Guttiferales is a botanical term pronounced as /ɡʌtɪˈfɛrəliːz/. It refers to an order of flowering plants, commonly known as the family of Clusiaceae or the gutta-percha trees. The spelling "guttiferales" is derived from the Latin word "gutta" which means "a drop" and "fero" which means "to bear". The term was coined to describe the characteristic resinous sap that these plants exude. Proper spelling of botanical names is crucial in scientific communication and is guided by standardized rules governed by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants.
Guttiferales is a botanical order of flowering plants that belong to the class Magnoliopsida, commonly known as dicots. The order Guttiferales is an important taxonomic category within the plant kingdom, comprising a diverse group of approximately 750 species distributed across 21 different families.
Plants within the Guttiferales order can be found in various habitats, including tropical rainforests, mountainous regions, and even arid deserts. They are typically characterized by their woody nature and possess simple, opposite or whorled leaves. The flowers of Guttiferales plants are usually solitary or in clusters, eventually forming fruits or capsules which are often dry and dehiscent.
One of the most well-known families within the Guttiferales order is Clusiaceae, which includes familiar plants such as mangosteen and St. John's wort. Many species within this family have important medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine worldwide.
The Guttiferales order also encompasses several economically important plants that are cultivated for their timber, fruits, or ornamental value. Some members of this order also exhibit ecological significance by serving as indicators of forest health and playing a vital role in supporting local biodiversity.
In summary, Guttiferales is a taxonomic order of dicot flowering plants encompassing a diverse range of species found in various ecosystems worldwide. They are characterized by their woody nature, opposite or whorled leaves, and often dry fruits, and have cultural, medicinal, and ecological importance.
The word "guttiferales" is derived from Latin. It combines the Latin word "gutta" which means "a drop" or "a tear", and the Latin suffix "-ferales" which means "producing" or "bearing". In botany, Guttiferales is the order of flowering plants known as the guttiferae family, which has glands that produce resin or a sap-like substance, resembling drops or tears.