Linnaeoideae

Linnaeoideae is a subfamily of the family Caprifoliaceae. It was formerly treated as the separate family Linnaeaceae. Five or six genera are placed in the subfamily, which ranges from creeping to erect shrubs. Most genera and species are native to East Asia, particularly China. One genus is native to Mexico, and Linnaea borealis occurs around the Northern Hemisphere.

==Description== Linnaeoideae consists of shrubby plants that are mainly deciduous, but may be evergreen. Some, such as Linnaea, are creeping, others, such as Abelia, may be up to tall. The usually paired flowers are surrounded by an 'epicalyx' – a structure resembling the calyx that is composed of involucral bracts. A nectary is present inside the tube of the corolla. Two of the three or four locules of the inferior ovary are sterile and are empty at maturity. There are four stamens. The fruit is an achene, topped by usually persistent sepals.