DATISCACEAE/TETRAMELACEAE
NB Datiscaceae (only genus Datisca)and Tetramelaceae (two genera: Octomyles and Tetrameles) are considered two separate families under APG IV. This description needs to be updated.
Morphological description
Trees often developing large buttresses.
Leaves
Leaves simple, spiral, exstipulate.
Inflorescence
Inflorescence dioecious.
Flowers
Flower actinomorphic; ovary inferior, styles separate; ovules numerous, placentation parietal.
Fruit
Fruit a capsule.
Seed
Seed.
Different from: Flacourtiaceae: ovary superior (semi-inferior in Homalium).
Distribution: A family of 3 genera of which 2 in Malesia: - Octomeles (Malesia), twigs 3-angular, leaves lepidote, flowers in spikes, lowland rain forest; - Tetrameles (Southeast Asia to Queensland), deciduous, apetalous, seasonal forest.
Notes: The trunks may attain huge size; the wood is soft and is much used to build canoes. The minute seeds are wind dispersed.
Literature: C.G.G. J. van Steenis, Fl. Males. I, 4 (1953) 382-387.
Spot characters (Van Balgooy): Octomeles 26, 31, 51, 59, 78, 92 - Tetrameles 8, 51, 92.
Illustrations: Fig. 49. Octomeles sumatrana Blume.
Image in PhytoImages for Datiscaceae
Image in PhytoImages for Tetramelaceae