Cornaceae

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Cornaceae A family of trees, shrubs, and a few herbs, which are closely related to the Umbelliferae in having umbellate or panicled inflorescences, an inferior, usually 2-celled ovary with 1 ovule in each cell, and tetra- or pentamerous flowers; but, unlike the Umbelliferae, they have leaves that are usually opposite and entire, and fruits that are fleshy. Aucuba and Cornus species are cultivated for ornament. There are 12 genera, with about 90 species, mostly northern temperate in distribution, but also occurring in Africa, S. America, New Zealand, and South-east Asia.

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