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Family NameDescription
ACANTHACEAEThe Acanthaceae are mostly herbs or shrubs comprising about 250 genera and 2,500 species, including twining forms. The leaves are simple, opposite and decussate; stipules are lacking. The flowers are bisexual, zygomorphic, and usually are associated with conspicuous, often brightly colored bracts. The calyx is usually deeply 4-5 lobed or sometimes is highly reduced with more numerous minute teeth. The corolla is sympetalous, usually 5-merous, mostly zygomorphic, and commonly 2 lipped. The androecium usually consists of 4 didynamous stamens or only 2 stamens adnate to the corolla tube or epigynous zone, alternate with the lobes. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2 carpels, a single style, and a superior ovary with 2 locules, each with usually 2-10 axile ovules in one or two collateral vertical tiers. An annular nectary disk is usually found around the base of the ovary. The fruit is commonly an elastically dehiscent loculicidal capsule. The seed stalk or funiculus of each seed is modified into a hook shaped jaculator or retinaculum that functions in flinging out the seeds during dehiscence.
AGAVACEAEThis family has some 600 species, that are often found in warm arid zones, usually woody with succulent or grass shaped leaves on upright growing stems. These leaves are perennial, and they have parallel veins. Also, they usually produce many small, tubular flowers with their floral parts in three's but with six stamens. The ovary is below the basal attachment of other floral organs. This family is almost completely terrestrial with just a few epiphytes.
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ALISMATACEAETaken together, the Alismataceae and Limnocharitaceae are aquatic herbs comprising about 15 genera and 85 species. The leaves are alternate and simple. The flowers are actinomorphic and bisexual or sometimes unisexual. The calyx consists of 3, usually persistent green sepals. The corolla consists of 3 deciduous, generally white or yellow petals. The androecium comprises mostly 6 to many distinct stamens. The gynoecium is apocarpous, comprising 3-many, more or less distinct simple pistils, each with a superior ovary containing a single locule with 1 basal ovule or less frequently several to many parietal ovules. Nectaries may be found on the base of the pistils or on the receptacle. The fruit is an achene or less frequently a follicle.
ALLIACEAEThe Alliaceae, or the Onion family, family of perennials, consisting about 570 species worldwide, once included in Liliaceae or Amaryllidaceae, consists of bulbous or rhizomatous perennials. The rootstock and leaves contain allylic sulfides responsible for the smell of garlic or onion when crushed or bruised. The rootstock is usually a bulb with membranous or fibrous outer tunics or sometimes a short rhizome.The straplike or tubular leaves are arranged spirally. Flowers are enclosed by large papery bracts in an umbel on a leafless stem. The ovary is three chambered and superior and flowers have six tepals and stamens.
AMARANTHACEAEThe Amaranthaceae are mostly herbs but rarely also shrubs or small trees comprising 65 genera and 900 species further characterized by the presence of betalains and p-plastids. The leaves are alternate or opposite, simple, estipulate, and generally entire. The flowers are bisexual or unisexual, typically very small, and frequently prickly due to bristly perianth and bracts. Each flower is subtended by a bract and two bractlets that commonly are scarious or membranous. A minute uniseriate perianth of 3-5, distinct or partially connate, membranous or papery sepals is also present. The androecium consists of usually 5 stamens that are opposite the sepals and which generally are united for part or all of their length into a membranous tube or crown-like structure, sometimes with minute appendages between the anthers. The compound pistil of 2-3 carpels has 1-3 styles and a superior ovary with one locule containing one or sometimes several basal ovules. The fruit is usually a utricle or circumscissile capsule.
AMARYLLIDACEAEThe Amaryllidaceae are perennial herbs from a bulb with contractile roots, comprising 50 genera and 870 species. The leaves are alternate and more or less basal, simple, usually linear or lorate, flat, entire, parallel-veined, sheathing at base; stipules absent. The flowers are bisexual, often showy, actinomorphic to zygomorphic, usually in umbelloid cymes. The perianth consists of 6 distinct or connate petaloid tepals, sometimes with an adnate corona. The androecium consists of 6 stamens attached to the receptacle or adnate to the perianth tube; filaments free or connate, sometimes appendaged and forming a staminal corona. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 3 carpels, a single style, one capitate or 3-lobed stigma, and an inferior ovary with 3 locules, each containing several to numerous axile ovules. The fruit is a loculicidal capsule or sometimes a berry. The seed coat usually has a black or blue crust.
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ANNONACEAEThe Annonaceae are woody trees, shrubs and vines comprising about 130 genera and 2,300 species. The leaves are simple, alternate, lack stipules, and generally are distichously arranged in flat sprays. The flowers are bisexual and actinomorphic, possessing 3 whorls of perianth with 3 segments in each whorl. The elongated floral axis also bears many helically disposed stamens and several to many simple pistils. All of the floral parts are distinct. The stamens are very short, consisting of the fertile central anther portion, a distal pad of fleshy connective tissue, and a short fleshy basal portion. The stamens are generally so tightly packed on the receptacle that often only the fleshy connective tissue of each is exposed. The pistils each have a superior ovary with one locule and 1-many parietal ovules. Sectioned seeds reveal channels or partitions in the ruminate endosperm. The pistils generally remain distinct and develop into berry-like fruits but sometimes they coalesce into multiple fruits like the custard apple.
APIACEAEThe Apiaceae are mostly temperate herbs almost always with umbellate inflorescences comprising about 300 genera and 3,000 species that are commonly further distinguished by the presence of hollow stems and sheathing petioles. The leaves are nearly always alternate and pinnately or palmately compound or more than once compound; stipules are generally absent. The flowers are typically small, mostly bisexual, mostly actinomorphic except in a few instances where pseudanthia are produced and the peripheral flowers have enlarged petals directed away from the center of the inflorescence. The calyx is reduced to 5 tooth-like sepals around the summit of the ovary or may even be obsolete. The corolla consists of 5 distinct, typically inflexed petals or rarely is lacking. The androecium comprises 5 distinct stamens arising from an epigynous nectary disk. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2 carpels, 2 styles borne on an enlarged stylopodium, and an inferior ovary with 2 locules, each containing a single pendulous, apical-axile ovule. The fruit is a schizocarp.
APOCYNACEAEThe Apocynaceae are trees, shrubs or sometimes herbs, usually with milky sap comprising about 200 genera and 2,000 species. The leaves are simple, usually opposite and decussate, or whorled; stipules are usually absent. The flowers are bisexual and actinomorphic or sometimes weakly zygomorphic. The calyx is synsepalous and usually 5-lobed. The corolla is sympetalous and usually 5-lobed. The stamens are distinct, as many as corolla lobes and alternate with them, and adnate to the corolla tube (or perigynous zone). The anthers are introrse and commonly adherent to the surface of the stigma. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2 carpels that may be distinct at the level of the superior or rarely partly inferior ovary but which are united by a single style. When distinct, each ovary typically has few to numerous ovules on marginal placentae; when connate, the placentation is axile or intruded parietal. A nectary consisting of 5 glands or an annular ring is usually found at the base of the ovary. The fruit is commonly a follicle, capsule, or berry. The seeds usually are flat and winged or have a tuft of hairs at one end.
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ARACEAEThe Araceae are rhizomatous or tuberous herbs comprising about 110 genera and 1,800 species, usually with calcium oxalate crystals or raphides and commonly with milky sap. The leaves are alternate, simple or compound, petiolate, sometimes very large, and usually with a sheathing base. The inflorescence is a fleshy spike or spadix subtended or commonly partially enveloped by a bract or spathe which is sometimes petaloid or brightly colored. The tiny flowers are actinomorphic, bisexual or unisexual, and are sessile or sometimes embedded in the floral axis. The perianth is nearly always absent in unisexual flowers but in bisexual flowers typically consists of 4-6 small, undifferentiated tepals that are free or connate. The androecium of a typical male flower usually consists of 2, 4, or 8 distinct or variously connate stamens that are opposite the tepals when these are present. The gynoecium of a typical female flower consists of a single compound pistil of mostly 3 but up to 15 carpels, a single style, and a superior ovary with sometimes one locule and 1-numerous parietal ovules or more frequently 3 or more locules, each with 1-numerous axile-apical to axile-basal ovules. The fruit is a berry.
ARALIACEAEThe Araliaceae are mostly tropical shrubs and trees comprising about 70 genera and 700 species. The leaves are alternate or rarely opposite, palmately or pinnately compound or more than once compound or rarely simple; stipules are usually present and liguliform or adnate to the petiole and sheathing. The flowers are actinomorphic and most frequently unisexual, often in heads or umbels. The perianth is biseriate but the calyx is reduced to usually 5 minute teeth or a seamlike rim adnate to the ovary. The corolla consists mostly of 5-10 usually more or less distinct, usually valvate petals arising from a nectary disk on the summit of the ovary. The stamens are distinct, usually as many as and alternating with the petals. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2-15 carpels, an equal number of styles or these connate into one style, and an inferior ovary with 2-15 locules, each bearing a single pendulous, axile ovule. An epigynous nectary disk is generally confluent with the enlarged stylar base or stylopodium. The fruit is a berry or drupe that sometimes splits into one-seeded segments.
