13. STERCULIACEAE Distribution: The family is represented by 50 genera and 750 species distributed mainly in tropical parts of the world. In India, some 18 genera and over 90 species are found in tropical parts and Himalayas. Common Indian examples are Heritiera littoralis (Sundari, the Sundarban is named after this tree), Ptetospermum acerifolium, Guazuma ulmifolia, Helicteres isora, Dombeya mastersii etc. Salient feature: Pollination and dispersal Flowers show entomophily and seeds show anemochory (winged seeds) or Zoochory. Description:Vegetative characters such as, plants are usually softwood trees or shrubs rarely herbs (Pentapetes) or climbers (Buettneria species). Young parts are often stellate - tomentose. Flowers unisexual or bisexual; calyx colored in Sterculia; staminodes present; placentation is axile. Leaves: Leaves are alternate, simple, entire or palmately lobed or Digitate (e.g Sterculia). Stipules are present and caducous. Inflorescence: Flowers are found arranged...