Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic order of flowering plants: "order Ericales" is the scientific name for a large and diverse order of dicotyledonous plants, mostly shrubs and small trees, but also including some herbs and vines. It is characterized by sympetalous corollas (fused petals), stamens usually in two whorls, and typically anthers that open by pores. Many members are adapted to acidic or infertile soils.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Botanists classify blueberries and rhododendrons within the order Ericales.
  • The diversity of order Ericales is particularly high in tropical mountain regions.
  • This study focuses on the evolutionary relationships among families in the order Ericales.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic hierarchy: The term is used in a strict biological classification context, positioned between "class" (e.g., Magnoliopsida) and "family" (e.g., Ericaceae).
  • The family Ericaceae is nested within the order Ericales.

Variants and Related Words

• Ericales (n): The abbreviated form, often used without "order."
  • Recent phylogenetic studies have revised the circumscription of Ericales.
• Ericad (n, adj): A less common term referring to or characteristic of this order.

Synonyms

• Heath order: A common name based on many members being heath or heath-like plants.

Notes on Different Meanings

• This term has a single, specific meaning in the scientific discipline of botany (taxonomy). It is not used in everyday language.

Noun

1. Ericaceae; Clethraceae; Diapensiaceae; Epacridaceae; Lennoaceae; Pyrolaceae; Monotropaceae