ARAUCARIACEAEThe Araucariaceae are monoecious or dioecious Gymnosperm trees comprising two genera and about 30 species of the Southern Hemisphere. The leaves are opposite or spirally arranged and are needlelike to broad. The male or microsporangiate strobili are axillary or terminal, comprising many spirally arranged microsporophylls, each bearing 5-20 linear, pendant microsporangia on the lower surface. The pollen grains lack wings. The female or megasporangiate strobili are generally large and somewhat woody, with numerous spirally disposed ovuliferous scales, each fused with its bract and bearing a single median ovule on the upper surface.
ARECACEAEThe Arecaceae(Palmae) are woody shrubs, vines, or trees comprising about 200 genera and 3,000 species that are further characterized by having large or very large leaves, each with a tubular sheathing base that typically splits open on one side at maturity. The leaves are alternate, petiolate, and palmately or pinnately cleft to once or twice compound. The inflorescence is usually paniculate and is typically subtended by one or more bracts or spathes that may become woody at maturity. The flowers are actinomorphic, generally small, and are bisexual or more often unisexual. The perianth usually consists of two whorls of 3 distinct or connate segments each, often distinguished primarily by size, the outer series or calyx being the smaller. The androecium consists typically of 6 distinct stamens in two whorls of 3 each but sometimes comprises up to several hundred variously connate or adnate stamens. The gynoecium is syncarpous or apocarpous. Syncarpous forms consist of a single compound pistil of usually 3 carpels, 1 or 3 styles, and a superior ovary with 3 locules, each containing a single basal, axile, or apical ovule. Apocarpous, forms consist of usually 3 simple pistils, each with a superior ovary containing one locule with a single basal to apical ovule. The fruit is usually a drupe.
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ASCLEPIADACEAEThe Asclepiadaceae are mostly herbs and shrubs with white sap comprising about 250 genera and 2,000 species, many of which are lianous and some of which are cactuslike succulents with reduced leaves. The leaves are simple and nearly always opposite or whorled; minute stipules are present. The flowers are bisexual, nearly always actinomorphic, and usually include an elaborate crown or corona of nectariferous appendages between the corolla and sexual parts. The calyx consists of 5 distinct or basally connate sepals. The inner perianth is a 5-lobed sympetalous corolla. The androecium and gynoecium are nearly always adnate into a gynostegium with five highly modified stamens and a massive, 5-lobed stigma. The anthers usually produce paired sacs of pollen called pollinia that are transferred as a unit during pollination. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of two nearly distinct carpels that are separate at the level of the ovaries and styles and are united only by a single massive stigma. The ovaries are distinct, nearly always superior, and each has a single locule with numerous marginal ovules. The fruit is a follicle. Seeds usually have a tuft of hairs at one end.
ASTERACEAEThe Asteraceae(Compositae) are herbs, shrubs, or less commonly trees and are arguably the largest family of flowering plants, comprising about 1,100 genera and 20,000 species that are characterized by having the flowers reduced and organized into an involucrate pseudanthium in the form of a head or capitulum. The leaves are alternate, opposite, or less commonly whorled, and range from simple to pinnately or palmately compound; stipules are absent. Subtending and often partly enclosing the florets of the head is one or more series of usually green, free or variously connate bracts called involucral bracts or phyllaries. Another kind of bract called a receptacular bract or chaff may be associated with each disk floret throughout the head. The flowers are of two basic types: those with tubular actinomorphic corollas and those with strap-shaped or radiate zygomorphic corollas, often within the same head. Either type may be bisexual or unisexual. Where both types are found in a single head, the central flowers have tubular, usually 4-5- lobed corollas, and generally are bisexual, and the peripheral flowers have strap-shaped corollas generally with 3 distal teeth, and are usually female. Sometimes the heads lack ray flowers and are said to be discoid, consisting of only bisexual florets with tubular corollas. So-called disciform heads have bisexual central disk flowers surrounded by female flowers that have a very slender tube and an extremely suppressed or obsolete ligule. Ligulate heads consist only of bisexual florets with corollas of the ligulate or strap-shaped type but with generally 5 rather than 3 distal teeth. In another variation some or all of the florets in the head have 2-lipped corollas. In all cases the calyx is absent or so highly modified as hairs, bristles or scales on the ovary summit that it is given the alternative name of pappus. The corolla is sympetalous with mostly 3-5 lobes. The androecium nearly always consists of 4 or 5 stamens that are united by their anthers and are adnate to the corolla tube or epigynous zone, alternate with the lobes. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2 carpels, a single 2-cleft style, and an inferior ovary with one locule and one basal ovule. During maturation of a flower, the style grows through the anther column, and as it does, hairs on the outer surface of the closed style lobes brush the pollen that is released into the anther column to the distal opening where it is available for biotic pollinators. A nectary in the form of a scale or small cup is commonly found alongside or around the base of the style. The fruit is an achene which may have a persistent pappus that commonly functions in fruit dispersal.
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AVICENNIACEAEThe Avicenniaceae or Acanthaceae are mostly herbs or shrubs comprising about 250 genera and 2,500 species, including twining forms. The leaves are simple, opposite and decussate; stipules are lacking. The flowers are bisexual, zygomorphic, and usually are associated with conspicuous, often brightly colored bracts. The calyx is usually deeply 4-5 lobed or sometimes is highly reduced with more numerous minute teeth. The corolla is sympetalous, usually 5-merous, mostly zygomorphic, and commonly 2 lipped. The androecium usually consists of 4 didynamous stamens or only 2 stamens adnate to the corolla tube or epigynous zone, alternate with the lobes. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2 carpels, a single style, and a superior ovary with 2 locules, each with usually 2-10 axile ovules in one or two collateral vertical tiers. An annular nectary disk is usually found around the base of the ovary. The fruit is commonly an elastically dehiscent loculicidal capsule. The seed stalk or funiculus of each seed is modified into a hook shaped jaculator or retinaculum that functions in flinging out the seeds during dehiscence.
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BIGNONIACEAEThe Bignoniaceae are mostly tropical trees or shrubs comprising about 100 genera and 800 species that usually boast large, showy flowers and are often lianous. The leaves are nearly always opposite or whorled and are most commonly pinnately compound or more than once compound; stipules are absent. The flowers are bisexual and zygomorphic. The synsepalous calyx usually has 5 teeth or lobes. The sympetalous corolla usually has 5 teeth or lobes and is sometimes 2-lipped. The androecium consists most commonly of 4 didynamous stamens that are attached to the corolla tube or epigynous zone, alternate with the lobes. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2 carpels, a single style, and a superior ovary with typically 2 locules, each bearing numerous axile ovules. An annular or cupular nectary disk is usually found around the base of the ovary. The fruit is usually capsular with winged seeds, or sometimes indehiscent with wingless seeds.
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BOMBACACEAEThe Bombacaceae or Malvaceae are herbs, shrubs, or trees characterized by the presence of stellate hairs and mucilaginous sap. The leaves are alternate, simple, and usually palmately veined; stipules are present. The flowers are almost always bisexual and actinomorphic. The perianth consists of 5 valvate, distinct or basally connate sepals and 5 distinct petals that are usually basally adnate to the androecium. The androecium consists of very numerous monadelphous stamens with apically divergent filaments bearing 1-celled anthers. The gynoecium is a single compound pistil of 2-many carpels, an equal number of styles or style branches, and a superior ovary with 2-many locules, each bearing 1-numerous ovules. The fruit is a loculicidal capsule, schizocarp, berry, or samara.
BORAGINACEAEThe Boraginaceae are herbs, shrubs or trees comprising about 100 genera and 2,000 species that have flowers in helicoid cymes and often have herbage that is coarsely hairy. The leaves are simple, mostly entire, and alternate; stipules are lacking. The flowers are nearly always bisexual and actinomorphic. The calyx consists of 5 distinct or connate sepals. The corolla is 5-merous, sympetalous, and often has small appendages in the throat. The androecium consists of 5 distinct stamens adnate to the corolla tube or perigynous zone and alternate with the corolla lobes. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2 carpels, a single, often gynobasic style, and a superior, often deeply 4-lobed ovary with 4 locules, each containing a single basal-axile ovule. An annular nectary disk is sometimes present. The fruit consists of 4 1-seeded nutlets or a 1-4-seeded nut or drupe.
BRASSICACEAEThe Brassicaceae are herbs or rarely subshrubs comprising about 350 genera and 3,000 species. The leaves are alternate or rarely opposite and typically are simple but sometimes have deeply parted segments; stipules are lacking. The flowers are bisexual and almost always actinomorphic. The perianth consists of a calyx of 4 distinct sepals and typically a corolla of 4 distinct petals that are commonly clawed and diagonally disposed. The androecium is tetradynamous, consisting of 4 long inner stamens and 2 short outer stamens. The gynoecium consists of 2 carpels that are generally separated by a persistent false partition called a replum. The superior ovary is usually 2-loculed and bears few to many ovules on parietal placentae. At maturity, the 2 valves of the fruit typically separate, leaving the ovules attached to the persistent replum. Long, narrow fruits of this family are called siliques, short broad ones are called silicles.
