ICACINACEAE

family of tropical trees, shrubs, and woody climbers, belonging to the order Celastrales, comprising more than 55 genera. The alternate leaves usually are leathery and simple in outline; the flowers are small, whitish or greenish, clustered, and either unisexual or bisexual. Several species of Pennantia and Villaresia are cultivated as ornamental plants. The tropical American Calatola costaricensis provides a nut that is roasted and eaten whole or ground into tortilla meal.