The Vascular Plant Families
By Robert B. Hole, Jr.
This Checklist is after Walters and Keil (who follow Cronquist 1981). Notes are modified from lecture notes from an Advanced Plant Taxonomy course at Mississippi State University taught by Dr. Sydney McDaniel and other sources. Any errors are solely my responsibility, NOT my instructors.
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Select a taxon to visit:
• Psilotophyta
• Equisetophyta
• Lycopodiophyta
• Polypodiophyta
• Pinophyta
• Magnoliophyta
o Class Liliopsida (Monocots)
o Class Magnoliopsida (Dicots)
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Division Psilotophyta (Pteridophytes)
• Class Psilotopsida
o Order Psilotales
Family Psilotaceae (Whisk Ferns)
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Division Equisetophyta
• Class Equisetopsida
o Order Equisetales
Family Equisetaceae (Horsetails)
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Division Lycopodiophyta
• Class Lycopodiopsida
o Order Lycopodiales
Family Lycopodiaceae (Club-mosses)
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• Class Isoetopsida
o Order Selaginellales
Family Selaginellaceae (Small Club-mosses)
o Order Isoetales
Family Isoetaceae (Quillworts)
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Division Polypodiophyta
• Class Polypodiopsida
o Subclass Ophioglossidae
Order Ophiohlossales
Family Ophioglossaceae (Grape-ferns)
o Subclass Marattiidae
Order Marattiales
Family Marattiaceae
o Subclass Polypodiidae
Order Polypodiales
Family Osmundaceae (Cinnamon Ferns)
Family Schizaeaceae (Climbing Ferns)
Family Gleicheniaceae
Family Stromatopteridaceae
Family Matoniaceae
Family Dipteridaceae
Family Cheiropleuriaceae
Family Hymnophyllopsidaceae
Family Plagiogyriaceae
Family Dicksoniaceae (Dicksonias)
Family Lophosoriaceae
Family Metaxyaceae
Family Cyatheaceae (Cyatheaes)
Family Polypodiaceae (Common Ferns)
o Subclass Marsileidae
Order Marsileales
Family Marsileaceae (Water-clovers)
o Subclass Salviniidae
Order Salviniales
Family Salviniaceae (Mosquito Ferns)
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Division Pinophyta (Gymnosperms)
• Subdivision Cycadicae
o Class Cycadopsida
Order Cycadales
Family Cycadaceae (Cycads)
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• Subdivision Pinicae
o Class Pinopsida
Order Ginkgoales
Family Ginkgoaceae (Ginkgo)
Order Taxales
Family Taxaceae (Yews)
Family Cephalotaxaceae (Plum-yews)
Order Pinales
Family Pinaceae (Pines)
Family Cupressaceae (incl. Taxodiaceae) (Cypresses)
Family Ararcariaceae (Araucarias)
Family Podocarpaceae (Podocarps)
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• Subdivision Gneticae
o Class Gnetopsida
Order Gnetales
Family Gnetaceae (Gnetums)
Family Welwitschiaceae (Welwitschia)
Family Ephedraceae (Mormon-teas)
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Division Magnoliophyta (Angioperms)
• Class Magnoliopsida (Dicots)
Evolved during or before the Cretaceous, before insects were important, this allowed a wide variety of pollination mechanisms to arise
o Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Magnoliales
Many families with few species, mostly tropical, with simple leaves, monosulcate pollen (one furrow) grains, numerous stamens, separate floral parts.
Family Winteraceae
Austral, found in New Zealand and South America
Family Degeneriaceae
Two species from Fiji, discovered 1940, most primitive family in the Class
Family Himantandraceae
One genus, tree species, aromatic trees
Family Eupomataceae
One genus, two species, Eastern Australia and New Guinea
Family Austrobaileyaceae
One genus, two species, Australian
Family Magnoliaceae (Magnolias)
Twelve genera, 220 species, has stipules, Asia, southern U.S.A., Peru (1 sp.)
Family Lactoridaceae
One genus, one species, endemic to Juan Fernandez Isl., Chile, South America
Family Annonaceae (Custard-apples)
120 genera, 2300+ genera, largest family in the order, lots of stamens, edible fruit, 1 seed from a large pistol, areomatic
Family Myristacaceae
380 species, southeast Asia and Neotropics
Family Canellaceae
Five genera, 16-17 species, Caribbean basin
Order Laurales
Many areomatic
Family Amborellaceae
Monotypic, Australia and New Guinea
Family Trimeniaceae
Two genera, Pacific and Africa
Family Monimiaceae
27 genera, 450 species, tropical America, Asia and Africa, second largest family in order
Family Gomortegaceae
Monotypic, from near Santiago, Chile, possibly extinct
Family Calycanthaceae (Spicebushes)
Two genera, 8 species, southeastern U. S., California and China
Family Idiospermaceae
Monotypic
Family Lauraceae (Laurels)
Approx. 2000 species
Family Hernandiaceae
Four genera, 76 species, tropical America, Samoa
Order Piperales
Family Chloranthaceae
65 species, tropical upland
Family Saururaceae (Lizard-tails)
5 genera, 7 species
Family Piperaceae (Peppers)
Approx. 3000 species
Order Aristolochiales
Family Aristolochiaceae (Birthworts)
7 genera, 625 species, chemically similar to Magnoliales, woody vines, worldwide distribution
Order Illiciales
Family Illiciaceae
40 species, New World, China
Family Schisandraceae
Two genera, 50 species, New World, genera incl. Schisandra which is cultivated
Order Nymphaeales
With or without odor, mostly aquatic plants
Family Nelumbonaceae (Water-Lotus¹)
Two species, aggregate fruit, long lived seeds, North America and China
Family Nymphaeaceae (Waterlilies)
7 genera, 100+ species
Family Barclayaceae
One genus, 4 species, mostly asiatic, himilayan
Family Cabombaceae (Water-Shields)
One genus, 1+ species, New World
Family Ceratophyllaceae (Hornworts)
One genus, 2-30 species (not a typo)
Order Ranunculales
Generally herbaceous, many small, mostly holarctic distribution
Family Ranunculaceae (Buttercups)
50 genera, 1500 species, primarily temparate, but ranging from arctic to tropics
Family Circaeasteraceae
Family Berberidaceae (Barberries)
13-16 genera, 600 species, mostly shrubby, temperate to Chile in North America, Asia
Family Sargentodoxaceae
Family Lardizabalaceae (Lardizabalas)
Family Menispermaceae (Moonseeds)
65 genera, 350 species, generally have alcohol based poisons, includes the source plant of curare and arrow poisons
Family Coriariaceae
One genera, 8 species, pantropical, primarily at higher elevations
Family Sabiaceae
"Garbage bag family," South America and southeast Asia
Order Papaverales
Zygomorphic flowers, all have alkaloids, laking in mustard oils
Family Papaveraceae (Poppies)
26 genera, 256 species
Family Fumariaceae (Bleeding-hearts)
16 genera, 400 species
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Subclass Rosidae
60,000 species, 3/4 of species are in Fabales, Rosales, Euphobiales, Myrtales and Sapindales. Only 15,000 species in remaining 19 orders. Most diverse orders in the kingdom Plantae.
