The stamens are only occasionally laminar. While the leaves may be pellucid-dotted, the dots are minute compared to those found on the leaves of Winteraceae. Thorne is of the opinion that Annonoideae will likely be divided into additional subfamilies in the future but has yet to suggest which subfamilies might be recognized. Several of the fruits are eaten, especially species of Annona , the custard-apple. Several species in numerous genera are used medicinally by local people.
Some plants produce oils which can cause skin irritation .
18 genera and perhaps 300 species. Pantropical and especially in Asia. The circumscription and definition of this family has not changed since proposed by Robert Brown in 1810. Its placement, however, has varied, with the taxon now firmly established in a position nearest to Magnoliales rather than in the Menispermales where it was found in the past. Cronquist, Dahlgren and Thorne retain a close association between Myrsticaceae and Canellaceae, emphasizing the connate stamens, whereas the recent molecular data questions this conclusion.