ephedraceae

Thân thiện

A botanist examines a branch of Ephedraceae in a greenhouse.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A family of gymnosperm plants: Ephedraceae is the botanical family name for a group of gymnosperm shrubs, commonly known as joint-pines or ephedras. This family is characterized by its photosynthetic stems, reduced scale-like leaves, and cone-like reproductive structures.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The genus Ephedra is the only extant genus in the family Ephedraceae.
  • Botanists study the unique adaptations of Ephedraceae to arid environments.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical taxonomy, the name "Ephedraceae" is always capitalized and italicized in scientific writing to denote its status as a family.
  • The phylogenetic analysis confirmed the placement of Ephedraceae within the order Gnetales.

Variants and Related Words

• Ephedra (n): The sole living genus within the family Ephedraceae.
  • Ephedra sinica is a species known for its medicinal properties.
• Ephedrine (n): An alkaloid stimulant derived from plants of the genus Ephedra.
  • Ephedrine is used as a decongestant and bronchodilator.

Synonyms

• Joint-pine family: A common name for the Ephedraceae family.
• Ephedra family: Another informal reference to this plant family.

Notes on Classification

• Historically, some classification systems have placed the genus within the family Gnetaceae. However, in modern systems like the APG (Angiosperm Phylogeny Group), Ephedraceae is recognized as a distinct family within the order Gnetales, separate from Gnetaceae and Welwitschiaceae.

Học thuật

Noun

1. ephedras: in some classifications included in the Gnetaceae

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Ephedraceae
• family Ephedraceae