Coriariaceae

Plant Characteristics

Cultivation

Scientific Names

Read about Coriariaceae in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture

Coriariaceae (from the genus Coriaria, derived from the Latin meaning a hide, used for tanning). Coriaria Family. Fig. 33. Shrubs with opposite or whorled, entire leaves: flowers bisexual, or unisexual, regular; sepals 5, imbricated; petals 5, smaller, but enlarging in fruit, fleshy, keeled within and pressed between the carpels; stamens 10, hypogynous; carpels 5-10, superior, separate: fruitlets indehiscent, 1-seeded, dry. This family consists of a single genus containing 8 species, widely distributed in warm-temperate zones. Coriariaceae is not closely related to any other family; perhaps most closely to the Empetraceae. Some authors place it near the Sapindaceae or Phytolaccaceae, or Rutaceae. It represents an ancient group. Fossil species are known. Coriaria myrtifolia (myrtle-leaved sumach) of the West Mediterranean region, contains much tannin and is used by curriers; its leaves and fruits are poisonous. The fruit of C. ruscifolia of New Zealand contains a vinous juice, which is drunk as a beverage, but its seeds are poisonous. C. ruscifolia also yields a black color used by shoemakers. Two species are grown for ornamental purposes in eastern North America. They are semi-hardy. CH The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.

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References

• Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture, by L. H. Bailey, MacMillan Co., 1963

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