The family Phyllanthaceae is a segregate of the heterogeneous mega-family Euphorbiaceae, based on phylogenetic considerations, placed in the order Malpighiales under Eudicotidae, a clade in flowering plants. The family is distinct in their pollen grains showing three colpi or grooves paralleling the polar axis and biovulate locules of ovaries. They also show bitegmic ovules with non-vascularized inner integument and exarillate seeds.
The family is cosmopolitan and mainly distributed in humid tropics. The authors have revised the family as represented in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Burma (Myanmar) and Sri Lanka forming a distinct phytogeographical conglomeration. This work includes 2 subfamilies, 6 tribes, 16 genera and 214 species. The biggest genus is Phyllanthus with 67 species, which includes the medicinally important Amla, the Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica). There are several economically and medicinally important species in the family.
The work provides detailed descriptions of the family, subfamilies, tribes, genera and species. For easy identification bracketed keys to all levels of classification are provided. For each species, detailed nomenclature, typification, description, flowering and fruiting period, local names, habitat, distribution and specimens examined have been provided. Photographs of 93 species have been included for quick identification. A comprehensive bibliography includes citations of important literature relevant to the area.
Preface
Introduction
Taxonomy
Subfamily I. Antidesmatoideae
Tribe 1. Antidesmateae
Subtribe 1a. Antidesmatinae
1. Antidesma
Subtribe 1b. Hymenocardiinae
2. Hymenocardia
Tribe 2. Bischofieae
3. Bischofia
Tribe 3. Scepea
4. Aporosa
5. Baccaurea
Subfamily II. Phyllanthoideae
Tribe 4. Bridelieae
Subtribe 4a. Bridelineae
6. Bridelia
Subtribe 4b. Pseudolachnostylidinae
7. Cleistanthus
Tribe 5. Phyllantheae
8. Breynia
9. Flueggia
10. Glochidion
11. Margaritaria
12. Phyllanthus
Tribe 6. Poranthereae
13. Actephila
14. Andrachne
15. Leptopus
16. Meineckia
Bibliography
Index
Botanical names
Vernacular names