Order Rosales
6600 species, mostly woody, mostly tropical
Family Brunelliaceae
Family Connaraceae
Family Eucryphiaceae
Family Cunoniaceae
Family Davidsoniaceae
Asian
Family Dialypetalanthaceae
Brazil, Bolivia, Peru
Family Pittosporaceae (Pittosporums)
Hawaii and southern hemisphere
Family Byblidaceae
Family Hydrangeaceae (Mock-oranges)
Formerly part of Saxifragaceae
Family Columelliaceae
Family Grossulariaceae (Gooseberries or Currants)
Formerly part of Saxifragaceae, includes Ribes
Family Greyiaceae
Family Bruniaceae
Family Anisoophylleaceae
Family Alseuosmiaceae
Family Crassulaceae (Stonecrops)
Family Cephalotaceae
Family Saxifragaceae (Saxifrages)
Subfamily Penthoroideae
Subfamily Saxifragoideae
Subfamily Parnassioideae
Family Rosaceae (Roses)
3000 species, economically very important, many cultivated for ornamentals or food
Subfamily Spiraeoideae
Subfamily Prunoideae (Drupoideae)
Subfamily Rosoideae
Subfamily Maloideae (Pomoideae)
Family Neuradaceae
Family Crossosomataceae (Crossosomas)
Family Chrysobalanaceae
Family Surianaceae
Family Rhabdodendraceae
Order Fabales
Some authors give familial rank to three subfamilies. Some authors list 18,000 species, but probably there are only 12,000. Very important economically.
Family Fabaceae (Leguminosae) = [Mimosaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, and Papilionaceae} (Peas)
"Fabaceae" group primarily temperate
Subfamily Mimosoideae
3000 species, arid habitats, tropical
Subfamily Caesalpinioideae
2000 species, primarily rain forest in Africa and Amazon basin
Subfamily Papilionoideae
Order Proteales
Family Elaeagnaceae (Oleasters)
Approx. 50 species
Family Proteaceae (Proteas)
Over 1000 species, southern Africa, Australia, cultivated in California
Order Podostemales
Modified stem and thaloid, most reduced plant
Family Podostemaceae
45 genera, 200 + species, tropical and warm temperate
Order Haloragales
Fewer than 200 species
Family Haloragaceae (Water Milfoils)
Primarily wetland species, some aquatic, mostly tropical
Family Gunneraceae (Gunneras)
Huge palmate leaves, southern hemisphere
Order Myrtales
9000 species. Myrtaceae, Onagraceae and Melastomataceae have all but 60 species
Family Sonneratiaceae
Family Lythraceae (Loosestrife)
Many aquatic
Family Penaeaceae
Family Crypteroniaceae
Family Thymelaeaceae (Mezereums)
Family Trapaceae
Family Myrtaceae (Myrtles)
3000 species, from south Florida, tropical American and (Eucalytus) Australia
Family Punicaceae (Pomegranates)
Family Onagraceae (Evening-primroses)
400-600 species
Family Oliniaceae
Family Melastomataceae (Melastomes)
4000 species, primarily tropical
Family Combretaceae (Combretum, Mangos)
Order Rhizophorales
Family Rhizophoraceae (Red Mangrove)
16 genera, 120 species, biologically exteremely important, tidal flat habitat, Florida through tropics
Order Cornales
1150 species
Family Alangiaceae
Family Nyssaceae
3 genera, 8 species, North America, Asia
Family Cornaceae (Dogwoods)
Fewer than 100 species, tropical, warm temperate
Family Garryaceae (Silk-Tassels)
Order Santalales
2000 species
Family Medusandraceae
Family Dipentodontaceae
Family Olacaceae
250 species
Family Opiliaceae
Family Santalaceae (Sandalwoods)
400 species
Family Misodendraceae
Family Loranthaceae (Showy Mistletoes)
35 genera, 900 species, parasitic, seeds primarily bird dispersed, many toxic to mammals
Family Viscaceae (Common Mistletoes)
300 species
Family Eremolepidaceae
Family Balanophoraceae
18 genera, 120 species, saprophytic, many resemble fungi, pantropical
Order Rafflesiales
60 species, saprophytic, named in honor of same Raffles as hotel in Singapore
Family Hydnoraceae
Family Mitracstemonaceae
Family Rafflesiaceae (Rafflesias)
Rafflesia of Sumatra has largest flower in world
Order Celastrales
Approx. 2000 species
Family Geissolomataceae
Monotypic
Family Celastraceae (Bittersweets)
55 genera, 850 species
Family Hippocrateaceae
1300 species
Family Stackhosiaceae
20-25 species
Family Salvadoraceae
12 species
Family Aquifoliaceae (Hollys)
400 species, Ilex is the largest genus, mostly tropical
Family Icacinaceae
400 species
Family Aextoxicaceae
Monotypic
Family Cardiopteridaceae
3 species
Family Corynocarpaceae
Family Dichapetalaceae
200 species
Order Euphorbiales
8000 species
Family Buxaceae (Boxwoods)
46 genera, 106 species
Family Simmondsiaceae (Jojobas)
Family Pandaceae
Family Euphorbiaceae (Spurges)
300 genera, 5000+ species, Euphorbia has 1500 species
Order Rhamnales
1700 species
Family Rhamnaceae (Buckthorns)
58 genera, 900 species, cosmopolitan
Family Leeaceae
Family Vitaceae (Grapes)
12 genera, woody vines, tropical, subtropical and warm temperate
Order Linales
550 species
Family Erythroxylaceae
200 species, including Erythroxia cocum, the source of cocaine
Family Humiriaceae
Family Ixonanthaceae
Family Hugoniaceae
Family Linaceae (Flaxes)
13 genera, 300 species, linen, linseed
Order Polygalales
2300 species, primarily tropical
Family Malpighiaceae (Malpighias)
1200+ species
Family Vochysiaceae
200 species
Family Trigoniaceae
Family Tremandraceae
Family Polygalaceae (Milkworts)
17 genera, 750 species, legume-like, cosmopolitan from tropics to arctic
Family Xantyhophyllaceae
Family Krameriaceae (Ratans)
Sometimes lumped with Leguminoceae, drier tropics
Order Sapindales
5400 species
Family Staphyleaceae (Bladdernuts)
60 species
Family Melianthaceae (Melianthus¹)
Family Bretschneideraceae
Family Akaniaceae
Family Sapindaceae (Soapberries)
150 genera, 2000 species, tropical and subtropical
Family Hippocastanaceae (Horse-chestnut, Buckeyes)
2 genera, 15 species
Family Aceraceae (Maples)
Two genera, 100 species
Family Burseraceae
200 species
Family Anacardiaceae (Sumacs, Cashew)
600 species, some toxic
Family Julianaceae
Family Simaroubaceae
150 species, tree of heaven
Family Cneoraceae
Family Meliaceae (Mahoganys)
550 species, many with insect anti-feeding compounds
Family Rutaceae (Citrus)
Many economically important species
Family Zygophyllaceae (Caltrops)
250 species, many thorny
Order Geraniales
2600 species, some woody
Family Oxalidaeceae (Wood-sorrels)
3 genera, 900 species, many with oxalic acid, tropical and temperate
Family Geraniaceae (Geraniums)
11 genera, 750 species, including Geranium and Pelagonium
Family Limnanthaceae (Meadow-foams)
Family Tropaeolaceae (Nasturtiums)
Family Balsaminaceae (Touch-me-nots)
4 genera, 900 species
Order Apiales
3700 species
Family Araliaceae (Ginsengs)
55 genera, 700 species, primarily woody, mostly tropical, old and new world
Family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) (Carrots)
300 genera, 2500-3000 species, cosmopolitan, few in the wet tropics
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Subclass Asteridae
Order Gentianales
Family Loganiaceae (Loganias)
30 genera, 600 species, largely tropicals
Family Retziaceae
Family Gentianaceae (Gentians)
80 genera, 900 species, including a few saprophytes, primarily temperate, and higher altitudes in tropics, including Amazon basin
Family Saccifoliaceae
Monotypic
