Sterculiaceae

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Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture

Sterculiaceae (from the genus Sterculia, derivation obscure). Sterculia Family. Fig. 37. Trees, shrubs, or herbs, sometimes vines: leaves alternate, simple or digitate: flowers bisexual or unisexual, usually regular; sepals 3-5, somewhat united, valvate; petals wanting or reduced; stamens very remarkable and wonderfully diverse, in 2 whorls, those opposite the sepals reduced to staminodia or wanting, the 1 to many others united into a tube, the anthers frequently alternating with sterile teeth, or variously arranged on the back of the tube; ovary superior, 4-5-celled; ovules several; styles 4-5, distinct or connate: fruit dry, rarely fleshy, or splitting into separate berries. The 48 genera and about 750 species are almost entirely confined to the tropics. The family is related to the Malvaceae in the monadelphous stamens, but differs in the 2-celled anthers; also related to the Bombacaceae and Tiliaceae. The valvate sepals, reduced petals, 4—5-celled ovary, and especially the peculiar stamens, are distinctive. The Sterculiaceae, like the Malvaceae, contain abundant mucilage. They also contain a bitter principle which renders them emetic and stimulant. The seeds of Theobroma Cacao, native of central and northern South America, furnishes cocoa, chocolate, and cocoa-butter. Cola acuminata of Africa furnishes the cola nut, now very popular as an ingredient in a mildly stimulating drink. It is said to form the main constituent of the drink called "coco-cola." There are about 12 genera in cultivation in America, all either in tropical agriculture or in greenhouse culture: Rulingia, Reevesia, and Pterospermum in southern California; Sterculia (Japanese Varnish Tree, Chinese Parasol Tree, Flame Tree), Fremontia and Guazuma in the South; Theobroma and Cola in the West Indies; Abroma, Dombeya, and Mahernia (Honey Bell) mostly in the greenhouse. All are grown for ornamental purposes except Theobroma and Cola. 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 It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article.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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