back to the Gentianales

Rubiaceae is by far the largest family in the flowering plant order Gentianales.  It is also the oldest family that branched off first on the Gentianales family tree.  The family is very variable in its characteristics, but most species have inferior ovaries, distinct interpetiolar stipules, and no latex. Most species grow in the tropics but many species occur in temperate areas as well. The flowers are often showy and many horticulturally important plants belong to this family (for example gardenia, Ixora,  and Pentas).  Other economically important plants in the Rubiaceae are coffee (Coffea) and quinine (Cinchona). In the temperate regions the madder genus (Galium) is common. 

© Lena Struwe, 2003