Taxonomic Evaluation of Euphorbiaceae sensu lato with Special Reference to Phyllanthaceae as a New Family to the Flora of Egypt

Author: Abdel Aziz Fayed, Mohamed Soliman, Ahamed Faried and Mona Hassan

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Abstract

Phyllanthaceae is one of five segregates families of Euphorbiaceae sensu lato according to Angiosperm Phylogeny Group system. It shares some morphological characters with Euphorbiaceae sensu stricto such as unisexual flowers, syncarpous ovary, axile-apical placentation and absence of pistillode. A critical taxonomic revision of six genera and 10 taxa belonging to both Phyllanthaceae and Euphorbiaceae in Egypt is presented. The study was carried out on herbarium specimens as well as fresh materials of the genera: Andrachne, Flueggea, Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae) and Ricinus, Mercurialis, Jatropha (Euphorbiaceae). Nomenclature, type citations and keys to the genera and all species are provided. Synonyms, ecology, regional and worldwide distribution, phenology, list of representative examined specimens together with line drawing for leaves, stipules, staminate and pistillate flowers, female calyx and fruits are including for each taxon. The results reveal that Phyllanthaceae differ mainl

Keywords

Andrachne, Flueggea, Jatropha, Mercurialis, Phyllanthus, Ricinus.

Conclusion

In general view, this study reveals that family Euphorbiaceae s.l. in Egypt should segregates into two distinct families: Euphorbiaceae s.s. and Phyllanthaceae, in which the later consider as a new family to the flora of Egypt.

References

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How to cite this article

Abdel Aziz Fayed, Mohamed Soliman, Ahamed Faried and Mona Hassan (2019). Taxonomic evaluation of Euphorbiaceae sensu lato with special reference to Phyllanthaceae as a new family to the flora of Egypt. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 11(1):