Family Apocynaceae (Dogbanes)
180 genera, 1500 species, woody, a few herbaceous, 1 vine, milky sap, wet tropics
Family Asclepiadaceae (Milkweeds)
250 genera, 1800-2000 species, milky sap, temparate areas and arid tropics. Some authors combine this family with Apocynaceae
Order Solanales (Polemoniales)
Family Duckeodendraceae
Tropical, lower Amazon
Family Nolanaceae (Nolana)
Some authors combine with Solanaceae
Family Solanaceae (Potatos, tomato, peppers)
90 genera, 2000-3000 species, possibly many more species, New World and Africa
Family Convolvulaceae (Morning-glories)
50 genera, 1800 species, mostly with alternate leaves, cosmopolitan
Family Cuscutaceae (Dodders)
Parasitic vines
Family Menyanthaceae
Family Polemoniaceae (Phlox)
18 genera, 300 species
Family Hydrophyllaceae (Waterleafs)
Many in deserts, New World
Order Lamiales
7800 species
Family Lennoaceae (Lennoas)
4 species, arid areas, parasitic
Family Boraginaceae (Borages)
2000 species, woody or herbaceous, primarily tropical
Subfamily Ehretioideae
Subfamily Boraginoideae
Subfamily Heliotropioideae
Family Verbenaceae (Vervains)
2600 species, woody or herbaceous, primarily tropical
Family Lamiaceae (Labiatae) (Mints)
3200 species, primarily herbaceous in temperate species, primarily woody in tropical species
Order Callitrichales
Family Hippuridaceae
Family Callitrichaceae (Water Starworts)
Aquatic, very small
Family Hydrostachyaceae
Order Plantaginales
Family Plantaginaceae (Plantains)
3 genera, 250 species, including Plantain psillum the source of "dietary" fiber
Order Scrophylariales
More than 11,000 species
Family Buddlejaceae
woody
Family Oleaceae (Olives)
Family Scrophulariaceae (Figworts)
4000 species, primarily herbs, some look like mints
Family Globulariaceae (Globularias)
Family Myoporaceae (Myoporums)
Family Orobancaceae (Broomrapes)
Saprophytes
Family Gesneriaceae (Gesnerias)
2500 species, including the African violet, tropical
Family Acanthaceae (Acanthus¹)
2500 species, temperate and tropical
Family Pedaliaceae
herbs, including sesame
Family Martyniaceae (Unicorn Plants)
Family Bignoniaceae (Bignonias)
Family Mendonciaceae
Family Lentibulariaceae (Bladderworts)
insectivorous, Lentibularia, Utricularia
Order Campanulales
milky sap
Family Pentaphragmataceae
Family Sphenocleaceae
Family Campanulaceae (Bellflowers)
Largest family in order, 4/5 of the species in the order
Subfamily Campanuloideae
Subfamily Lobelioideae (Lobeliaceae)
Family Stylidiaceae
Insectivorous
Family Donatiaceae
2 species
Family Brunoniaceae
Family Goodeniaceae
Mostly Old World, Australia, Florida Keys
Order Rubiales
Family Rubiaceae (Madders)
500 genera, 7000 species, opposite leaves, stipules, primarily woody, primarily tropical
Family Theligonaceae
3 species
Order Dipsacales
Family Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckles)
Family Adoxaceae
Family Valerianaceae (Valerians)
Family Dipsacaceae (Teasels)
Order Calycerales
Family Calyceraceae
60 species, not quite a composite
Order Asterales
Family Asteraceae (Sunflowers)
Approx 1000 genera, 20,000-25,000 species, the most specious family of plant, worldwide, variable habit and structure but all remarkably similar
Subfamily Cichorioideae
Tribe Lactuceae (Cichorieae) (Lettuces)
Tribe Mutisieae (Mutisias)
Tribe Vernonieae (Ironweeds)
Tribe Liabeae (Liabums)
Tribe Cardueae (Cynareae) (Thistles)
Subtribe Echinopeae
Subtribe Carlineae
Subtribe Cardueae
Tribe Arctoteae (Arctotidae) (Arctotis¹)
Subfamily Asteroideae
Tribe Eupatorieae (Eupatoriums)
Tribe Heliantheae (incl. Helenieae & Tageteae) (Sunflowers)
Tribe Astereae (Asters)
Tribe Inuleae (Everlastings)
Tribe Calenduleae (Calendulas)
Tribe Senecioneae (Senecios)
Subfamily Anthemideae (Maywee
Subclass Dilleniidae
Order Dilleniales
Largely tropical Asia and New World
Family Dilleniaceae (Killenias)
Asia
Family Paeoniaceae (Peonys)
Asia
Order Theales
Family Ochnaceae (Ochnas)
Family Spaerospalaceae
Family Sarcolaenaceae
Family Dipterocarpaceae (Dipterocarps)
Most important timber in Asia, Asia and South America
Family Caryocaraceae
Family Theaceae (Teas)
Family Actinideaceae (Kiwi-fruits)
Family Scytopetalaceae
Family Pentaphylacaceae
Family Tetrameristaceae
Family Pellicieraceae (Mangroves)
Family Oncothecaceae
Family Marcgraviaceae
Wasp pollinated
Family Quiinaceae
Family Elatinaceae (Waterworts)
Family Paracryphiaceae
Family Medusagynaceae
Family Clusiaceae (Guttiferae; including Hypericaceae) (Mangosteens)
Order Malvales
Worldwide except arctic
Family Elaeocarpaceae (Elaeocarpus¹)
Tropical
Family Tiliaceae (Linden)
41 genera, 400 species
Family Sterculiaceae (Cacaoss)
60 genera, 700 species, includes Cacao, the chocolate tree
Family Bombacaceae (Kapok)
200 species, tropical
Family Malvaceae (Mallows)
Includes cotton
Order Lecythidales
Family Lecythidaceae (Brazil-Nuts)
20 genera, 450 species, primarily tropical South America, 1 or 2 species occur in both Brazil and Africa, large seeded, disperse by water, includes Cannonball Tree
Order Nepenthales
Insectivorous plants
Family Saraceniaceae (New World Pitcher-plants)
3 genera, 13-17 species, primarily in southeastern U.S., one species in Guianan highlands (tepuis)
Family Nepenthaceae (Old World Pitcher Plants)
Asia to Madagascar
Family Droseraceae (Sundews and Venus Flytrap)
4 genera, 83 species, grow in acid bogs, New World
Order Violales
Family Flacourtiaceae
Family Peridiscaceae
Family Bixaceae
Family Cistaceae (Rock-roses, Tamaraks = Salt Cedar)
Family Huaceae
Family Lacistemataceae
Family Scyphostegiaceae
Family Stachyuraceae
Family Violaceae (Violets)
22 genera, 900 species, some are trees (tropical), worldwide
Family Tamaricaceae (Tamarisks)
Family Frankeniaceae (Frankenias)
Family Dioncophyllaceae
Family Ancistrocladaceae
Family Turneraceae
Family Malesherbiaceae
Family Passifloraceae (Passion-flowers)
20 genera, 600 species, vines to trees, tropical to warm temperate
Family Achariaceae
Family Caricaceae (Papaya)
Family Fouquieriaceae (Ocotillos)
Fouquieria splendens the Ocotillo, southwest U.S., northern Mexico
Family Hoplestigmataceae
Family Cucurbitaceae (Cucumbers, Gourds, Watermelon)
90 genera, 700 species, tropical to warm temperate
Family Datiscaceae (Durango-roots)
Family Begoniaceae (Begonias)
Family Loasaceae
Order Salicales
Family Salicaceae (Willows, Cottonwood, Quaking Aspen)
3-4 genera, 435 species, diverse and numerous in arctic with up to 20 species per acre, many species are circumboreal, holarctic to tropics
Order Capparales
Approx. 4000 species
Family Tovariaceae
Family Capparaceae (Capers)
45 genera, 675 species, woody, lives in arid areas, similare to Brassicaceae, tropical
Family Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) (Mustards)
380 genera, 3000 species, mostly temperate, but worldwide
Family Moringaceae
Moringa of south Africa
Family Resedaceae (Mignonettes)
herbs, Mediterranian and Africa
Order Batales
6 genera, 19 species, seashore plants
Family Gyrostemonaceae
Family Bataceae (Saltworts)
Monotypic, Batis meridima, Gulf coast of U.S.
