BIXACEAE

BIXACEAE
A small family. It has only one genus and about four species. It is recognised by reddish sap,palminerved leaves,horse shoe shaped anthers and seeds with red fleshy testa. Bixaceae is mainly found in south america. An orange edible dye produced from the -testa of Bixa orellina called "annatto" is used to colour butter cheese and other food products.It is known as Rocou in french. and Shendri in Marathi. Only one plant known Bixa orellina (Lipstick plant) शेंदरी

Characters:
Leaves alternate heart shaped, simple entire
Sepals 4-7.Petals 5.Stamens indefinite distinct inserted upon the receptacle at the base of the calyx. Anthers 2- celled Ovary superior.
Fruit capsule or berry.