Guttiferae

Guttiferae [gə′tif·ə‚rē]

(botany)

A family of dicotyledonous plants in the order Theales characterized by extipulate leaves and conspicuous secretory canals or cavities in all organs.

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Guttiferae 

(also Clusiaceae), a family of dicotyledonous plants closely related to the family Hypericaceae, with which it is often united. They are evergreen trees and bushes with entire leaves that are opposite or whorled. Only rarely are the leaves alternate. There are approximately 550 species, growing almost exclusively in the tropics. Many tropical species are of great practical value. Some species, such as the mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) and the mammee (Mammea americana), yield edible fruits. Other species are valued for their wood, including the rose chestnut (Mesua férrea) and species of the genus Calophyllum. Plants of several genera, such as Garcinia and Calophyllum, are tapped for gum resins, balsams, and other gums, including gamboge. Oils are extracted from the seeds of some species, for example, Pentadesma butyracea and Allanblackia oleífera.