Order Ericales
4000 species
Family Cyrillaceae
Family Clethraceae (Clethras)
1-2 genera, 64 species, tropical Americas and Asia
Family Grubbiaceae
One genus, 3 species, Ericoid shrubs, derivitives of Ericaceae, south African Cape area
Family Empetraceae (Crowberries)
Includes Empetrum, an arctic and antarctic genus
Family Epacridaceae
31 genera, 400 species, southern hemisphere australasian
Family Ericaceae (Heaths, Heathers)
103 genera, 3500 species, largest family in order, rare in Amazon basin, otherwise cosmpolitant, includes Rhododendron
Family Pyrolaceae (Wintergreens)
Woody or herbaceous
Family Monotropaceae (Indian Pipes)
Saprophytes, lacking chlorophyls
Order Diapensiales
Family Diapensiaceae
18 species in northern hemisphere, from temperate to arctic areas
Order Ebenales
Approx. 2000 species, primarily tropical
Family Sapotaceae (Sapodillas)
One genus, 1100 species, largest family in order
Family Ebenaceae (Ebonys, Persimmon)
450 species
Family Styracaceae (Storaxes)
Warm temperate to tropical
Family Lissocarpaceae
Family Symplocaceae (Sweetleafs)
Accumulate aluminum in leaves, primarily tropical in higher elevations
Order Primulales
1900 species
Family Theophrastaceae
100 species, often have spines on leaf tips, tropical
Family Myrsinaceae
Tropical
Family Primulaceae (Primroses)
22 genera, 800 species, one aquati
Subclass Caryophyllidae
Orders separated on basis of seive tube plastid structure, similar rust infects all three orders
Order Caryophyllales
Betalains (pigment) present, except in Aizoaceae, Molluginaceae and Caryophyllaceae
Family Phytolaccaceae (Pokeberries)
20 genera, 120 species, North and South America
Family Achatocarpaceae
Family Nyctaginaceae (Four O¹Clock)
30 genera, 290 species
Family Aizoaceae (Ice Plants)
Primarily succulents, southern Africa
Family Didiereaceae
4 genera, 11 species, trees similar ot Euphorbia, with or without spines, can be grafted onto Pereskia (in Cactaceae), endemic to Madagascar
Family Cactaceae (Cactus)
Family Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoots)
100 genera, 1500 species, occur in alkaline areas and cold deserts including the North American Great Basin, and the Gobi Desert
Family Amaranthaceae (Amaranths)
65 genera, 900 species, herbs and woody plants, worldwide
Family Portulacaceae (Purslanes)
19 genera, 500 species, mostly succulent, worldwide
Family Basellaceae (Madeira Vines)
4 genera, 15 species, mostly vines, New Zealand
Family Molluginaceae (Carpet-weeds)
Family Caryophyllaceae (Pinks)
80 genera, 2000 species, worldwide
Order Polygonales
Family Polygonaceae (Knotweeds)
30 genera, 750 species, herb to tree, worldwide
Order Plumbaginales
Family Plumbaginaceae
10 genera, 560 species, worldwide
Subclass Hamamelidae
Many with tannins, reduced flowers (unisexual), catkins, etc.
Order Trochodendrales
Vesselless wood, asiatic
Family Tetracentraceae
Monotypic
Family Trochodendraceae
Monotypic
Order Hamamelidales
Woody, mostly wind pollenated, a few are insect pollinated
Family Cercidiphyllaceae
One genus, two species, tropical Africa, Madagascar, Japan, southcentral China
Family Eupteleaceae
One genus, two species, tropical Africa, Madagascar, Japan, southcentral China
Family Platanaceae (Sycamores)
One genus, 10 species, North America, Europe (2 sp.), Asia Minor
Family Hamamelidaceae (Witch-Hazels)
23 genera, 100 species, includes sweet gum, witch-hazel, subtropical and temperate
Family Myrothamnaceae
Tropical Africa and Madagascar
Order Daphniphyllales
Family Daphniphyllaceae
One genus, 10 species, southeast Asia, east Asia, Malaysia
Order Didymelales
Endemic to Madagascar
Family Didymelaceae
One genus, two species, catcus-like spiny trees
Order Eucommiales
Family Eucommiaceae
Monotypic, montane, from western China
Order Urticales
Inflorecence in fasicles or racemes, mostly widespread
Family Barbeyaceae
Middle East
Family Ulmaceae (Elms)
16 genera, 200 species, includes Ulmus, Trema (tropical)
Family Cannabaceae (Hemps)
Family Moraceae (Mulberrys)
75 genera, 3000 species, including Ficus which has over 1000 species itself
Family Cecropiaceae
3 genera, 100 species, confined to tropics
Family Urticaceae (Nettles)
45 genera, 1000+ species, has irritating hairs on stems and/or leaves, worldwide
Order Leitneriales
Family Leitneriaceae
Monotypic, Leitneria floridana, in terrace lands, dioecious shrub of southeastern U.S.: in Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas (disjunct distribution)
Order Juglandales
Antipherous, with compound leaves
Family Juglandaceae (Walnuts)
California, Arizona, southeastern U.S., southeastern Europe, Asia
Order Myricales
Family Myricaceae (Bayberries)
Three genera, 50 species, worldwide, one species confined to New Caledonia
Order Fagales
Family Balanopaceae
One genus, 9 species, Ballanops, found at high altitudes in Queensland, Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji
Family Fagaceae (Oaks)
8 genera, 1000 species, family dates at least back to Eocene, primarily in northern hemisphere, though occur worldwide - in western hemispher to the Columbian Andes (Trigonobalanus). One genus, Nothofagus occurs in Tierra del Fuego (southern South America), New Guinea and New Zealand and some consider it a separage family, Nothogagaceae
Family Betulaceae (Birches, alders)
6 genera, 170 species, mostly north temperate, Ulnus occurs into southern hemisphere
Order Casuarinales
Family Casurinaceae (She-oaks)
Two genera, 65 species (some consider it to have 4 genera with 7 species), whorled leaves, twigs similar to Equisetum (horsetails), endemic to Australia
o Class Liliopsida (Monocots)
More uniform than dicots
Subclass Alismatidae
400 species, similar to Ranunculaceae
Order Alismatales
Aquatic
Family Butomaceae (Flowering-rushes)
One genus, one species, cultivated, European
Family Limnocharitacae (Water-poppies)
Monotypic, tropical
Family Alismataceae (Water Plantains)
12 genera, 75 species
Order Hydrocharitales
Primarily aquatic
Family Hydrocharitaceae (Waterweeds)
15 genera, 100 species, two genera are marine
Order Najadales
Primarily aquatic
Family Aponogetonaceae (Cape-pondweeds)
Many aquarium plants, including lace plants, Old World tropics
Family Scheuchzeriaceae (Scheuchzerias)
Monotypic
Family Juncaginaceae (Arrow-grasses)
5 genera, 20 species, some in salt marsh
Family Potamogetonaceae (Pondweeds)
100 species, cosmopolitan, boreal
Family Ruppiaceae (Ditch-grasses)
Monotypic, Ruppia meridima brakish
Family Najadaceae (Water-nymphs)
Family Zannichelliaceae (Horned-pondweeds)
One genus, 78 species, some species with very restricted ranges, cosmopolitan
Family Posidoniaceae
Marine, Mediteranian, Australia
Family Cymodoceaceae
Family Zosteraceae (Eel-grasses)
Order Triuridales
Saprophytes, some growing on termite mounds, leafless, non-photosynthetic, tropical
Family Petrosaviaceae
Family Triuridaceae
Subclass Arecidae
All very similar
Order Arecales
Family Arecaceae (Palmae) (Palms)
200+ genera, 3000 species, tropical and warm temperate (north to French Coast
The North American and Caribbean Palms, Arecaceae (Palmae) by Robert B. Hole, Jr., USA.
