Definition

Proper noun 1. A botanical order of flowering plants: Thymelaeales is an obsolete taxonomic order of dicotyledonous plants, primarily comprising families characterized by often having flowers with numerous stamens and a superior ovary. The order, as historically defined, included families such as Myrtaceae, Lythraceae, and Onagraceae.

Usage Notes

• Scientific Context: The term "Thymelaeales" is used almost exclusively in botanical taxonomy and scientific literature. It is not used in everyday language.
• Historical Usage: In modern phylogenetic classification systems (e.g., APG IV), the families once grouped under Thymelaeales are now distributed primarily within the order Myrtales. Therefore, "Thymelaeales" is considered an outdated or synonymized classification.

Examples of Usage

• Scientific Text:
  • The family Lythraceae was traditionally placed within the order Thymelaeales.
  • This fossil shares characteristics with plants classified under the obsolete order Thymelaeales.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Discussion: The term is used when discussing the historical development of plant classification or comparing older and newer taxonomic systems.
  • The circumscription of Thymelaeales varied significantly between different taxonomic authorities.

Variants and Related Words

• Myrtales (n.): The modern botanical order that now encompasses most of the families historically placed in Thymelaeales.
• Thymelaeaceae (n.): A family of flowering plants (including the genus ) from which the ordinal name "Thymelaeales" was derived. This family is now placed within the order Malvales.

Synonyms

• Obsolete/Historical Synonym: Myrtales (in a broad, historical sense). Note: In contemporary taxonomy, Myrtales is the accepted order, not a direct synonym, but it represents the modern grouping of the relevant families.

Different Meanings

This word has no common meanings outside of its specific use in botanical taxonomy. It refers solely to a historical plant order.

Noun

1. Myrtaceae; Combretaceae; Elaeagnaceae; Haloragidaceae; Melastomaceae; Lecythidaceae; Lythraceae; Rhizophoraceae; Onagraceae; Lecythidaceae; Punicaceae