Throughout the Neotropics; Australia; one genus in Central Europe (Myrtus);
Floral characters
usually bisexual; radial; with well developed hypanthium; sepals usually 4 or 5, distinct to connate, sometimes fused into a rupturing cap; petals usually 4 or 5, distinct to connate, sometimes lacking; stamens usually numerous, distinct or basally connate; carpels usually 2-5, connate; ovary usually inferior;
Leaf characters
often opposite, sometimes alternate; entire; leathery; evergreen; spherical secretory cavities;
Stipules
absent
Fruit characters
1- to many-seeded berry or loculicidal capsule, rarely a nut;
Hairs
present; simple
Latex
absent
Uses
used as ornamental plants; medical plants (e. g. oil from several species of Eucalyptus); spicy plants (e. g. flower bud of Syzygium aromaticum); timber plants; edible fruits of Psidium guavaja, Syzygium jambos and Eugenia uniflora;
Chemical characters
spherical secretory cavities containing terpenoids and other aromatic, spicy-resinous compounds (e. g. eugenol, cineol);
Distribution maps
(online von http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/ . Dort zitiert wie unter jedem Diagramm vermerkt):