Order Cyclanthales
Family Cyclanthaceae
11 genera, 180 species, some differ from palms only in flower details, palm-like palmately divided leaves, terrestrial or epiphytic, New World tropics
Order Pandanales
Family Pandanaceae
3 genera, 500-600 species (may be fewer), mostly coastal, somewhat yucca-like, Old World tropics, Phillippines, Hawaii
Order Arales
Family Araceae (Arums)
110 genera, 1000 species, herbs and epiphytes, some tree-like
Family Lemnaceae (Duckweeds)
6 genera, 28 species, aquatic
Subclass Zingiberidae
Generally banana-like
Order Bromeliales
Family Bromeliaceae (Bromeliads)
45 genera, 2000 species, wind dispersed seeds, New World except Pitcarnia from Mt. Nimba in Africa
Order Zingiberales
Banana-like, herbaceous
Family Strelitziaceae (Bird-of-Paradises)
3 genera, 17 species, up to 50 feet tall, New and Old World
Family Heliconiaceae (Heliconias)
One genus, 100+ species, New World and south Pacific
Family Musaceae (Bananas)
Many species, Musa paradisiaca is sterile triploid with seedless fruit, Old World
Family Lowiaceae
One genus, 7 species, Archsantha, China, Malaysia, Pacific Islanda
Family Zingiberaceae (Gingers)
47 genera, 1000 species, mostly Old World
Family Costaceae
4 genera, 150 species, pantropical but primarily neotropics
Family Cannaceae (Cannas)
One genus, 50 species, some edible, tropical and subtropical Americas
Family Marantaceae (Arrowroots)
30 genera, 400 species, pantropical, mostly neotropical
o Subclass Lilidae
Order Liliales
Family Philydraceae
Small family
Family Pontederiaceae (Water-hyacinth)
9 genera, 30 species, tropical and subtropical to warm temperate
Family Haemodoraceae
Red or orange sap
Family Cyanastraceae
Small family
Family Liliaceae (Lilies)
280 genera, 4000 species
Family Iridaceae (Irises)
80 genera, 1500 species, fan-like equitant leaves (in one plane), southern Africa, southern South America
Family Velloziaceae
6 genera, 250 species, mostly woody, southern hemisphere
Family Aloeaceae (Aloes)
5 genera, 700 species, primarily Africa
Family Agavaceae (Agaves)
18 genera, 1600 species, all with same chromosome number
Family Xanthorrhoeaceae
Small family
Family Hanguanaceae
Family Taccaceae
Family Stemonaceae
3 genera, 30 species, Asia, North America
Family Smilacaceae (Green-briers)
12 genera, 500+ species, Smilax itself has over 300 species, mostly woody, leaves with net veination, often included in Liliaceae but if Aloes and Agaves are given familial rank this family should be recognized as well
Family Dioscoreaceae (Yams)
6 genera, 630 species, vines, dioeceous, fruit a winged capsule, source of estrogen precursers used in birth control, related to Smilacaceae, though never (to my knowledge) lumped
Order Orchidales
"The epitome of specialization"
Family Geosiridaceae
Montypic, Geosiris, endemic to Madagascar
Family Burmanniaceae
20 genera, 130 species, mostly small saprophytes, tropical
Family Corsiaceae
Two genera, 26 species, saprophytes, Chile and western Pacific
Family Orchidaceae (Orchids)
1000 genera, 15-20-30,000 species, tiny seeds, easily wind or bird disseminated, but if appropriate pollenating organism isn't in the new habitat it can't reproduce, intergeneric hybrids are a regular occurence, species may be "behaviorally" isolated but are not genetically isolated, endotrophic microrhysae, the most successful monocot group
o Subclass Commelinidae (Grasses, Sedges and Rushes)
Mostly grass-like
Order Commelinales
Family Rapateaceae
16 genera, 100 species, primarily tropical South America, one species in western Africa
Family Xyridaceae (Yellow-eyed Grasses)
4 genera, 200 species, high elevations and tropical savanas, strong represented in southeastern U.S., southern Brazil and western Africa
Family Mayacaceae
One genus, 2 or 1 species, pink flowered aquatic "moss," tropical to warm temperate wetlands, Neotropics and western Africa
Family Commelinaceae (Spiderworts)
50 genera, 700 species, largest family in order, tropics to warm temperate areas
Order Eriocaulales
Family Eriocaulaceae (Pipeworts, Ladies Hat Pin)
13 genera, 1200 species, one aquatic species in tropical South America, tropical, subtropical and warm temperate, southeastern U.S. southern Brazil and western Africa
Order Restionales
Mostly Australia, but Pacific and south Brazil well represented
Family Flagellariaceae
Family Joinvilleaceae
Family Restionaceae
Family Centrolepidaceae
Only one in New World in southern Brazil
Order Juncales
Heads small and compact
Family Juncaceae (Rushes)
8 genera, 300 species, a couple woody members in southern hemisphere - Tierra del Fuego, Cosmopolitan
Family Thurniaceae
One genus, 3 species, eastern Amazon
Order Cyperales
Heads larger than Juncales
Family Cyperaceae (Sedges)
70 genera, 4000 species, Carex has 1000 species and is cosmopolitan itself
Family Poaceae (Gramineae) (Grasses)
785 genera, 10,000 species, 5 subfamilies
Order Hydatellales
Family Hydatellaceae
Order Typhales
Family Sparganiaceae (Bur-Reeds)
One genus, 13 species, Sparganium, monoeceous, aquatic, north temperate
Family Typhaceae (Cattails)
One genus, 10 species, rare in wet tropics, otherwise cosmopolitan
By Robert B. Hole, Jr.
This Checklist is after Walters and Keil (who follow Cronquist 1981). Notes are modified from lecture notes from an Advanced Plant Taxonomy course at Mississippi State University taught by Dr. Sydney McDaniel and other sources. Any errors are solely my responsibility, NOT my instructors.