BROMELIACEAEThe Bromeliaceae are epiphytic herbs or sometimes terrestrial xerophytes comprising about 45 genera and 2,000 species that are further characterized by the presence of conspicuous floral bracts and scurfy, stalked, peltate scales on the leaves and other plant surfaces. The leaves are alternate, parallel-veined, usually stiffly lorate or strap-shaped, and troughlike, with a sheathing base and commonly with spiny margins. The flowers are usually bisexual and actinomorphic but unisexual and weakly zygomorphic forms are known. The perianth is in two dissimilar series, each with 3 distinct to basally connate segments. The calyx is usually green but not uncommonly petaloid and variously brightly colored. The corolla is typically brightly colored and often the segments bear a pair of basal, sometimes nectariferous scales. The androecium consists mostly of 6 stamens that are distinct or basally connate, and attach to the receptacle or are adnate to the base of the corolla. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 3 carpels, one style with 3 stigmas, and a superior to inferior ovary with 3 locules, each containing usually numerous axile ovules. The fruit is usually a berry or capsule.
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CACTACEAEThe Cactaceae are mostly spiny succulents with photosynthetic stems comprising 30-200 genera and 1,000 to 2,000 species further characterized by the presence of betalains, and p-plastids. The leaves are alternate, generally extremely reduced and ephemeral or absent, or rarely they are well developed and fleshy. The leaves are associated with highly modified axillary buds or shoots called areoles that bear spines. The flowers are mostly bisexual and actinomorphic and commonly have many weakly differentiated perianth segments arising from an epigynous zone. The androecium typically consists of a very large number of stamens arising from the inner face of the epigynous zone. The gynoecium consists of a compound pistil of 3-many carpels, an equal number of stigmas, and an equal number of parietal placentae with numerous ovules in the single locule of the inferior ovary. The fruit is a berry, often with spines or bristles.
CAESALPINIACEAEThe Caesalpiniaceae are mostly tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs comprising about 150 genera and 2,200 species. The leaves are stipulate, alternate, and mostly pinnately compound but may be bipinnate or simple. Like the other legume families the petiole base is commonly enlarged into a pulvinus. The flowers are in racemes, spikes or cymes, are zygomorphic, and are mostly weakly to strongly perigynous. The perianth commonly consists of a calyx and corolla of 5 segments each; the petals are distinct, overlapping (i.e., imbricate) in bud, with the posterior one (flag or banner) innermost in position. The androecium usually consists of 1-10 distinct or variously united stamens, some of which are commonly reduced to nonfunctional staminodes. The pistil is simple, consisting of one style and stigma, and a superior ovary with one locule containing 2-many marginal ovules. The fruit is usually a legume.
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CAPPARACEAEThe Capparaceae or Brassicaceae or Cruciferae are trees, shrubs or herbs comprising about 419 genera and 4,130 species. The leaves are alternate or rarely opposite and typically are simple but may be deeply parted to palmately or rarely pinnately compound; stipules lacking or generally small. The flowers are bisexual and actinomorphic or occasionally zygomorphic. The perianth consists of a calyx of 4 distinct sepals and typically a corolla of 4 distinct petals that are commonly clawed and diagonally disposed. The androecium sometimes has numerous stamens but typically consists of 6 and these are frequently of two lengths (4 long inner stamens and 2 short outer stamens = tetradynamous). The gynoecium is often stipitate and usually consists of 2 carpels that are generally separated by a persistent false partition called a replum. The superior ovary is usually 2-loculed and bears few to many ovules on parietal placentae. The fruit is usually a capsule, the two valves of which separate at maturity, leaving the ovules attached to the persistent replum. Long, narrow fruits of this family are called siliques, short broad ones are called silicles.
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CASUARINACEAEThe Casuarinaceae are monoecious or dioecious trees and shrubs comprising one genus and about 50 species with green, jointed, whorled photosynthetic branchlets. The leaves are minute and whorled. The male flowers are minute and are clustered at the tips of branchlets in catkin-like strobili. Each flower consists of a single stamen, a subtending bract and 2 pairs of bracteoles. The female flowers are in ovoid clusters, each flower consists of a pistil, a subtending bract and two bracteoles. The bicarpellate pistil has two long, filiform stigmas from a short style. The ovary initially has two locules with two ovules in each but one locule is generally completely aborted at anthesis. The bracts and bractlets enclosing the ovaries persist and become woody, closely resembling a cone. Eventually, the bracts of individual flowers separate, releasing the 1-seeded samaroid fruits.
CELASTRACEAEThe Celastraceae are trees and shrubs comprising about 50 genera and 800 species that are sometimes climbing or vining. The leaves are simple and alternate or opposite; stipules are small and caducous or absent. The flowers are bisexual or sometimes functionally unisexual, actinomorphic, and are small and often greenish. The calyx comprises 4 or 5 usually basally connate sepals. The corolla is rarely absent or more commonly consists of 4 or 5 distinct petals. The androecium consists of 4 or 5 or rarely 10 distinct stamens that alternate with the petals. The gynoecium is a single compound pistil of 2-5 carpels, a single short style, and a superior or rarely half inferior ovary with 2-5 locules, each containing usually 2 axile ovules. An annular nectary disk surrounds and is usually adnate to the ovary. The fruit is a capsule, berry, samara, or drupe.
CHENOPODIACEAEThe Chenopodiaceae or Amaranthaceae are mostly herbs but rarely also shrubs or small trees comprising 65 genera and 900 species further characterized by the presence of betalains and p-plastids. The leaves are alternate or opposite, simple, estipulate, and generally entire. The flowers are bisexual or unisexual, typically very small, and frequently prickly due to bristly perianth and bracts. Each flower is subtended by a bract and two bractlets that commonly are scarious or membranous. A minute uniseriate perianth of 3-5, distinct or partially connate, membranous or papery sepals is also present. The androecium consists of usually 5 stamens that are opposite the sepals and which generally are united for part or all of their length into a membranous tube or crown-like structure, sometimes with minute appendages between the anthers. The compound pistil of 2-3 carpels has 1-3 styles and a superior ovary with one locule containing one or sometimes several basal ovules. The fruit is usually a utricle or circumscissile capsule.
CLEOMACEAEThe Cleomaceae or Brassicaceae are herbs or rarely subshrubs comprising about 350 genera and 3,000 species. The leaves are alternate or rarely opposite and typically are simple but sometimes have deeply parted segments; stipules are lacking. The flowers are bisexual and almost always actinomorphic. The perianth consists of a calyx of 4 distinct sepals and typically a corolla of 4 distinct petals that are commonly clawed and diagonally disposed. The androecium is tetradynamous, consisting of 4 long inner stamens and 2 short outer stamens. The gynoecium consists of 2 carpels that are generally separated by a persistent false partition called a replum. The superior ovary is usually 2-loculed and bears few to many ovules on parietal placentae. At maturity, the 2 valves of the fruit typically separate, leaving the ovules attached to the persistent replum. Long, narrow fruits of this family are called siliques, short broad ones are called silicles.
CLUSIACEAEThe Clusiaceae are trees or shrubs, usually with milky or colored sap, comprising about 50 genera and 1200 species. The leaves are simple and are opposite, whorled, or rarely alternate. Stipules are absent. The flowers are actinomorphic and are usually functionally unisexual. The perianth consists of a calyx of 2-10 imbricated, often decussate sepals and 4-12 petals. The stamens are generally numerous and are distinct or variously united. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 3-5 or more carpels, an equal number of stigmas, and a superior ovary of 3-5 or more locules, each containing 1-many axile ovules. The fruit is usually a capsule or berry.
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COMBRETACEAEThe Combretaceae are trees, shrubs, and lianas comprising about 20 genera and 600 species. The leaves are simple, alternate or opposite, entire; stipules small or absent. The flowers are bisexual or sometimes unisexual, usually actinomorphic. The perianth arises from near the summit of a tubular epigynous zone; calyx of usually 4 or 5 distinct to slightly connate sepals; corolla commonly of 4 or 5 distinct petals, occasionally absent. The androecium of 4-10 stamens is adnate to the epigynous zone, commonly in two cycles, often strongly exserted. The gynoecium is a single compound pistil of 2-5 carpels; style and stigma 1; ovary inferior, with 1 locule containing 2(-6) apical ovules pendulous on long funiculi. The nectary is usually a disk (often hairy) above the ovary. The fruit is 1-seeded, often a flattened, ribbed, or winged drupe.
COMMELINACEAEThe Commelinaceae are herbs comprising about 50 genera and 700 species that are often somewhat succulent and frequently have cymose inflorescences sometimes subtended by a boat-shaped spathe. The leaves are alternate, simple, parallel-veined, and usually with a closed sheathing base. The flowers are bisexual and actinomorphic or commonly slightly to strongly zygomorphic. The perianth is in two usually differentiated series. The calyx is usually of 3 distinct herbaceous sepals. The corolla is usually of 3 equal or sometimes unequal, distinct, deliquescent petals. The androecium typically comprises 6 distinct stamens but commonly 3 or sometimes more are reduced to staminodes. The gynoecium consists of a single simple pistil of 3 carpels, a single style and a superior ovary containing 3 or occasionally by abortion only 2 locules, each containing 1-few axile ovules. The fruit is usually a loculicidal capsule or is sometimes indehiscent.
