honeysuckle family

Family Caprifoliaceae, containing approximately 220 species. It is well known for its many ornamental woody shrubs and vines, composed mostly of northern temperate species but including some tropical mountain plants. The genus Lonicera contains shrubs with opposite leaves and often showy flowers rich in nectar. One member, Japanese honeysuckle (L. japonica), is a highly fragrant flowering vine that kills other plants by climbing over them and shutting out the light. Also included in this family is the elder.

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