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Select a taxon to visit:
• Psilotophyta
• Equisetophyta
• Lycopodiophyta
• Polypodiophyta
• Pinophyta
• Magnoliophyta
o Class Liliopsida (Monocots)
o Class Magnoliopsida (Dicots)
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Division Psilotophyta (Pteridophytes)
• Class Psilotopsida
o Order Psilotales
Family Psilotaceae (Whisk Ferns)
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Division Equisetophyta
• Class Equisetopsida
o Order Equisetales
Family Equisetaceae (Horsetails)
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Division Lycopodiophyta
• Class Lycopodiopsida
o Order Lycopodiales
Family Lycopodiaceae (Club-mosses)
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• Class Isoetopsida
o Order Selaginellales
Family Selaginellaceae (Small Club-mosses)
o Order Isoetales
Family Isoetaceae (Quillworts)
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Division Polypodiophyta
• Class Polypodiopsida
o Subclass Ophioglossidae
Order Ophiohlossales
Family Ophioglossaceae (Grape-ferns)
o Subclass Marattiidae
Order Marattiales
Family Marattiaceae
o Subclass Polypodiidae
Order Polypodiales
Family Osmundaceae (Cinnamon Ferns)
Family Schizaeaceae (Climbing Ferns)
Family Gleicheniaceae
Family Stromatopteridaceae
Family Matoniaceae
Family Dipteridaceae
Family Cheiropleuriaceae
Family Hymnophyllopsidaceae
Family Plagiogyriaceae
Family Dicksoniaceae (Dicksonias)
Family Lophosoriaceae
Family Metaxyaceae
Family Cyatheaceae (Cyatheaes)
Family Polypodiaceae (Common Ferns)
o Subclass Marsileidae
Order Marsileales
Family Marsileaceae (Water-clovers)
o Subclass Salviniidae
Order Salviniales
Family Salviniaceae (Mosquito Ferns)
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Division Pinophyta (Gymnosperms)
• Subdivision Cycadicae
o Class Cycadopsida
Order Cycadales
Family Cycadaceae (Cycads)
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• Subdivision Pinicae
o Class Pinopsida
Order Ginkgoales
Family Ginkgoaceae (Ginkgo)
Order Taxales
Family Taxaceae (Yews)
Family Cephalotaxaceae (Plum-yews)
Order Pinales
Family Pinaceae (Pines)
Family Cupressaceae (incl. Taxodiaceae) (Cypresses)
Family Ararcariaceae (Araucarias)
Family Podocarpaceae (Podocarps)
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• Subdivision Gneticae
o Class Gnetopsida
Order Gnetales
Family Gnetaceae (Gnetums)
Family Welwitschiaceae (Welwitschia)
Family Ephedraceae (Mormon-teas)
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Division Magnoliophyta (Angioperms)
• Class Magnoliopsida (Dicots)
Evolved during or before the Cretaceous, before insects were important, this allowed a wide variety of pollination mechanisms to arise
o Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Magnoliales
Many families with few species, mostly tropical, with simple leaves, monosulcate pollen (one furrow) grains, numerous stamens, separate floral parts.
Family Winteraceae
Austral, found in New Zealand and South America
Family Degeneriaceae
Two species from Fiji, discovered 1940, most primitive family in the Class
Family Himantandraceae
One genus, tree species, aromatic trees
Family Eupomataceae
One genus, two species, Eastern Australia and New Guinea
Family Austrobaileyaceae
One genus, two species, Australian
Family Magnoliaceae (Magnolias)
Twelve genera, 220 species, has stipules, Asia, southern U.S.A., Peru (1 sp.)
Family Lactoridaceae
One genus, one species, endemic to Juan Fernandez Isl., Chile, South America
Family Annonaceae (Custard-apples)
120 genera, 2300+ genera, largest family in the order, lots of stamens, edible fruit, 1 seed from a large pistol, areomatic
Family Myristacaceae
380 species, southeast Asia and Neotropics
Family Canellaceae
Five genera, 16-17 species, Caribbean basin
Order Laurales
Many areomatic
Family Amborellaceae
Monotypic, Australia and New Guinea
Family Trimeniaceae
Two genera, Pacific and Africa
Family Monimiaceae
27 genera, 450 species, tropical America, Asia and Africa, second largest family in order
Family Gomortegaceae
Monotypic, from near Santiago, Chile, possibly extinct
Family Calycanthaceae (Spicebushes)
Two genera, 8 species, southeastern U. S., California and China
Family Idiospermaceae
Monotypic
Family Lauraceae (Laurels)
Approx. 2000 species
Family Hernandiaceae
Four genera, 76 species, tropical America, Samoa
Order Piperales
Family Chloranthaceae
65 species, tropical upland
Family Saururaceae (Lizard-tails)
5 genera, 7 species
Family Piperaceae (Peppers)
Approx. 3000 species
Order Aristolochiales
Family Aristolochiaceae (Birthworts)
7 genera, 625 species, chemically similar to Magnoliales, woody vines, worldwide distribution
Order Illiciales
Family Illiciaceae
40 species, New World, China
Family Schisandraceae
Two genera, 50 species, New World, genera incl. Schisandra which is cultivated
Order Nymphaeales
With or without odor, mostly aquatic plants
Family Nelumbonaceae (Water-Lotus¹)
Two species, aggregate fruit, long lived seeds, North America and China
Family Nymphaeaceae (Waterlilies)
7 genera, 100+ species
Family Barclayaceae
One genus, 4 species, mostly asiatic, himilayan
Family Cabombaceae (Water-Shields)
One genus, 1+ species, New World
Family Ceratophyllaceae (Hornworts)
One genus, 2-30 species (not a typo)
Order Ranunculales
Generally herbaceous, many small, mostly holarctic distribution
Family Ranunculaceae (Buttercups)
50 genera, 1500 species, primarily temparate, but ranging from arctic to tropics
Family Circaeasteraceae
Family Berberidaceae (Barberries)
13-16 genera, 600 species, mostly shrubby, temperate to Chile in North America, Asia
Family Sargentodoxaceae
Family Lardizabalaceae (Lardizabalas)
Family Menispermaceae (Moonseeds)
65 genera, 350 species, generally have alcohol based poisons, includes the source plant of curare and arrow poisons
Family Coriariaceae
One genera, 8 species, pantropical, primarily at higher elevations
Family Sabiaceae
"Garbage bag family," South America and southeast Asia
Order Papaverales
Zygomorphic flowers, all have alkaloids, laking in mustard oils
Family Papaveraceae (Poppies)
26 genera, 256 species
Family Fumariaceae (Bleeding-hearts)
16 genera, 400 species
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Subclass Rosidae
60,000 species, 3/4 of species are in Fabales, Rosales, Euphobiales, Myrtales and Sapindales. Only 15,000 species in remaining 19 orders. Most diverse orders in the kingdom Plantae.
Order Rosales
6600 species, mostly woody, mostly tropical
Family Brunelliaceae
Family Connaraceae
Family Eucryphiaceae
Family Cunoniaceae
Family Davidsoniaceae
Asian
Family Dialypetalanthaceae
Brazil, Bolivia, Peru
Family Pittosporaceae (Pittosporums)
Hawaii and southern hemisphere
Family Byblidaceae
Family Hydrangeaceae (Mock-oranges)
Formerly part of Saxifragaceae
Family Columelliaceae
Family Grossulariaceae (Gooseberries or Currants)
Formerly part of Saxifragaceae, includes Ribes
Family Greyiaceae
Family Bruniaceae
Family Anisoophylleaceae
Family Alseuosmiaceae
Family Crassulaceae (Stonecrops)
Family Cephalotaceae
Family Saxifragaceae (Saxifrages)
Subfamily Penthoroideae
Subfamily Saxifragoideae
Subfamily Parnassioideae
Family Rosaceae (Roses)
3000 species, economically very important, many cultivated for ornamentals or food
Subfamily Spiraeoideae
Subfamily Prunoideae (Drupoideae)
Subfamily Rosoideae
Subfamily Maloideae (Pomoideae)
Family Neuradaceae
Family Crossosomataceae (Crossosomas)
Family Chrysobalanaceae
Family Surianaceae
Family Rhabdodendraceae
Order Fabales
Some authors give familial rank to three subfamilies. Some authors list 18,000 species, but probably there are only 12,000. Very important economically.
