Meliaceae

A family of mostly tropical trees and shrubs of the order Rutales (synonym Sapindales), characterised by alternate, usually pinnate leaves without stipules and by syncarpous, usually bisexual flowers borne in panicles, cymes, spikes, or clusters.

• Genera 50-51
• Species 550

Uses: oil, soap-making, insecticides, highly prized wood (mahogany)

Some economically important species belong to this family:

• • Mahogany Swietenia mahagoni
  • African Mahogany Khaja senegalensis
  • Neem Azadirachta indica