CONVOLVULACEAEThe Convolvulaceae are mostly twining herbs or shrubs, sometimes with milky sap, comprising about 85 genera and 2,800 species that are further characterized by almost always having the flowers solitary or in terminal or axillary dichasia. The leaves are simple, though sometimes lobed to pinnatisect, and alternate; stipules are absent. The flowers are actinomorphic, often showy, and nearly always bisexual. The perianth and androecial whorls are 5-merous. The sepals of the calyx are usually distinct but the corolla is strongly sympetalous, plaited, and often rotate or trumpet shaped with inconspicuous lobes. The stamens are often unequal, and are adnate to the base of the corolla tube and alternate with the lobes. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2 or rarely up to 5 carpels, usually an unbranched or 2-cleft style, and a superior ovary of 2 or sometimes up to 5 locules, each with 1 or 2 axile ovules. A prominent annular nectary disk is usually present around the base of the ovary. The fruit is usually a loculicidal capsule.
CORDIACEAEThe Cordiaceae or Boraginaceae are herbs, shrubs or trees comprising about 100 genera and 2,000 species that have flowers in helicoid cymes and often have herbage that is coarsely hairy. The leaves are simple, mostly entire, and alternate; stipules are lacking. The flowers are nearly always bisexual and actinomorphic. The calyx consists of 5 distinct or connate sepals. The corolla is 5-merous, sympetalous, and often has small appendages in the throat. The androecium consists of 5 distinct stamens adnate to the corolla tube or perigynous zone and alternate with the corolla lobes. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2 carpels, a single, often gynobasic style, and a superior, often deeply 4-lobed ovary with 4 locules, each containing a single basal-axile ovule. An annular nectary disk is sometimes present. The fruit consists of 4 1-seeded nutlets or a 1-4-seeded nut or drupe.
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CRASSULACEAEThe Crassulaceae are mostly succulents consisting of about 25 genera and 900 species. The flowers are actinomorphic and have a calyx and corolla comprising 4-6 or more segments that are free or connate. The number of stamens equal, or more frequently are twice the number of corolla segments. The gynoecium is apocarpous, and the number of pistils equal the number of corolla segments. Each pistil is simple, consisting of a single carpel with a single locule in a superior ovary that bears several to many marginal ovules. The fruit is usually a follicle. A scale-like nectar-secreting appendage is usually present at the base of each pistil.
CUCURBITACEAEThe Cucurbitaceae are mostly prostrate or climbing herbaceous annuals comprising about 90 genera and 700 species that are further characterized by commonly having 5-angled stems and coiled tendrils. The leaves are alternate and usually palmately 5-lobed or divided; stipules are absent. The flowers are actinomorphic and nearly always unisexual. The perianth has a short to prolonged epigynous zone that bears a calyx of 3-6 segments or lobes and 3-6 petals or more frequently a 3-6-lobed sympetalous corolla. The androecium is highly variable, consisting of basically 5 distinct to completely connate stamens that frequently are twisted, folded or reduced in number. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2-5 carpels, generally with one style and as many style branches or major stigma lobes as carpels, and an inferior ovary with one locule and usually numerous ovules on 2-5 parietal placentae or 3 locules with numerous ovules on axile placentae. The fruit is a type of berry called a pepo.
CUPRESSACEAEThe Cupressaceae are monoecious or dioecious Gymnosperm trees or shrubs comprising about 18 genera and 140 species. The leaves are usually scalelike, and are opposite and decussate, or whorled. The male or microsporangiate strobili are small and inconspicuous, axillary or terminal, usually comprising only a few microsporophylls, each with 3-6 or more microsporangia. The pollen grains lack wings. The female or megasporangiate strobili are small, with 1-12 ovuliferous scales, each fused with its bract and bearing 2-12 ovules. The scales may be flat and imbricate, peltate, or connate. The female cone is woody or sometimes fleshy and berrylike.
CYCADACEAEThe Cycadaceae are woody, unbranched or sparsely branched, palmlike, dioecious, seed-bearing Gymnosperm trees or shrubs with thick, pithy stems. The leaves are alternate, spirally arranged in a cluster at the summit of the stem, frondlike, pinnately compound, usually stiff, often with sharply pointed leaflets that have a single midvein (without laterals) and exhibit circinnate vernation. The ovules and seeds (2-8) are born naked on the petioles of reduced leaves that are loosely clustered at the stem apex of female plants. Male plants produce male or microsporangiate cones that bear many scales, each with an abundance of microsporangia scattered over the lower surface. Seeds are typically large.
CYPERACEAEThe Cyperaceae are grasslike, herbaceous plants comprising about 70 genera and 4,000 species, commonly found in wet or saturated conditions. The stems are usually 3-angled and solid. The leaves are alternate, commonly in 3 ranks, usually with a closed sheathing base and a parallel-veined, strap-shaped blade. The flowers are very minute and are bisexual or unisexual. Each floret is in the axil of a chaffy bract and these are arranged spirally or distichously in spikelets. Perianth may be represented by scales or bristles in two whorls or may be entirely lacking. The androecium consists usually of 3 distinct stamens but 1, 2 or rarely 6 may be present. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of usually 2 or 3 carpels, a single style usually with 2 or 3 lobes or branches, and a superior ovary with a single locule containing a single basal ovule. Sometimes the ovary is enveloped by a membranous sac called a perigynium. The fruit is a 3-angled or lens-shaped achene.
DILLENIACEAEThe Dilleniaceae are trees, shrubs or occasionally vines comprising 10 genera and about 350 species. The leaves are simple and alternate, the stipules are absent or wing-like and adnate to the petiole. The flowers are actinomorphic and are bisexual or rarely unisexual. The perianth consists of 5 imbricate sepals and usually 5 imbricate petals. The androecium consists of numerous, distinct or fascicled stamens. The gynoecium comprises several distinct, simple pistils, each with a superior ovary and a single locule containing 1-many ovules. The fruit is a follicle or is berrylike.
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EUPHORBIACEAEThe Euphorbiaceae are mostly monoecious herbs, shrubs, and trees, sometimes succulent and cactus-like, comprising one of the largest families of plants with about 300 genera and 7,500 species that are further characterized by the frequent occurrence of milky sap. The leaves are mostly alternate but may be opposite or whorled and they are simple, or compound, or sometimes highly reduced. Stipules are generally present but may be reduced to hairs, glands or spines. The flowers are unisexual and usually actinomorphic. They may be highly reduced by suppression of parts, in the extreme form consisting of a naked stamen as a male flower and a naked pistil as a female flower. A specialized type of miniature inflorescence called a cyathium occurs in about 1,500 species comprising the genera Euphorbia and Chamaesyce. The cyathium consists of a single naked pistillate flower surrounded by cymes of naked staminate flowers, each consisting of a single stamen. These flowers are all enclosed in a cup-like involucre that typically is provided with peripheral nectaries and petaloid appendages such that the whole aggregation closely resembles a single flower. In other members of the family the flowers and inflorescences are more ordinary in appearance, with male and female flowers typically bearing a 5-merous calyx and corolla of distinct segments, although the corolla is sometimes absent. In these forms the androecium most commonly consists of 5, 10 or sometimes numerous distinct or monadelphous stamens. The gynoecium of female flowers consists of a single compound pistil of typically 3 carpels, an equal number of styles or primary style branches, and a superior ovary with typically 3 locules, each bearing 1 or 2 collateral, axile-apical pendulous ovules. The fruit is usually a capsular schizocarp.
FABACEAEThe Fabaceae(Leguminosae) are mostly herbs but include also shrubs and trees found in both temperate and tropical areas. They comprise one of the largest families of flowering plants, numbering some 400 genera and 10,000 species. The leaves are stipulate, nearly always alternate, and range from pinnately or palmately compound to simple. Like the other legume families the petiole base is commonly enlarged into a pulvinus. The flowers are slightly to strongly perigynous, zygomorphic, and commonly in racemes, spikes, or heads. The perianth commonly consists of a calyx and corolla of 5 segments each. The petals are overlapping (imbricate) in bud with the posterior petal (called the banner or flag) outermost (i.e., exterior) in position. The petals are basically distinct except for variable connation of the two lowermost ones called the keel petals. The lateral petals are often called the wings. The androecium most commonly consists of 10 stamens in two groups (i.e., they are diadelphous with 9 stamens in one bundle and the 10th stamen more or less distinct). The pistil is simple, comprising a single style and stigma, and a superior ovary with one locule containing 2-many marginal ovules. The fruit is usually a legume.
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HIPPOCRATEACEAEThe Hippocrateaceae or Celastraceae are trees and shrubs comprising about 50 genera and 800 species that are sometimes climbing or vining. The leaves are simple and alternate or opposite; stipules are small and caducous or absent. The flowers are bisexual or sometimes functionally unisexual, actinomorphic, and are small and often greenish. The calyx comprises 4 or 5 usually basally connate sepals. The corolla is rarely absent or more commonly consists of 4 or 5 distinct petals. The androecium consists of 4 or 5 or rarely 10 distinct stamens that alternate with the petals. The gynoecium is a single compound pistil of 2-5 carpels, a single short style, and a superior or rarely half inferior ovary with 2-5 locules, each containing usually 2 axile ovules. An annular nectary disk surrounds and is usually adnate to the ovary. The fruit is a capsule, berry, samara, or drupe.