Family Fabaceae (Leguminosae) = [Mimosaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, and Papilionaceae} (Peas)
"Fabaceae" group primarily temperate
Subfamily Mimosoideae
3000 species, arid habitats, tropical
Subfamily Caesalpinioideae
2000 species, primarily rain forest in Africa and Amazon basin
Subfamily Papilionoideae
Order Proteales
Family Elaeagnaceae (Oleasters)
Approx. 50 species
Family Proteaceae (Proteas)
Over 1000 species, southern Africa, Australia, cultivated in California
Order Podostemales
Modified stem and thaloid, most reduced plant
Family Podostemaceae
45 genera, 200 + species, tropical and warm temperate
Order Haloragales
Fewer than 200 species
Family Haloragaceae (Water Milfoils)
Primarily wetland species, some aquatic, mostly tropical
Family Gunneraceae (Gunneras)
Huge palmate leaves, southern hemisphere
Order Myrtales
9000 species. Myrtaceae, Onagraceae and Melastomataceae have all but 60 species
Family Sonneratiaceae
Family Lythraceae (Loosestrife)
Many aquatic
Family Penaeaceae
Family Crypteroniaceae
Family Thymelaeaceae (Mezereums)
Family Trapaceae
Family Myrtaceae (Myrtles)
3000 species, from south Florida, tropical American and (Eucalytus) Australia
Family Punicaceae (Pomegranates)
Family Onagraceae (Evening-primroses)
400-600 species
Family Oliniaceae
Family Melastomataceae (Melastomes)
4000 species, primarily tropical
Family Combretaceae (Combretum, Mangos)
Order Rhizophorales
Family Rhizophoraceae (Red Mangrove)
16 genera, 120 species, biologically exteremely important, tidal flat habitat, Florida through tropics
Order Cornales
1150 species
Family Alangiaceae
Family Nyssaceae
3 genera, 8 species, North America, Asia
Family Cornaceae (Dogwoods)
Fewer than 100 species, tropical, warm temperate
Family Garryaceae (Silk-Tassels)
Order Santalales
2000 species
Family Medusandraceae
Family Dipentodontaceae
Family Olacaceae
250 species
Family Opiliaceae
Family Santalaceae (Sandalwoods)
400 species
Family Misodendraceae
Family Loranthaceae (Showy Mistletoes)
35 genera, 900 species, parasitic, seeds primarily bird dispersed, many toxic to mammals
Family Viscaceae (Common Mistletoes)
300 species
Family Eremolepidaceae
Family Balanophoraceae
18 genera, 120 species, saprophytic, many resemble fungi, pantropical
Order Rafflesiales
60 species, saprophytic, named in honor of same Raffles as hotel in Singapore
Family Hydnoraceae
Family Mitracstemonaceae
Family Rafflesiaceae (Rafflesias)
Rafflesia of Sumatra has largest flower in world
Order Celastrales
Approx. 2000 species
Family Geissolomataceae
Monotypic
Family Celastraceae (Bittersweets)
55 genera, 850 species
Family Hippocrateaceae
1300 species
Family Stackhosiaceae
20-25 species
Family Salvadoraceae
12 species
Family Aquifoliaceae (Hollys)
400 species, Ilex is the largest genus, mostly tropical
Family Icacinaceae
400 species
Family Aextoxicaceae
Monotypic
Family Cardiopteridaceae
3 species
Family Corynocarpaceae
Family Dichapetalaceae
200 species
Order Euphorbiales
8000 species
Family Buxaceae (Boxwoods)
46 genera, 106 species
Family Simmondsiaceae (Jojobas)
Family Pandaceae
Family Euphorbiaceae (Spurges)
300 genera, 5000+ species, Euphorbia has 1500 species
Order Rhamnales
1700 species
Family Rhamnaceae (Buckthorns)
58 genera, 900 species, cosmopolitan
Family Leeaceae
Family Vitaceae (Grapes)
12 genera, woody vines, tropical, subtropical and warm temperate
Order Linales
550 species
Family Erythroxylaceae
200 species, including Erythroxia cocum, the source of cocaine
Family Humiriaceae
Family Ixonanthaceae
Family Hugoniaceae
Family Linaceae (Flaxes)
13 genera, 300 species, linen, linseed
Order Polygalales
2300 species, primarily tropical
Family Malpighiaceae (Malpighias)
1200+ species
Family Vochysiaceae
200 species
Family Trigoniaceae
Family Tremandraceae
Family Polygalaceae (Milkworts)
17 genera, 750 species, legume-like, cosmopolitan from tropics to arctic
Family Xantyhophyllaceae
Family Krameriaceae (Ratans)
Sometimes lumped with Leguminoceae, drier tropics
Order Sapindales
5400 species
Family Staphyleaceae (Bladdernuts)
60 species
Family Melianthaceae (Melianthus¹)
Family Bretschneideraceae
Family Akaniaceae
Family Sapindaceae (Soapberries)
150 genera, 2000 species, tropical and subtropical
Family Hippocastanaceae (Horse-chestnut, Buckeyes)
2 genera, 15 species
Family Aceraceae (Maples)
Two genera, 100 species
Family Burseraceae
200 species
Family Anacardiaceae (Sumacs, Cashew)
600 species, some toxic
Family Julianaceae
Family Simaroubaceae
150 species, tree of heaven
Family Cneoraceae
Family Meliaceae (Mahoganys)
550 species, many with insect anti-feeding compounds
Family Rutaceae (Citrus)
Many economically important species
Family Zygophyllaceae (Caltrops)
250 species, many thorny
Order Geraniales
2600 species, some woody
Family Oxalidaeceae (Wood-sorrels)
3 genera, 900 species, many with oxalic acid, tropical and temperate
Family Geraniaceae (Geraniums)
11 genera, 750 species, including Geranium and Pelagonium
Family Limnanthaceae (Meadow-foams)
Family Tropaeolaceae (Nasturtiums)
Family Balsaminaceae (Touch-me-nots)
4 genera, 900 species
Order Apiales
3700 species
Family Araliaceae (Ginsengs)
55 genera, 700 species, primarily woody, mostly tropical, old and new world
Family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) (Carrots)
300 genera, 2500-3000 species, cosmopolitan, few in the wet tropics
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Subclass Asteridae
Order Gentianales
Family Loganiaceae (Loganias)
30 genera, 600 species, largely tropicals
Family Retziaceae
Family Gentianaceae (Gentians)
80 genera, 900 species, including a few saprophytes, primarily temperate, and higher altitudes in tropics, including Amazon basin
Family Saccifoliaceae
Monotypic
Family Apocynaceae (Dogbanes)
180 genera, 1500 species, woody, a few herbaceous, 1 vine, milky sap, wet tropics
Family Asclepiadaceae (Milkweeds)
250 genera, 1800-2000 species, milky sap, temparate areas and arid tropics. Some authors combine this family with Apocynaceae
Order Solanales (Polemoniales)
Family Duckeodendraceae
Tropical, lower Amazon
Family Nolanaceae (Nolana)
Some authors combine with Solanaceae
Family Solanaceae (Potatos, tomato, peppers)
90 genera, 2000-3000 species, possibly many more species, New World and Africa
Family Convolvulaceae (Morning-glories)
50 genera, 1800 species, mostly with alternate leaves, cosmopolitan
Family Cuscutaceae (Dodders)
Parasitic vines
Family Menyanthaceae
Family Polemoniaceae (Phlox)
18 genera, 300 species
Family Hydrophyllaceae (Waterleafs)
Many in deserts, New World
Order Lamiales
7800 species
Family Lennoaceae (Lennoas)
4 species, arid areas, parasitic
