Cyrillaceae

/sɪˌrɪˈleɪˌsiːiː/ noun

Definition

A small plant family containing evergreen shrubs and trees found primarily in warm regions of the Americas.

Etymology

From the genus Cyrilla plus the Latin suffix '-aceae' (standard botanical naming for plant families). Established as a formal taxonomic family in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

This tiny plant family is so specialized to swamp and coastal habitats that species haven't changed much in millions of years—they're living fossils of their ecological niche.

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