Rutaceae

Defining Characteristics

• Leaves with pellucid (translucent) glandular dots containing aromatic volatile oils — visible when held to light
• Compound or simple alternate leaves, often trifoliate
• Flowers typically 4–5 petaled with a prominent nectar disc
• Diverse fruit types: hesperidium (the citrus berry ), samara, capsule , or drupe
• Strong aromatic scent throughout plant tissues

Notable Genera

• Citrus (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit — most economically important genus)
• Ruta (rue)
• Zanthoxylum (prickly ash, Sichuan pepper)
• Ptelea (hoptree)
• Phellodendron (cork tree)
• Dictamnus (gas plant)

Notes

One of the most economically important plant families, primarily for the Citrus genus. Oil glands throughout the tissues produce the characteristic citrus fragrance. Several genera are host plants for swallowtail butterfly caterpillars (Papilionidae). Includes both tropical fruit trees and temperate ornamentals.