Plant Family: Myrtaceae

Table of Contents

My Fascination with Myrtaceae

My name is Ferb Vu, and I’ve always been fascinated by the natural world. One particular plant family that has captured my attention is Myrtaceae. This diverse family, also known as the myrtle family, is a treasure trove of aromatic plants, many of which have significant economic and ecological importance.

Aromatic Diversity

The Myrtaceae family is renowned for its aromatic members. Many species contain essential oils, which are responsible for their distinctive scents. These oils have a wide range of uses, from perfumes and cosmetics to flavorings and medicinal applications. Some of the most well-known aromatic plants in this family include:

Eucalyptus: Native to Australia, eucalyptus trees are known for their tall stature and distinctive aroma. Eucalyptus oil is used in a variety of products, including cough drops, inhalants, and cleaning products.
Clove: The dried flower buds of the clove tree are a popular spice used in both sweet and savory dishes. Clove oil also has antiseptic and pain-relieving properties.
Allspice: This spice, also known as Jamaica pepper, has a complex flavor that resembles a combination of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It’s used in many cuisines, particularly in Caribbean and Latin American dishes.

Global Distribution

The Myrtaceae family boasts a wide distribution, with species found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They are particularly abundant in Australia, South America, and Southeast Asia. Some notable examples of their global distribution include:

Australia: The eucalyptus forests of Australia are a testament to the dominance of Myrtaceae in this region. The country is home to hundreds of eucalyptus species, which play a vital role in the ecosystem.
South America: The Amazon rainforest is another hotspot for Myrtaceae diversity. Many species, including various members of the genera Myrcia and Eugenia, thrive in this lush environment.
Southeast Asia: The region is home to several economically important Myrtaceae species, including clove and rambutan. These plants contribute significantly to the agricultural and horticultural sectors of Southeast Asian countries.

Genera Galore

The Myrtaceae family is vast, encompassing over 130 genera and thousands of species.

Eucalyptus: This iconic genus includes over 700 species of trees and shrubs.
Eugenia: This large genus comprises over 1,000 species, including many fruit-bearing plants such as the rose apple and Surinam cherry.
Melaleuca: This genus, also known as paperbarks, includes about 300 species of trees and shrubs. Many Melaleuca species have medicinal properties.
Psidium: This genus includes the guava, a popular tropical fruit known for its sweet and tangy flavor.
Syzygium: This genus encompasses over 1,200 species, including the clove tree and the Java plum.
Acca O.Berg
Accara Landrum
Actinodium S.Schauer ex Schltdl.
Aggreflorum Peter G.Wilson
Agonis (DC.) Sweet
Algrizea Proença & NicLugh.
Allosyncarpia S.T.Blake
Aluta Rye & Trudgen
Amomyrtella Kausel
Amomyrtus (Burret) D.Legrand & Kausel
Angophora Cav.
Anticoryne Turcz.
Apectospermum Peter G.Wilson
Archirhodomyrtus (Nied.) Burret
Arillastrum Pancher ex Baill.
Astartea DC.
Asteromyrtus S.Schauer
Astus Trudgen & Rye
Austrobaeckea Rye
Austromyrtus (Nied.) Burret
Babingtonia Lindl.
Backhousia Hook. & Harv.
Baeckea L.
Balaustion Hook.
Barongia Peter G.Wilson & B.Hyland
Basisperma C.T.White
Blepharocalyx O.Berg
Calycolpus O.Berg
Calytrix Labill.
Campomanesia Ruiz & Pav.
Chamelaucium Desf.
Chamguava Landrum
Cheyniana Rye
Cloezia Brongn. & Gris
Corymbia K.D.Hill & L.A.S.Johnson
Curitiba Salywon & Landrum
Cyathostemon Turcz.
Darwinia Rudge
Decaspermum J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.
Enekbatus Trudgen & Rye
Ericomyrtus Turcz.
Eucalyptopsis C.T.White
Euryomyrtus S.Schauer
Feijoa O.Berg
Gaudium Peter G.Wilson
Gossia N.Snow & Guymer
Harmogia S.Schauer
Heteropyxis Harv.
Homalocalyx F.Muell.
Homalospermum S.Schauer
Homoranthus A.Cunn. ex S.Schauer
Hypocalymma (Endl.) Endl.
Hysterobaeckea (Nied.) Rye
Kanakomyrtus N.Snow
Kania Schltr.
Kardomia Peter G.Wilson
Kjellbergiodendron Burret
Kunzea Rchb.
Legrandia Kausel
Lenwebbia N.Snow & Guymer
Leptospermopsis S.Moore
Leptospermum J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.
Lindsayomyrtus B.Hyland & Steenis
Lithomyrtus F.Muell.
Lophomyrtus Burret
Lophostemon Schott
Luma A.Gray
Lysicarpus F.Muell.
Malleostemon J.W.Green
Metrosideros Banks ex Gaertn.
Micromyrtus Benth.
Mitrantia Peter G.Wilson & B.Hyland
Mosiera Small
Myrceugenia O.Berg
Myrcia DC. ex Guill.
Myrcianthes O.Berg
Myrciaria O.Berg
Myrrhinium Schott
Myrtastrum Burret
Myrtella F.Muell.
Myrteola O.Berg
Myrtus Tourn. ex L.
Neofabricia Joy Thomps.
Neomitranthes D.Legrand
Neomyrtus Burret
Nothomyrcia Kausel
Ochrosperma Trudgen
Octamyrtus Diels
Osbornia F.Muell.
Oxymyrrhine S.Schauer
Pericalymma (Endl.) Endl.
Pileanthus Labill.
Pilidiostigma Burret
Pimenta Lindl.
Pleurocalyptus Brongn. & Gris
Plinia Plum. ex L.
Psiloxylon Thouars ex Tul.
Purpureostemon Gugerli
Rhodamnia Jack
Rhodomyrtus (DC.) Rchb.
Rinzia S.Schauer
Ristantia Peter G.Wilson & J.T.Waterh.
Sannantha Peter G.Wilson
Scholtzia S.Schauer
Seorsus Rye & Trudgen
Siphoneugena O.Berg
Sphaerantia Peter G.Wilson & B.Hyland
Stenostegia A.R.Bean
Stockwellia D.J.Carr, S.G.M.Carr & B.Hyland
Syncarpia Ten.
Taxandria (Benth.) J.R.Wheeler & N.G.Marchant
Temu O.Berg
Tetrapora S.Schauer
Thaleropia Peter G.Wilson
Thryptomene Endl.
Triplarina Raf.
Tristania R.Br.
Tristaniopsis Brongn. & Gris
Ugni Turcz.
Uromyrtus Burret
Verticordia DC.
Welchiodendron Peter G.Wilson & J.T.Waterh.
Whiteodendron Steenis
Xanthomyrtus Diels
Xanthostemon F.Muell.

Ecological Importance

Beyond their economic value, Myrtaceae plants play a crucial role in the ecosystems they inhabit. They provide food and shelter for a wide range of animals, including birds, insects, and mammals. Additionally, their deep roots help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

Conclusion

My fascination with the Myrtaceae family continues to grow as I learn more about their diversity, uses, and ecological significance. From the towering eucalyptus trees of Australia to the aromatic clove buds used in kitchens worldwide, this plant family has left an indelible mark on our planet. I look forward to exploring more about these remarkable plants and sharing my discoveries with others who share my passion for the natural world.