Interactive key to the genera of Salicaceae (syn. Flacourtiaceae) and Achariaceae sensu lato.
Sue Zmarzty Don Kirkup
Traditionally Salicaceae has been understood as a north-temperate family of three to five genera, including the widespread and highly commercial willows, poplars and aspens. Achariaceae was known as a tiny South African family of only three species. On the basis of strong molecular evidence, with morphological and phytochemical support, Chase et al. (2002) moved an additional 30 – 50 genera into each family. This has proved controversial, not least because the additional genera were from Flacourtiaceae, a widespread tropical group with no diagnostic features at family level, wide variation in floral morphology and a reputation for being taxonomically confusing. Flacourtiaceae, no longer accepted as a family in its own right, is now treated as a synonym of Salicaceae. All the former flacourt genera have been transferred to other families, mostly Salicaceae sensu lato and Achariaceae sensu lato. Chase et al.’s new family circumscriptions have been adopted by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group and have received support from subsequent work.
The data matrix supporting this interactive key has been compiled from flora accounts, monographs and herbarium material.
The key is at an early stage of development. In particular, Populus, Salix and Bembica are not yet scored, and disc characters need refinement.