Cornaceae

/kɔːrˈneɪsiː/ noun

Definition

The dogwood family of flowering plants, characterized by simple leaves and clusters of small flowers that form berry-like fruits.

Etymology

From the genus Cornus (dogwood, from Latin 'cornus' meaning 'horn') plus the Latin suffix -aceae (used to denote plant families). Named after the hard, horn-like wood of dogwoods.

Kelly Says

Cornaceae seems like just another plant family, but its evolutionary history is wild—dogwoods evolved some of the most complex flower arrangements in nature by disguising their actual tiny flowers as showy petals (bracts), tricking insects perfectly.

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