Sapindales

Acer-negundo-total

Sapindales phylogeny

Trichostetha bicolor feeding on flowers of Agathosma capensis (Rutaceae) at Saldanha Bay

Chloroxylon swietenia W IMG 1326

Sapindales is an order of flowering plants in the class Magnoliopsida (dicotyledons) of the division Magnoliophyta (angiosperms). The order is characterized by a wide variety of plants including trees, shrubs, and herbs. Members of this order are found throughout the world, from tropical to temperate regions. The Sapindales order is significant for its economic, ecological, and ornamental values, encompassing many species that are crucial for their fruits, timber, and ornamental uses.

Characteristics

Plants in the Sapindales order typically share some common characteristics, although there is considerable diversity among them. These characteristics include compound leaves, often with glandular structures at the leaf margins or on other parts of the plant. The flowers are usually small and can be either unisexual or bisexual, often arranged in clusters. The fruit of Sapindales can vary widely, including berries, drupes, and capsules, which are important for seed dispersal.

Families

The order Sapindales includes several key families, among which are:

• Anacardiaceae: Known as the cashew or sumac family, this family includes important species such as the cashew (Anacardium occidentale) and the mango (Mangifera indica).
• Rutaceae: This family, often referred to as the citrus family, includes economically significant citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits.
• Sapindaceae: The soapberry family, to which the lychee (Litchi chinensis), longan (Dimocarpus longan), and various maples belong.
• Meliaceae: Known as the mahogany family, it includes valuable timber trees like mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) and neem (Azadirachta indica).

Ecological and Economic Importance

The Sapindales order is of great ecological importance. Many species within this order play a pivotal role in their ecosystems, serving as food sources for a wide range of animals and insects. Economically, the order includes species that are cultivated for their fruits, such as citrus fruits and mangoes, which are significant to the agricultural economy of many countries. Additionally, trees like mahogany and neem are valued for their timber and medicinal properties, respectively.

Conservation

While many species within the Sapindales are widely cultivated and not considered at risk, there are species that face threats from habitat destruction, overexploitation, and climate change. Conservation efforts are essential to protect these species and their habitats to ensure their survival for future generations.

See Also

• Flowering plant
• Fruit
• Timber
• Medicinal plants