Cannabaceae

Cannabaceae is a small family of flowering plants. As of the early 21st century, the family includes about 170 species grouped in about 11 genera, including Cannabis (hemp and marijuana), Humulus (hops) and Celtis (hackberries). Cannabaceae is part of the rose order (Rosales).

Description

Members of the Cannabaceae family are typically dichotomously branched, with serrated or lobed leaves and inconspicuous flowers. The plants are wind-pollinated and the fruits are drupes, a type of fruit in which an outer fleshy part surrounds a shell with a seed inside.

Taxonomy

The family Cannabaceae was first described by the French botanist Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in 1807. The family includes about 170 species grouped in about 11 genera. These include the economically important genus Cannabis (hemp and marijuana), Humulus (hops) and Celtis (hackberries).

Distribution and habitat

Cannabaceae species are found all over the world, in diverse habitats from tropical rainforests to arid deserts. They are most commonly found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Uses

Several species in the family Cannabaceae have significant economic and cultural value. For example, Cannabis sativa is used for its fibres, oils and psychoactive properties. Humulus lupulus, the common hop, is used in the production of beer.

See also

• List of Rosales families
• Cannabis
• Humulus
• Celtis

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