Caprifoliaceae

views updated

Caprifoliaceae A family of shrubs and small trees in which the leaves are opposite, sometimes with stipules. The inflorescence is cymose. The flower has 4 or 5 imbricate sepals and petals, and an inferior ovary. There are many ornamentals, including Abelia, Diervilla, Leycesteria, Lonicera (honeysuckles), Symphoricarpos (snowberry), and Viburnum. The family is related to Rubiaceae. There are 16 genera, with 365 species, most of the northern temperate zone, but also of tropical mountains.

More From encyclopedia.com