limit its widespread cultivation.

Overall, Stromaaceae is recognized as a distinct, though relatively obscure, family of flowering plants characterized by its tropical distribution and unique botanical features within the order Oxalidales. Its taxonomy continues to be refined as more genetic and morphological data become available.