Tiliaceae

Tiliaceae is a historically recognized family of flowering plants in the order Malvales. In modern taxonomy, most systems place these genera within Malvaceae as the subfamily Tilioideae, though some classifications continue to treat Tiliaceae as a separate family. The circumscription has varied as plant families are reorganized to reflect phylogenetic data.

The group is primarily temperate in distribution, with most species native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The best-known genus is Tilia, commonly called lindens or limes, which comprises several species valued for shade and ornamental appeal. Other genera historically associated with Tiliaceae have been reassigned in broader Malvaceae groupings.

Morphologically, members of the traditional Tiliaceae are usually deciduous trees or shrubs. Leaves are generally alternate and simple, often with cordate bases and serrated margins in the genus Tilia. Flowers are small and typically arranged in flower clusters; they are often insect-pollinated and can be fragrant, producing nectar that attracts bees. Fruits are usually small and not highly distinctive across the group.

Economic and cultural uses include ornamental planting for urban shade, timber production in some species, and nectar production for beekeeping. Several Tilia species have a long history in traditional medicine and landscape horticulture, reflecting their ecological and aesthetic value.

Taxonomically, placing Tilioideae within Malvaceae reflects shared floral and genetic characteristics with other members of the family. The status of Tiliaceae as a separate family varies by classification system, but its members are now commonly treated as part of Malvaceae in contemporary taxonomic references.