Myrtle family
Description
A family of mainly tropical and subtropical shrubs and trees, with a large concentration in Australia (Myrtaceae 1). The leaves are simple, mostly entire and opposite and finely dotted with oil glands. The flowers are regular (Myrtaceae 2), with 4-5 sepals united in a tube, 4-5 free petals, numerous stamens with slender filaments inserted on the disc, and an inferior ovary. The fruit is a berry or a woody capsule.
There are about 100 genera.
Use
Besides valuable timber, the family provides essential oils, spices like cloves and allspice, and several popular tropical fruits.
Described species
Eucalyptus globulus, blue gum, see Eucalyptus sp.
Eucalyptus saligna, see Eucalyptus sp.
Melaleuca leucadendron, punk tree, see Eucalyptus sp.
Eugenia caryophyllus, clove tree
Eugenia jambos, rose apple
Eugenia malaccensis, pomerac or Malay apple, see Eugenia jambos
Eugenia javanica, Java or wax apple
Eugenia uniflora, pitanga or Surinam cherry
Eugenia cumini, jambolan, see Eugenia uniflora
Pimenta dioica, allspice or pimento
Pimenta racemosa, bay tree, see Pimenta dioica
Psidium guajava, guava
Psidium cattleianum, strawberry guava, see Psidium guajava