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Reference · Crops

Dilleniaceae

Dilleniaceae is a family of flowering plants consisting mainly of trees, shrubs, and woody climbers. While not widely utilized as a staple commercial crop, specific species within this family are cultivated in tropical regions for their edible fruits, high-quality timber, and significant role in local botanical ecosystems.

Main sections

Hibbertia10 Tetracera8 Acrotrema5 Hibbertia3 Davilla2 Dillenia2 Curatella1 Doliocarpus1 Pinzona1 Schumacheria1
37 sections

What the section contains

Acrotrema Acrotrema 5 items Chestnut-leaved dillenia Dillenia castaneifolia Curatella Curatella 1 item Davilla Davilla 2 items Dillenia Dillenia 2 items Dillenia aurea Dillenia aurea Dillenia borneensis Dillenia borneensis Dillenia bracteata Dillenia bracteata Dillenia celebica Dillenia celebica Dillenia excelsa Dillenia excelsa Dillenia eximia Dillenia eximia Dillenia luzoniensis Dillenia luzoniensis Dillenia obovata Dillenia obovata Dillenia ovalifolia Dillenia ovalifolia Dillenia ovata Dillenia ovata Dillenia papuana Dillenia papuana Dillenia parviflora Dillenia parviflora Dillenia pentagyna Dillenia pentagyna Dillenia pulchella Dillenia pulchella Dillenia reticulata Dillenia reticulata Dillenia retusa Dillenia retusa Dillenia salomonensis Dillenia salomonensis Dillenia scabrella Dillenia scabrella Dillenia schlechteri Dillenia schlechteri Dillenia serrata Dillenia serrata Dillenia suffruticosa Dillenia suffruticosa Dillenia sumatrana Dillenia sumatrana Dillenia triquetra Dillenia triquetra Doliocarpus Doliocarpus 1 item Hibbertia Hibbertia Andrews 3 items Hibbertia Hibbertia 10 items Pinzona Pinzona 1 item Red bush apple Dillenia alata Rusty-leaved Dillenia Dillenia ferruginea Schumacheria Schumacheria 1 item Tetracera Tetracera 8 items Tetracera alnifolia Tetracera alnifolia

Dilleniaceae

The native range of the family is primarily concentrated in the tropical zones of the Southern Hemisphere, including Australia, Southeast Asia, and Madagascar. These plants have evolved to thrive in environments with consistent rainfall and warm temperatures, making them highly sensitive to cold climates and frost, which limits their cultivation to tropical and subtropical zones.

Botanically, Dilleniaceae are recognized by their simple, alternate leaves and large, often showy flowers featuring numerous stamens. The fruits vary between dry follicles and fleshy, berry-like structures, which are often rich in organic acids and are a subject of interest in both traditional medicine and culinary applications in their native range.

Agricultural practices for these plants focus on providing well-drained, fertile soil and maintaining high ambient humidity. Proper irrigation management is critical, as these species do not tolerate waterlogging. Propagation is typically performed via seeds or semi-hardwood cuttings, requiring controlled nursery conditions before transplanting into the field.

The economic utility of Dilleniaceae includes the production of fruit for local markets, the harvest of hardwood for construction, and the use of the plants in ornamental horticulture. Cultivators must stay vigilant against fungal diseases caused by high humidity levels and monitor for common pests like scale insects or defoliating caterpillars which are prevalent in their native tropical habitats.