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HYDROPHYLLACEAEThe Hydrophyllaceae or Boraginaceae are herbs, shrubs or trees comprising about 100 genera and 2,000 species that have flowers in helicoid cymes and often have herbage that is coarsely hairy. The leaves are usually simple, but are sometimes deeply lobed or even compound, entire to serrate, alternate; stipules are lacking. The flowers are nearly always bisexual and actinomorphic, usually in helicoid or scorpioid cymes. The calyx consists of 5 distinct or connate sepals. The corolla is 5-merous, sympetalous, and often has small appendages in the throat. The androecium consists of 5 distinct stamens adnate to the corolla tube or perigynous zone and alternate with the corolla lobes. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2 carpels; the ovary is superior. In one configuration false ovary partitions result in 4 locules, each with a single basal-axile ovule; the style is either terminal on an unlobed ovary or the ovary may be deeply lobed and the style gynobasic. In a second configuration the ovary is either undivided or partially or completely divided by two intruded parietal placentae that usually bear numerous ovules; the style(s) one and somewhat lobed, 2 or 4, terminal on an unlobed ovary. An annular nectary disk is sometimes present. The fruit is capsular or consists of 4 1-seeded nutlets or a 1-4-seeded nut or drupe.
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LAMIACEAEThe Lamiaceae(Labiatae) are mostly herbs or shrubs comprising about 200 genera and 3,200 species, commonly with aromatic, herbage, quadrangular stems, and verticillate inflorescences. The leaves are opposite or whorled, and are simple or occasionally pinnately compound; stipules are absent. The flowers are bisexual and zygomorphic. The calyx is synsepalous, typically 5-merous, sometimes 2-lipped, and usually has 5-15 conspicuous ribs. The corolla is sympetalous and typically bilabiate with 2 lobes forming an upper lip and 3 lobes forming a lower lip. The androecium consists of either 4 didynamous stamens or only two stamens that are adnate to the corolla tube or perigynous zone, alternate with the lobes. The gynoecium consists of a single compound ovary of 2 carpels, a single gynobasic style, and a deeply 4-lobed superior ovary with 4 apparent locules (by intrusion of the ovary wall), each with a single basal-axile ovule. A hypogynous, often asymmetric nectariferous disk is generally present between the stamens and ovary. The fruit consists of four 1-seeded nutlets that rarely may be fleshy and drupaceous.
LAURACEAEThe Lauraceae are nearly all woody trees and shrubs comprising 30 to 50 genera and about 2,000 species. An exception is the vining, leafless, parasitic genus Cassytha. The leaves are simple, without stipules, and usually alternate. The flowers are actinomorphic, usually bisexual, and possess a perianth of six, basally connate sepallike segments. The androecium most frequently comprises 4 whorls of 3 stamens each, although the inner whorls are often sterile. The filaments of the inner whorl usually have a pair of enlarged glandular appendages near the base. The anthers dehisce by means of commonly 4, upwardly opening flaps. The single simple pistil has a usually superior ovary with a single pendulous ovule in a solitary locule. The fruit is a berry or a drupe, often surrounded basally by the short, persistent perianth cup. Unlike other Magnoliidae, the endosperm is completely absorbed by the embryo in Lauraceae.
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LEMNACEAEThe Lemnaceae or Araceae are usually rhizomatous or tuberous (sometimes giant) terrestrial (to rarely minute aquatic) herbs comprising about 108 genera and 2,830 species, usually with calcium oxalate crystals or raphides and commonly with milky sap. The leaves are alternate, simple or compound, petiolate, sometimes very large, and usually with a sheathing base. The inflorescence is a fleshy spike or spadix subtended or commonly partially enveloped by a bract or spathe which is sometimes petaloid or brightly colored. The tiny flowers are actinomorphic, bisexual or unisexual, and are sessile or sometimes embedded in the floral axis. The perianth is nearly always absent in unisexual flowers but in bisexual flowers typically consists of 4-6 small, undifferentiated tepals that are free or connate. The androecium of a typical male flower usually consists of 2, 4, or 8 distinct or variously connate stamens that are opposite the tepals when these are present. The gynoecium of a typical female flower consists of a single compound pistil of mostly 3 but up to 15 carpels, a single style, and a superior ovary with sometimes one locule and 1-numerous parietal ovules or more frequently 3 or more locules, each with 1-numerous axile-apical to axile-basal ovules. The fruit is usually a berry.
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LILIACEAEAs treated very broadly, the Liliaceae are mostly perennial herbs from starchy rhizomes, corms, or bulbs comprising about 280 genera and 4,000 species. The leaves are alternate or less often opposite or whorled. The flowers are often showy and are nearly always bisexual and actinomorphic. The perianth typically consists of two whorls of undifferentiated or weakly differentiated petaloid tepals with 3 distinct members in each whorl, or less frequently all of the segments are connate into a common perianth tube or perigynous or epigynous zone that sometimes has an adnate corona. The androecium usually consists of 6 fertile stamens attached to the receptacle or adnate to the perianth tube but rarely 3, 4, or up to 12 may be found. The gynoecium typically consists of a single compound pistil of 3 carpels, a single style commonly with 3 stigmas, and a superior or less often inferior ovary with 3 locules, each containing several to numerous axile ovules. Rarely there are 2 or 4 carpels and locules with axile placentation or only a single locule with intruded parietal placentation. The fruit is nearly always a capsule or berry.
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LOBELIACEAEThe Lobeliaceae are herbs, shrubs, or rarely small trees comprising about xx genera and xxx species usually with milky sap. The leaves are nearly always alternate and simple; stipules are absent The flowers are bisexual and zygomorphic. The perianth and androecium are usually 5-merous. The calyx and corolla each consist of connate segments. The stamens equal the number of corolla lobes, alternate with them, and are adnate to the extreme base of the corolla or epigynous zone or more commonly arise from the annular epigynous nectary disk; the filaments and anthers are usually firmly connate, anthers are introrse. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of usually 2 carpels and locules with numerous axile ovules. The ovary is nearly always inferior and is generally crowned with an epigynous annular nectary disk. The fruit is usually a capsule or berry.
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LYTHRACEAEThe Lythraceae are mostly tropical herbs or occasionally shrubs or trees comprising about 24 genera and 500 species. The leaves are simple, usually opposite or whorled; stipules are minute or absent. The flowers are strongly perigynous, actinomorphic or sometimes zygomorphic, commonly 4-,6-, or 8-merous. The sepals appear as lobes of the perigynous zone, the petals are distinct and usually crumpled. The stamens commonly are twice the number of petals, and are usually in two whorls, one with the filaments longer than the other. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of usually 2-4 carpels, a single style and stigma, and a superior ovary with usually 2-4 locules, each with numerous axile ovules. The fruit is commonly capsular.
MAGANOLIACEAEThe Magnoliaceae are woody trees and shrubs comprising 12 genera and about 220 species. The leaves are simple, and alternate, usually with deciduous stipules that enclose the bud. The flowers are bisexual, actinomorphic, and usually large, generally with 3 sepals and 6 to many petals. The androecium consists of many helically disposed stamens, each with generally large microsporangia and usually a short, poorly differentiated filament. The gynoecium is apocarpous, consisting of many helically disposed simple pistils. Each pistil has a superior ovary with a single locule and one to several marginal ovules. All of the floral parts are distinct and are attached to an elongated receptacle. The pistils mature into follicles or less often berries or samaras.
MALPIGHIACEAEThe Malpighiaceae are trees and lianous shrubs comprising about 60 genera and 1,200 species that are further characterized by the presence of often reddish, medifixed or variously branched hairs. The leaves are simple, usually opposite, and frequently have paired glands on the petiole or base of the blade; stipules are usually present. The flowers are mostly bisexual and are actinomorphic or weakly zygomorphic. The perianth typically consists of two whorls with 5 distinct segments in each. One or more of the sepals usually have one or more conspicuous glands. The petals are usually clawed and the limb is typically fringed or toothed. The androecium consists of usually 10 distinct or basally connate stamens in two whorls but some or half of them are commonly reduced to staminodes. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of almost always 3 carpels, 3 distinct styles, and a superior ovary with 3 locules, each containing a single pendulous, axile ovule. The fruit is variable.
MALVACEAEThe Malvaceae are herbs, shrubs, or trees comprising about 75 genera and perhaps as many as 1,500 species that are further characterized by the presence of stellate hairs and mucilaginous sap. The leaves are alternate, simple, and usually palmately veined; stipules are present. The flowers are almost always bisexual and actinomorphic. The perianth consists of 5 valvate, distinct or basally connate sepals and 5 distinct petals that are usually basally adnate to the androecium. The androecium consists of very numerous monadelphous stamens with apically divergent filaments bearing 1-celled anthers. The gynoecium is a single compound pistil of 2-many carpels, an equal number of styles or style branches, and a superior ovary with 2-many locules, each bearing 1-numerous ovules. The fruit is a loculicidal capsule, schizocarp, berry, or samara.
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MELASTOMATACEAEThe Melastomataceae are herbs, shrubs, or trees comprising about 200 genera and 4,000 species that are further characterized by having the major leaf veins usually 3-9 palmate and running in a parallel fashion from the base of the blade to near the leaf tip. The leaves are opposite and decussate or rarely alternate by abortion of one of the members of a pair; stipules are absent. The flowers are bisexual and actinomorphic to rather zygomorphic, at least with respect to the androecium and style. The perianth is biseriate, arising from a perigynous or epigynous zone. The calyx most commonly consists of 5 valvate sepals but these may be coalesced into a hoodlike calyptra. The corolla commonly has 5 distinct petals. The androecium most often consist of two whorls, each with the stamens equaling the number of petals but rarely has only one whorl or numerous stamens. The stamens may be dimorphic but the functional ones are typically claw-like, commonly with knee-like joints and appendaged anthers that open usually by terminal pores. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of mostly 4-14 carpels, a single style and stigma, and a superior or more commonly inferior ovary mostly with 4-14 locules and very numerous axile ovules. The fruit is a capsule or berry.
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MIMOSACEAEThe Mimosaceae are mostly tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs comprising about 40 genera and 2,000 species. The leaves are nearly always alternate, stipulate, and bipinnately compound (rarely once-pinnate) They usually have swollen petiole bases called pulvini that commonly function in orientation of the leaves (remember the sensitive plant, Mimosa pudica). The inflorescence is commonly a capitulum (also called a head). The flowers are hypogynous to slightly perigynous, have radial symmetry, petals that are valvate in bud, and commonly a 5-parted calyx and corolla. The stamens are distinct to strongly monadelphous, numerous (rarely as few as 10), and are generally more showy than the perianth. The pistil is simple, comprising a single style and stigma, and a superior ovary with 2-many marginal ovules in a solitary locule. The fruit is usually a legume.
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MORACEAEThe Moraceae are monoecious or dioecious trees shrubs, lianas, or rarely herbs comprising 40 genera and 1,000 species, nearly all with milky sap. The leaves are simple and alternate or rarely opposite. The stipules are small and lateral or sometimes they form a cap over the bud and leave a cylindrical scar. The flowers are unisexual and minute, and are usually densely aggregated. These aggregations frequently take the form of pendulous aments or catkins. Usually, the perianth consists of 4 or 5 undifferentiated tepals, but sometimes fewer or no perianth segments are present. A typical male flower has four stamens, one opposite each perianth segment. The female flowers have a bicarpellate pistil, generally with two styles, although one may be suppressed. The ovary is superior or inferior and contains a single pendulous ovule in a solitary locule. Fruit types include drupes and achenes that are often coalesced or otherwise aggregated into a multiple accessory fruit.
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MYRTACEAEThe Myrtaceae, consisting of trees and shrubs found in the tropics, subtropics, and temperate Australia, comprises about 140 genera and 3,000 species. The leaves are most commonly opposite, and frequently are glandular dotted; stipules are absent or vestigial. The flowers are actinomorphic, commonly with a 4-5-parted calyx and corolla that is frequently reduced and inconspicuous compared to the well-developed androecium of numerous stamens. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2-5 carpels, a single style and stigma, and a partly to wholly inferior ovary with 2-5 locules and 2-many axile ovules (or occasionally a single locule with intruded parietal placentation). The fruit is usually a berry or loculicidal capsule.
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NYCTAGINACEAEThe Nyctaginaceae are herbs, shrubs, and trees comprising 30 genera and 300 species further characterized by the presence of betalains and p-plastids. The leaves are simple, entire, estipulate, and usually opposite. The flowers are usually bisexual, have a 3-8-lobed uniseriate perianth of connate, petaloid sepals and are subtended by bracts that range in appearance from large and brightly colored to reduced and calyx-like. The androecium consists of 1-30 hypogynous, commonly unequal stamens that may be free or connate into a basal tube. The gynoecium is a single simple pistil with a superior ovary containing one locule and one basal ovule. The fruit is an achene that is often enveloped by the persistent base of the calyx tube.
NYCTANTHACEAEThe Nyctanthaceae or Oleaceae are trees or shrubs comprising about 30 genera and 600 species. The leaves are opposite and simple or pinnately compound; stipules are absent. The flowers are actinomorphic and bisexual or rarely unisexual. The calyx is typically small and synsepalous, and most commonly 4-lobed but sometimes has more lobes or rarely is absent. The corolla is actinomorphic, 4-merous or sometimes up to 12-merous, and is nearly always sympetalous, though sometimes very deeply lobed. The androecium usually consists of two stamens born on the corolla tube or perigynous zone, alternate with the lobes. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2 carpels, a single or no style, and a superior ovary with 2 locules, each with usually 2 axile ovules. A nectary disk is sometimes present around the base of the ovary. The fruit is variable.
NYMPHAEACEAEThe Nymphaeaceae are aquatic, rhizomatous herbs comprising eight genera and 70 species. The family is further characterized by scattered vascular bundles in the stems, and frequent presence of latex. Leaves mostly alternate, simple, entire to dissected, submerged, floating, or emergent; stipules present or absent. Flowers solitary, bisexual, actinomorphic, long-pedicellate, floating or emergent; perianth of 4-6-many, commonly poorly differentiated, distinct or connate, often petaloid segments, these often blending with staminodes. Androecium of 3-many, laminar to filamentous stamens and commonly numerous petaloid or reduced staminodes, including transitional forms. Gynoecium apocarpous or more often syncarpous, of 3-numerous carpels, syncarpous forms with as many locules as carpels and with an equal number of elongated, radiating stigmas; ovary superior to inferior; placentation parietal; ovules 1-numerous (commonly scattered on the partitions). Fruit an aggregate of nuts, a berry, or an irregularly dehiscent fleshy capsule. Seeds often arillate, more or less lacking endosperm but with abundant perisperm.
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OLEACEAEThe Oleaceae are trees or shrubs comprising about 30 genera and 600 species. The leaves are opposite and simple or pinnately compound; stipules are absent. The flowers are actinomorphic and bisexual or rarely unisexual. The calyx is typically small and synsepalous, and most commonly 4-lobed but sometimes has more lobes or rarely is absent. The corolla is actinomorphic, 4-merous or sometimes up to 12-merous, and is nearly always sympetalous, though sometimes very deeply lobed. The androecium usually consists of two stamens born on the corolla tube or perigynous zone, alternate with the lobes. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2 carpels, a single or no style, and a superior ovary with 2 locules, each with usually 2 axile ovules. A nectary disk is sometimes present around the base of the ovary. The fruit is variable.
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ORCHIDACEAEThe Orchidaceae are terrestrial, epiphytic, or saprophytic herbs comprising one of the two largest families of flowering plants with about 1,000 genera and 15-20,000 species. The leaves are alternate or seldom opposite or whorled and have a sheathing base and an entire, often fleshy, parallel-veined blade. The flowers are typically zygomorphic and bisexual but sometimes are virtually actinomorphic and rarely are unisexual. The perianth consists of 6 tepals in two similar or dissimilar whorls. The outer whorl of 3 distinct or variously connate tepals is sometimes sepaloid. Two members of the inner whorl of 3 tepals are alike and may be quite similar to the outer tepals. The third tepal of the inner whorl forms a labellum that typically is highly modified in shape and or coloration. The androecium and gynoecium are nearly always adnate into a column or gynostegium. Orchids in subfamily Cypripedioideae have two stamens, one on each side of the column. Orchids in the largest subfamily Orchidoideae have a single terminal stamen and the anthers generally produce one or more waxy masses of pollen called pollinia. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 3 carpels that together with the androecium comprises the column in most species. The stigma is just proximal to the single terminal stamen in most species. The stigma is two- or three-lobed and the ovary is inferior and almost always has 1 locule with very numerous, up to several million, very tiny parietal ovules. The fruit is mostly capsular.
OXALIDACEAEThe Oxalidaceae are herbs, shrubs, or rarely trees comprising 7 or 8 genera and about 800 species. The leaves are alternate and pinnately or palmately compound or rarely simple by suppression of leaflets; stipules are absent. The flowers are bisexual and actinomorphic. The perianth consists of a calyx of 5 distinct sepals and a corolla of 5 distinct or sometimes basally connate petals. The stamens are basally connate and obdiplostemonous, that is, of two series with the outer series opposite the petals; occasionally 5 stamens are reduced to staminodes. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 5 carpels, 5 distinct styles, and a superior ovary with 5 locules, each containing one or more axile ovules. The fruit is a loculicidal, sometimes explosively dehiscent capsule or berry.
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PAPAVERACEAEThe Papaveraceae are herbs or rarely shrubs or trees comprising 25 genera and 200 species that usually have milky or colored sap. The leaves are alternate and lack stipules. The flowers are actinomorphic, showy, and bisexual. The calyx consists of 2 or 3 distinct or rarely completely connate sepals that are usually torn off the receptacle as the bud opens. The corolla comprises 4-12 distinct petals in 1 or 2 whorls. The petals are usually crumpled in bud. The androecium consists of numerous stamens. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil with a superior ovary and usually many parietal ovules in a single locule. The two to many carpels equal the number of placentae and stigmas. The fruit is generally capsular and commonly dehisces by way of valves or by pores.
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PIPERACEAEThe Piperaceae are fleshy herbs, soft shrubs, and infrequently small trees comprising 10 genera and 1,400 to 2,000 species. The nodes are commonly swollen or jointed. The leaves are alternate or rarely opposite or whorled, stipules are adnate to petiole or absent. The bisexual, or less commonly unisexual flowers are minute, lack perianth and usually are densely packed into rat-tail like spikes. Each flower is associated with a peltate, umbrella-like bract. The androecium consists of 1-10 stamens. The compound pistil has a superior ovary and consists of 1-5 carpels with a single locule and a solitary basal ovule. The fruit is a berry or drupe.
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POACEAEThe Poaceae(Gramineae) are mostly herbs comprising one of the largest families of flowering plants with about 500 genera and 8,000 species. The stems are round and commonly hollow, at least in the internodes. The leaves are alternate, and commonly 2-ranked, proximally comprising an open sheathing base with overlapping margins, and distally producing a parallel-veined, strap-shaped blade. On the adaxial leaf surface at the junction of the blade and sheath is an often hairy fringe of tissue called a ligule. The basic unit of the inflorescence is called a spikelet typically consisting of a basal pair of minute sterile bracts called glumes and one or more distichously arranged distal florets on an often zigzag extension of the spikelet axis called the rachilla. Each floret is typically embraced by an additional pair of minute chaffy bracts called the lemma and the palea. The florets are unisexual or bisexual and have usually two or three barely recognizable structures called lodicules that may represent a vestigial whorl of perianth that forces the lemma and palea apart during anthesis, thereby facilitating exsertion of the stamens and stigmas. The androecium typically consists of three or occasionally 6 distinct stamens. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2 or sometimes 3 carpels, an equal number of styles with feathery stigmas, and a superior ovary with one locule containing a single subapical to basal ovule. The fruit is usually a caryopsis.
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PORTULACACEAEThe Portulacaceae are succulent herbs or infrequently soft shrubs comprising about 20 genera and 500 species further characterized by the presence of betalains and p-plastids. The leaves are entire, alternate or opposite, usually fleshy, and usually with scarious or hairlike stipules. The flowers are bisexual and have what appears to be a differentiated perianth consisting of 2 distinct or basally connate sepals and mostly 4-6 distinct or basally connate petals. The stamens and petals are isomerous, opposite, and sometimes adnate or the stamens may number 2-4 times as many as the petals. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2-3 carpels with a 2-5 branched style and a superior or half inferior ovary that has a single locule containing 1-many basal ovules. The fruit is usually a circumscissile or loculicidal capsule.
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PROTEACEAEThe Proteaceae are mostly southern hemisphere tropical and subtropical evergreen shrubs and trees comprising about 75 genera and 1,000 species. The leaves are simple, estipulate, and mostly alternate. The flowers are actinomorphic or zygomorphic, mostly perigynous, and often in dense cone-like inflorescences or heads with involucral bracts. The perianth is uniseriate, 4-parted, and valvate, with one stamen adnate to and opposite each lobe. The gynoecium consists of a single, simple pistil with a single long style that is often bent back on itself (at least in bud), a single stigma, and a superior, often stipitate ovary with one locule containing 1-many, usually marginal ovules. The fruit is a follicle, achene, samara, or drupe.
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RHAMNACEAEThe Rhamnaceae are mainly trees or shrubs, sometimes twining or climbing, comprising about 55 genera and 900 species. The leaves are simple, mostly alternate, and usually stipulate. The flowers are actinomorphic, commonly small and greenish, and nearly always bisexual. The calyx is generally 5-lobed, typically arising from a perigynous or rarely an epigynous zone. The corolla consists typically of 5 clawed, distinct petals or rarely is absent. The androecium comprises typically 5 stamens that are opposite and commonly embraced by the petals. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of usually 2-4 carpels, a lobed or cleft style, and a superior or rarely inferior ovary with usually 2-4 locules, each with almost always a single basal ovule. An annular nectary disk surrounds and is usually adnate to the ovary. The fruit is usually drupaceous.
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ROSACEAEThe Rosaceae are trees, shrubs and herbs comprising about 100 genera and 3,000 species. Most species have alternate leaves and stipules. These may be adnate to the petiole. You have likely heard the saying, "a rose is a rose is a rose," suggesting that when you've seen one, you've seen them all. The family does tend to have somewhat monotonous actinomorphic flowers, commonly with 5-parted perianth and numerous stamens. However, closer inspection reveals that the gynoecium varies tremendously among different species of the family. In the subfamily Rosoideae many apocarpous pistils mature into achenes while in the Prunoideae a single monocarpellate pistil matures into a drupe. In subfamily Spiraeoideae the gynoecium consists of two or more apocarpous pistils that mature into follicles. In all of these cases the ovary is superior and there is commonly some development of a perigynous zone. However, in a fourth subfamily, Maloideae, the ovary is compound and inferior, and an epigynous zone may occur.
RUBIACEAEThe Rubiaceae are trees, shrubs, or infrequently herbs comprising about 450 genera and 6,500 species, including some lianous forms. The leaves are simple and usually entire, and are opposite or sometimes whorled; stipules are present and interpetiolar. The flowers are nearly always bisexual and actinomorphic, often heterostylous, and usually are in cymose inflorescences. The calyx is mostly somewhat reduced and 4-5-lobed or sometimes the lobes are obsolete or rarely one of them greatly expanded and brightly colored. The sympetalous corolla is mostly 4-5-lobed, occasionally with 3 or up to 10 lobes. The androecium consists of as many stamens as corolla lobes and is adnate to the corolla tube or epigynous zone, alternate with the lobes. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2 or seldom more carpels, a single style, and a nearly always inferior ovary with the number of locules equaling the number of carpels, each with 1-many axile ovules. An epigynous nectary disk is usually present. The fruit is variable, sometimes forming multiples.
RUTACEAEThe Rutaceae are herbs, shrubs, and trees with glandular punctate, commonly strongly smelling herbage comprising about 150 genera and 1,500 species that are further characterized by the common occurrence of spines and winged petioles. The leaves are alternate or opposite, simple or palmately or pinnately compound, or sometimes heathlike or reduced to spines; stipules are absent. The flowers are often sweet-scented, nearly always bisexual, and are actinomorphic or sometimes zygomorphic. The calyx consists of 3-5 distinct or basally connate sepals and the corolla consists of 3-5 distinct or sometimes connate petals or rarely the petals are lacking. The androecium consists of distinct or sometimes connate stamens that are commonly obdiplostemonous, that is in two whorls with the outer whorl opposite the petals. However, sometimes there may be (1)3-4 whorls or rarely up to 60 stamens. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of commonly 2-5 or more, often incompletely connate carpels that may be united only basally or apically, either one or an equal number of styles, and a superior ovary with usually 2-5 or more locules, each bearing 1-several axile ovules. Generally, an intrastaminal nectary disk is situated between the stamens and the ovary. The fruit is variable.
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SAPINDACEAEThe Sapindaceae are mostly trees and shrubs, and tendril-bearing vines comprising about 140 genera and 1,500 species. The leaves are alternate, simple, or more commonly pinnately compound; stipules are absent except in the climbing forms. The flowers are small, actinomorphic or zygomorphic, and commonly functionally unisexual, although a given individual may bear seemingly bisexual flowers together with either male or female flowers. The perianth typically is biseriate, consisting of calyx and corolla. The calyx comprises 4 or 5 distinct or sometimes basally connate sepals. The corolla consists of 4 or 5 distinct petals or sometimes is absent. The petals commonly have basal appendages on the inner side. The stamens are distinct, often have hairy filaments, and in quantity usually are equal to or twice the number of calyx lobes. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of usually 3 carpels, commonly an equal number of styles or style lobes, and a superior ovary usually with 3 locules, each containing 1 or 2 axile or axile-apical ovules. Most species have an extrastaminal, often asymmetrical nectary disk situated between the stamens and corolla. The fruit is variable.
SAPOTACEAEThe Sapotaceae are trees or shrubs with milky sap comprising about 70 genera and 800 species that are often further characterized by the presence of reddish-brown hairs on the leaf undersides and other plant surfaces. The leaves are simple, coriaceous, alternate or rarely opposite, usually entire, with or without stipules. The flowers are bisexual and actinomorphic. The calyx consists of 4-12 imbricate, biseriate or spirally disposed sepals that are usually basally connate. The corolla is gamopetalous and generally has 4-12 imbricated lobes that sometimes are appendaged. The androecium is adnate to the corolla and usually consists of an inner whorl of fertile stamens equal in number and opposite to the corolla lobes, and often 1 or 2 additional whorls that are frequently reduced to staminodes or are obsolete. The gynoecium comprises a single compound pistil, a single style, and a superior ovary typically with 4 or 5 locules but sometimes fewer or up to 14, each with a single axile ovule. The fruit is a berry.
