family Loganiaceae
Proper noun A taxonomic family of flowering plants within the order Gentianales. This family is characterized by opposite leaves, flowers with fused petals, and fruit that is typically a capsule or berry. Many species within this family contain alkaloids.
The term "family Loganiaceae" is used in scientific contexts, specifically in botany and taxonomy, to classify and refer to this specific group of plants. * The botanist specialized in studying the family Loganiaceae. * Several genera, including Strychnos and Gelsemium, belong to the family Loganiaceae.
- In taxonomic hierarchy: The name is used to denote a precise rank (family) in biological classification. It is often placed in the context of its order and genera.
- The order Gentianales contains the family Loganiaceae, among others.
- Loganiaceae: The most common form, often used without the word "family" in technical botanical writing.
- The alkaloids found in Loganiaceae can have significant physiological effects.
- Loganiaceous (adjective): Describing something pertaining to or characteristic of this plant family.
- The specimen displayed typical loganiaceous floral morphology.
- Logania family: A less formal synonym.
- Buddlejaceae: Note: In some modern taxonomic revisions, many plants formerly placed in Loganiaceae have been moved to other families, such as Buddlejaceae (the butterfly bush family). The circumscription of the family can vary between classification systems.
The primary meaning is taxonomic. The reference to alkaloids is a key characteristic because several well-known toxic and medicinal compounds (e.g., strychnine from Strychnos nux-vomica) are derived from plants in this family, but this is a descriptive feature, not part of the core definition.
- a dicotyledonous family of plants of order Gentianales