| Pentaphylacaceae | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Pentaphylacaceae Engl. |
| Genus: | Pentaphylax |
| Species | |
|
Pentaphylax euryoides |
|
Pentaphylax is a genus of flowering plants, with one[1] or two[2] species which are shrubs and small trees. The species has simple evergreen leaves that are alternately arranged on the stems. The flower pistil is 5 celled and the anthers dehiscing via pores and basifixed. Flowers have five petals and five sepals that are distinct from each other and five stamens attached oppositely to the sepals. The Seeds are winged.
Native from Tropical areas of South China to Malay Peninsula and Sumatra.
Species include: Pentaphylax euryoides[3]
Pentaphylax has often been placed in its own family, the Pentaphylacaceae, excluded from the Theaceae or Ternstroemiaceae based on the structure of the anthers and, arguably, the ovules. However, some molecular data and curved embryos (typical of the Ternstroemiaceae) point to inclusion within the Ternstroemiaceae.[4][5]
The taxonomic placement of this species and the family is currently problematic, due mostly to a shortage of information. Included here is some classifications given by different botanists: