Genera: 2, Drypetes with 214 species, Putranjiva with 4 species.
TaxonomyPutranjivaceae is the only family outside
Brassicales that produces mustard oils.
Putranjivaceae was formerly a tribe, Drypeteae, of the subfamily Phyllanthoideae in the
Euphorbiaceae.Phylogenetic research resulted in Phyllanthoideae being separated in the new family
Phyllanthaceae. Drypeteae was also made stand alone, with the status of a family:
Putranjivaceae.
BotanyEvergreen tropical trees
Region: Old World tropics, Africa Maleisia, tropical America.
Leaves: 2-ranked coriaceous leaves, radish-like or peppery taste. Flowers: fasciculate; small.
Fruits: single-seeded drupe crown by the persistent stigmas.