Moraceae, commonly known as the mulberry family or fig family, is a family of flowering plants in the order Rosales comprising about 48 genera and over 1,100 species distributed across tropical, subtropical, and some temperate regions. Its members are marked by latex producing glands in the leaves and stems and milky sap in soft tissues, typically with two carpels, one often reduced, inconspicuous compound flowers, and compound fruit. The family ranges in size from the towering Indian banyan to small succulents and includes the common fig, breadfruit, jackfruit, and mulberry.
Facts
Taxonomic Rank Scientific Name Member Species/Taxa Count Geographic DistributionMost widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, less so in temperate climates, with an overall cosmopolitan distribution. 1 Defining CharacteristicsThe only common characteristic across the family is latex-producing glands in the leaves and stems, with milky sap in the soft tissues. 1 Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceField identification relies on two carpels (sometimes with one reduced), compound inconspicuous flowers often reduced to pseudanthia, and compound fruits. 1 Sources
1. Moraceae (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationWikipedia lead paragraph, sentence 1 (taxonomic rank)
Moraceae is a family of flowering plants comprising about 48 genera and over 1100 species, and is commonly known as the mulberry or fig family.
Wikipedia lead paragraph, sentence 1 (family name)
Moraceae is a family of flowering plants comprising about 48 genera and over 1100 species, and is commonly known as the mulberry or fig family.
Wikipedia lead paragraph, sentence 1 (genus and species count)
Moraceae is a family of flowering plants comprising about 48 genera and over 1100 species, and is commonly known as the mulberry or fig family.
Wikipedia lead paragraph, sentence 2
Most are widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, less so in temperate climates; however, their distribution is cosmopolitan overall.
Wikipedia lead paragraph, sentence 3 (first clause)
The only common characteristics within the family are the presence of latex-producing glands in the leaves and stems, and milky sap in the soft tissues;
Wikipedia lead paragraph, sentence 3 (second clause)
generally useful field characters include two carpels sometimes with one reduced, compound inconspicuous flowers, and compound fruits.
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