SCROPHULARIACEAEThe Scrophulariaceae are mostly herbs or sometimes small shrubs comprising about 190 genera and 4,000 predominately temperate species, including many which are partial root parasites (see Castilleja below and Pedicularis) and a few that are without chlorophyll and are wholly parasitic. The leaves are alternate, opposite, or sometimes whorled, and are simple to pinnately dissected; stipules are absent. The flowers are bisexual and zygomorphic, and sometimes have brightly colored and conspicuous associated bracts. The calyx is commonly deeply 4-5 lobed or cleft. The corolla is sympetalous, usually 4-5-lobed, sometimes 2-lipped, and sometimes forms a nectary spur or sac. The androecium consists of 2 or 5 stamens or more commonly of 4 didynamous stamens adnate to the corolla tube or perigynous zone, alternate with the lobes. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2 carpels, a single style, and a superior, sometimes asymmetric ovary with 2 sometimes unequal locules, each containing numerous axile ovules. There is usually a unilateral or annular, frequently lobed nectary disk at the base of the ovary. The fruit type is usually a capsule.
SIMAROUBACEAENULL
SOLANACEAEThe Solanaceae are herbs, shrubs, or trees comprising about 85 genera and 2,800 species that are frequently lianous or creeping. The leaves are alternate, usually simple, and lack stipules. The flowers are bisexual and actinomorphic or only slightly zygomorphic. The perianth and androecium whorls generally are isomerous and usually are 5- or sometimes 4- or 6-merous. The calyx is synsepalous, ranging from tubular to deeply cleft. The corolla is sympetalous and ranges from forms with a short tube and rather long, reflexed lobes to forms with a long tube and short lobes. The stamens are distinct, alternating with the lobes of the corolla, and adnate to the corolla tube or perigynous zone. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2 carpels, a single style, and a superior ovary with 2 or rarely more locules by false partitioning, each with nearly always numerous axile ovules. A nectary disk is generally present around the base of the ovary. The fruit is a berry or septicidal capsule.
STERCULIACEAEThe Sterculiaceae are trees, shrubs, or herbs comprising about 65 genera and 1,000 species that are further characterized by the presence of stellate hairs. The leaves are alternate and simple or infrequently palmately lobed or compound; stipules are present but they are shed early. The flowers are actinomorphic or rarely zygomorphic, and are bisexual or not uncommonly functionally unisexual. The perianth is commonly uniseriate, consisting of 3-5 valvate, basally connate sepals, but sometimes an equal number of petals are also present. The androecium most frequently consists of two whorls of 5 stamens each, these united by their filaments into a tube that commonly surrounds the ovary or arises from an androgynophore. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of usually 4-5 sometimes weakly associated carpels, an equal number of distinct or variously connate styles, and a superior ovary with usually 4-5 locules, each with 2-several axile ovules. The fruit is variable; sometimes the carpels are completely distinct at maturity.
STILAGINACEAEThe Stilaginaceae or Euphorbiaceae are mostly monoecious herbs, shrubs, and trees, sometimes succulent and cactus-like, comprising one of the largest families of plants with about 300 genera and 7,500 species that are further characterized by the frequent occurrence of milky sap. The leaves are mostly alternate but may be opposite or whorled and they are simple, or compound, or sometimes highly reduced. Stipules are generally present but may be reduced to hairs, glands or spines. The flowers are unisexual and usually actinomorphic. They may be highly reduced by suppression of parts, in the extreme form consisting of a naked stamen as a male flower and a naked pistil as a female flower. A specialized type of miniature inflorescence called a cyathium occurs in about 1,500 species comprising the genera Euphorbia and Chamaesyce. The cyathium consists of a single naked pistillate flower surrounded by cymes of naked staminate flowers, each consisting of a single stamen. These flowers are all enclosed in a cup-like involucre that typically is provided with peripheral nectaries and petaloid appendages such that the whole aggregation closely resembles a single flower. In other members of the family the flowers and inflorescences are more ordinary in appearance, with male and female flowers typically bearing a 5-merous calyx and corolla of distinct segments, although the corolla is sometimes absent. In these forms the androecium most commonly consists of 5, 10 or sometimes numerous distinct or monadelphous stamens. The gynoecium of female flowers consists of a single compound pistil of typically 3 carpels, an equal number of styles or primary style branches, and a superior ovary with typically 3 locules, each bearing 1 or 2 collateral, axile-apical pendulous ovules. The fruit is usually a capsular schizocarp.
SYMPHOREMATACEAEThe Symphoremataceae or Lamiaceae(Labiatae) are mostly herbs or shrubs comprising about 200 genera and 3,200 species, commonly with aromatic, herbage, quadrangular stems, and verticillate inflorescences. The leaves are opposite or whorled, and are simple or occasionally pinnately compound; stipules are absent. The flowers are bisexual and zygomorphic. The calyx is synsepalous, typically 5-merous, sometimes 2-lipped, and usually has 5-15 conspicuous ribs. The corolla is sympetalous and typically bilabiate with 2 lobes forming an upper lip and 3 lobes forming a lower lip. The androecium consists of either 4 didynamous stamens or only two stamens that are adnate to the corolla tube or perigynous zone, alternate with the lobes. The gynoecium consists of a single compound ovary of 2 carpels, a single gynobasic style, and a deeply 4-lobed superior ovary with 4 apparent locules (by intrusion of the ovary wall), each with a single basal-axile ovule. A hypogynous, often asymmetric nectariferous disk is generally present between the stamens and ovary. The fruit consists of four 1-seeded nutlets that rarely may be fleshy and drupaceous.
THUNBERGIACEAESee Acanthaceae
TILIACEAEThe Tiliaceae are trees, shrubs, or rarely herbs comprising about 50 genera and 450 species that are further characterized by the presence of branched or stellate hairs. The leaves are simple and nearly always alternate, stipules are present. The flowers are actinomorphic and nearly always bisexual. The perianth consists of a valvate calyx with usually 5 distinct or basally connate sepals and a corolla of an equal number of petals or sometimes the corolla is sepaloid or absent. The androecium consists of usually many stamens that are distinct or basally connate or in fascicles. The gynoecium is a single compound pistil of 2-10 carpels, an equal number of stigmas, and a 2-10-loculed superior ovary with 1-several axile ovules in each locule. The fruit is variable.
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URTICACEAEThe Urticaceae are monoecious or dioecious herbs or infrequently shrubs or small trees comprising 45 genera and 700 species, often with specialized stinging hairs. The leaves are alternate or opposite, simple, and almost always stipulate. The minute, unisexual flowers are in cymose clusters. The perianth is of mostly 4 or 5 undifferentiated tepals or is sometimes absent. The male flowers have a stamen opposite each perianth segment. The female flowers have a single simple pistil with a superior or inferior ovary that contains one basal ovule in its solitary locule. The stigma is brushlike and elongated or is capitate. The fruit is an achene or drupe; in a few species these coalesce to form a multiple.
VERBENACEAEThe Verbenaceae are herbs, shrubs, or trees comprising about 100 genera and 2,600 species that are further characterized by the common occurrence of quadrangular twigs and/or aromatic herbage. The leaves are nearly always opposite or whorled, mostly simple; stipules are lacking. The flowers are nearly always bisexual and zygomorphic. The calyx is synsepalous and most commonly 5-merous. The corolla is sympetalous, usually unequally 5-lobed, and sometimes strongly 2-lipped. The androecium most commonly consists of 4 didynamous stamens adnate to the corolla tube or perigynous zone, alternate with the lobes. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of nearly always 2 carpels, a single terminal or subterminal style, and an unlobed or shallowly lobed ovary, usually with 4 locules (by false septation), each with a single axile ovule. A weakly developed annular nectary disk occurs around the base of the ovary in many species. The fruit is usually a drupe or nutlets.
VIOLACEAEThe Violaceae are shrubs or herbs comprising about 16 genera and 800 species. The leaves are alternate or rarely opposite, and are simple; the stipules are minute or leafy. The flowers are bisexual, zygomorphic or sometimes actinomorphic, and sometimes cleistogamous. The perianth is differentiated into 5 distinct or nearly distinct imbricate sepals and 5 imbricate petals, the lowermost of which is commonly spurred. The androecium consists of 5, nearly sessile, distinct or connate stamens with anthers that are weakly coherent around the gynoecium. The two lowermost anthers commonly have nectariferous appendages that project backward into the spur of the lowermost petal. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 3-5 carpels, a single style, and a superior ovary with one locule containing 1-numerous ovules on each of 3-5 parietal placentae. The fruit is a capsule or berry.
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ZINGIBERACEAEThe Zingiberaceae are perennial herbs mostly with creeping horizontal or tuberous rhizomes comprising about 47 genera and 1,000 species. The leaves are alternate and distichous, the base sheathing and the blade mostly linear to elliptic with penni-parallel, strongly ascending veins. The flowers are bisexual, strongly zygomorphic, and often are associated with conspicuous floral bracts in a spike or raceme. The perianth is in two whorls, an herbaceous or membranous 3-lobed or spathaceous tubular calyx and a petaloid tubular corolla with 3 lobes. The androecium typically consists of 1 fertile stamen, a large opposing petaloid labellum representing 2 connate staminodia, and two smaller flanking petaloid staminodia. The gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 3 carpels, a single style nestled in a channel of the filament and anther of the fertile stamen and an inferior ovary with typically 3 locules, each containing numerous axile ovules. Rarely the ovary is unilocular with parietal placentation. The fruit is a loculicidal capsule or is berrylike.
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