Neotropical Lecythidaceae have flowers and fruits so different from other plant families that special terminology is needed to describe them. Especially complex are terms that apply to the androecium of the zygomorphic-flowered species which are limited to the Neotropics. This glossary only includes terms that are applicable to Lecythidaceae.

You can either search for the term, click on the term in the list of terms, or search for the term by plant part (e.g., growth form, bark, etc.) by clicking on the term in the panel on the right hand side of this page.  Our definitions of terms used to describe Lecythidaceae are subject to change as we learn more about the evolution of the family; if there have been changes they are described in the “Notes” field of the term’s page. Most of the terms in the glossary are illustrated.