Neotropical Anacardiaceae (cashew family)

Abstract

Anacardiaceae is an ecologically and economically important plant family of about 200 species in 32 genera in the Neotropics. The family is particularly diverse in leaf architecture and fruit morphology, making it a model family to study the evolution of structural diversity as it correlates with lineage diversification. This fruit diversity is the primary reason 11 of the Neotropical genera are monotypic and that so many genera are recognized in the Anacardiaceae. The economic value of the family is driven by the global markets for cashews, mangoes, and pistachios, but there is great potential value in its medicinal properties. At least 10 Neotropical genera cause contact dermatitis, which is a rich area for research in the family. Here presented is a review of the systematics and structural diversity of the family. Particular attention is given to the morphology, economic botany, paleobotany, ecology, and taxonomy of native and naturalized genera. Keys to Neotropical Anacardiaceae subfamilies and genera are provided along with descriptions of native genera.

Flora of Anacardiaceae in the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest

“…Consequently, inter and intra-specific relations in the family were confirmed through combined molecular and/or morphological analyses by specialists (Pell 2004;Wannan 2006;Silva-Luz et al 2019;Bordignon & Vogel 2020). It includes 81 genera and 800 species, distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, but also extends to temperate regions, in diverse dry and humid habitats, mostly low lands (Pell 2009;Pell et al 2011;Silva-Luz 2011;Silva-Luz et al 2021;Mitchell et al 2022). The highest diversity within the family is located in the tropics and its center of origin is Southeast Asia, with Paleotropical regions being richer than Neotropical ones, with ca.…”

“…Anacardiaceae species stand out due to the economic significance of their edible fruits such as mango Mangifera indica L., cashew nut Anacardium occidentale L., rose pepper Schinus L. and mombins Spondias L., their beverages, good quality timber, medicinal properties, ornamentals, and the industrial employment of their resins and tannins (Font Quer 1964;Judd et al 2009;Muñoz 2000;Pell 2009;Pell et al 2011;Simpson 2006;Stevens 2023;Souza & Lorenzi 2019;Silva-Luz et al 2021;Mitchell et al 2022). Many species are used in reforestation and ecological restoration planning due to their pioneer character, as well Rodriguésia 75: e01372022.…”

“…The highest diversity within the family is located in the tropics and its center of origin is Southeast Asia, with Paleotropical regions being richer than Neotropical ones, with ca. 200 species and 32 genera (Mitchell et al 2022). Anarcadiaceae shows a wide geographic range, as well as ecological and morphological diversity, which reflects mainly in the quantity of genera, due to their fruit morphology and the dispersion syndromes of the seeds (Weeks et al 2014;Mitchell et al 2022).…”

“…200 species and 32 genera (Mitchell et al 2022). Anarcadiaceae shows a wide geographic range, as well as ecological and morphological diversity, which reflects mainly in the quantity of genera, due to their fruit morphology and the dispersion syndromes of the seeds (Weeks et al 2014;Mitchell et al 2022). Seven genera and 33 species are found in Argentina (Flora Argentina 2021) and 15 genera and 64 species in Brazil, of which 10 genera and 23 species are listed in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Stehmann et al 2009;Silva-Luz et al 2021).…”

Phylogenomic analyses of Sapindales support new family relationships, rapid Mid-Cretaceous Hothouse diversification, and heterogeneous histories of gene duplication

“…A close relationship of Burseraceae and Anacardiaceae is well-established, with both families previously included in the family Terebinthaceae and sharing the synapomorphies of vertical intercellular secretory canals in the primary and secondary phloem and the ability to synthesise biflavonyls ( Wannan et al., 1985 ; Wannan, 1986 ; Wannan and Quinn, 1990 ; Wannan and Quinn, 1991 ; Terrazas, 1994 ). More recent molecular studies support Anacardiaceae and Burseraceae as monophyletic, although infra-familial classifications are in need of revision ( Gadek et al., 1996 ; Pell, 2004 ; Weeks et al., 2014 ; Muellner-Riehl et al., 2016 ; Mitchell et al., 2022 ). Morphological studies have shown a close affinity in floral structure of members of the monogeneric family Kirkiaceae to Anacardiaceae and Burseraceae ( Bachelier and Endress, 2008 ), and, together, these families form a moderately to well-supported clade in recent molecular studies ( Muellner et al., 2007 ; Muellner-Riehl et al., 2016 ; Li et al., 2021 ).…”