The family was traditionally circumscribed quite broadly, with around 55 genera totalling over 400 species. However in 2001 this circumscription was found to be polyphyletic, and the family was split into four families in three different orders: Icacinaceae sensu stricto (unplaced at order rank), Pennantiaceae (Apiales), Stemonuraceae (Aquifoliales) and Cardiopteridaceae (also Aquifoliales). Icacinaceae sensu stricto contains about 150 species, distributed into about 35 genera.One genus was named in 2005.
Icacinaceae sensu stricto is not monophyletic, but further studies will be needed before anyone can determine how it should be divided into segregate families. Icacina senegalensis extracts have shown activity against malaria parasites.
Icacinaceae sensu stricto is not monophyletic, but further studies will be needed before anyone can determine how it should be divided into segregate families. Icacina senegalensis extracts have shown activity against malaria parasites.