Family Boraginaceae (Borages)
2000 species, woody or herbaceous, primarily tropical
Subfamily Ehretioideae
Subfamily Boraginoideae
Subfamily Heliotropioideae
Family Verbenaceae (Vervains)
2600 species, woody or herbaceous, primarily tropical
Family Lamiaceae (Labiatae) (Mints)
3200 species, primarily herbaceous in temperate species, primarily woody in tropical species
Order Callitrichales
Family Hippuridaceae
Family Callitrichaceae (Water Starworts)
Aquatic, very small
Family Hydrostachyaceae
Order Plantaginales
Family Plantaginaceae (Plantains)
3 genera, 250 species, including Plantain psillum the source of "dietary" fiber
Order Scrophylariales
More than 11,000 species
Family Buddlejaceae
woody
Family Oleaceae (Olives)
Family Scrophulariaceae (Figworts)
4000 species, primarily herbs, some look like mints
Family Globulariaceae (Globularias)
Family Myoporaceae (Myoporums)
Family Orobancaceae (Broomrapes)
Saprophytes
Family Gesneriaceae (Gesnerias)
2500 species, including the African violet, tropical
Family Acanthaceae (Acanthus¹)
2500 species, temperate and tropical
Family Pedaliaceae
herbs, including sesame
Family Martyniaceae (Unicorn Plants)
Family Bignoniaceae (Bignonias)
Family Mendonciaceae
Family Lentibulariaceae (Bladderworts)
insectivorous, Lentibularia, Utricularia
Order Campanulales
milky sap
Family Pentaphragmataceae
Family Sphenocleaceae
Family Campanulaceae (Bellflowers)
Largest family in order, 4/5 of the species in the order
Subfamily Campanuloideae
Subfamily Lobelioideae (Lobeliaceae)
Family Stylidiaceae
Insectivorous
Family Donatiaceae
2 species
Family Brunoniaceae
Family Goodeniaceae
Mostly Old World, Australia, Florida Keys
Order Rubiales
Family Rubiaceae (Madders)
500 genera, 7000 species, opposite leaves, stipules, primarily woody, primarily tropical
Family Theligonaceae
3 species
Order Dipsacales
Family Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckles)
Family Adoxaceae
Family Valerianaceae (Valerians)
Family Dipsacaceae (Teasels)
Order Calycerales
Family Calyceraceae
60 species, not quite a composite
Order Asterales
Family Asteraceae (Sunflowers)
Approx 1000 genera, 20,000-25,000 species, the most specious family of plant, worldwide, variable habit and structure but all remarkably similar
Subfamily Cichorioideae
Tribe Lactuceae (Cichorieae) (Lettuces)
Tribe Mutisieae (Mutisias)
Tribe Vernonieae (Ironweeds)
Tribe Liabeae (Liabums)
Tribe Cardueae (Cynareae) (Thistles)
Subtribe Echinopeae
Subtribe Carlineae
Subtribe Cardueae
Tribe Arctoteae (Arctotidae) (Arctotis¹)
Subfamily Asteroideae
Tribe Eupatorieae (Eupatoriums)
Tribe Heliantheae (incl. Helenieae & Tageteae) (Sunflowers)
Tribe Astereae (Asters)
Tribe Inuleae (Everlastings)
Tribe Calenduleae (Calendulas)
Tribe Senecioneae (Senecios)
Subfamily Anthemideae (Maywee
Subclass Dilleniidae
Order Dilleniales
Largely tropical Asia and New World
Family Dilleniaceae (Killenias)
Asia
Family Paeoniaceae (Peonys)
Asia
Order Theales
Family Ochnaceae (Ochnas)
Family Spaerospalaceae
Family Sarcolaenaceae
Family Dipterocarpaceae (Dipterocarps)
Most important timber in Asia, Asia and South America
Family Caryocaraceae
Family Theaceae (Teas)
Family Actinideaceae (Kiwi-fruits)
Family Scytopetalaceae
Family Pentaphylacaceae
Family Tetrameristaceae
Family Pellicieraceae (Mangroves)
Family Oncothecaceae
Family Marcgraviaceae
Wasp pollinated
Family Quiinaceae
Family Elatinaceae (Waterworts)
Family Paracryphiaceae
Family Medusagynaceae
Family Clusiaceae (Guttiferae; including Hypericaceae) (Mangosteens)
Order Malvales
Worldwide except arctic
Family Elaeocarpaceae (Elaeocarpus¹)
Tropical
Family Tiliaceae (Linden)
41 genera, 400 species
Family Sterculiaceae (Cacaoss)
60 genera, 700 species, includes Cacao, the chocolate tree
Family Bombacaceae (Kapok)
200 species, tropical
Family Malvaceae (Mallows)
Includes cotton
Order Lecythidales
Family Lecythidaceae (Brazil-Nuts)
20 genera, 450 species, primarily tropical South America, 1 or 2 species occur in both Brazil and Africa, large seeded, disperse by water, includes Cannonball Tree
Order Nepenthales
Insectivorous plants
Family Saraceniaceae (New World Pitcher-plants)
3 genera, 13-17 species, primarily in southeastern U.S., one species in Guianan highlands (tepuis)
Family Nepenthaceae (Old World Pitcher Plants)
Asia to Madagascar
Family Droseraceae (Sundews and Venus Flytrap)
4 genera, 83 species, grow in acid bogs, New World
Order Violales
Family Flacourtiaceae
Family Peridiscaceae
Family Bixaceae
Family Cistaceae (Rock-roses, Tamaraks = Salt Cedar)
Family Huaceae
Family Lacistemataceae
Family Scyphostegiaceae
Family Stachyuraceae
Family Violaceae (Violets)
22 genera, 900 species, some are trees (tropical), worldwide
Family Tamaricaceae (Tamarisks)
Family Frankeniaceae (Frankenias)
Family Dioncophyllaceae
Family Ancistrocladaceae
Family Turneraceae
Family Malesherbiaceae
Family Passifloraceae (Passion-flowers)
20 genera, 600 species, vines to trees, tropical to warm temperate
Family Achariaceae
Family Caricaceae (Papaya)
Family Fouquieriaceae (Ocotillos)
Fouquieria splendens the Ocotillo, southwest U.S., northern Mexico
Family Hoplestigmataceae
Family Cucurbitaceae (Cucumbers, Gourds, Watermelon)
90 genera, 700 species, tropical to warm temperate
Family Datiscaceae (Durango-roots)
Family Begoniaceae (Begonias)
Family Loasaceae
Order Salicales
Family Salicaceae (Willows, Cottonwood, Quaking Aspen)
3-4 genera, 435 species, diverse and numerous in arctic with up to 20 species per acre, many species are circumboreal, holarctic to tropics
Order Capparales
Approx. 4000 species
Family Tovariaceae
Family Capparaceae (Capers)
45 genera, 675 species, woody, lives in arid areas, similare to Brassicaceae, tropical
Family Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) (Mustards)
380 genera, 3000 species, mostly temperate, but worldwide
Family Moringaceae
Moringa of south Africa
Family Resedaceae (Mignonettes)
herbs, Mediterranian and Africa
Order Batales
6 genera, 19 species, seashore plants
Family Gyrostemonaceae
Family Bataceae (Saltworts)
Monotypic, Batis meridima, Gulf coast of U.S.
Order Ericales
4000 species
Family Cyrillaceae
Family Clethraceae (Clethras)
1-2 genera, 64 species, tropical Americas and Asia
Family Grubbiaceae
One genus, 3 species, Ericoid shrubs, derivitives of Ericaceae, south African Cape area
Family Empetraceae (Crowberries)
Includes Empetrum, an arctic and antarctic genus
Family Epacridaceae
31 genera, 400 species, southern hemisphere australasian
Family Ericaceae (Heaths, Heathers)
103 genera, 3500 species, largest family in order, rare in Amazon basin, otherwise cosmpolitant, includes Rhododendron
Family Pyrolaceae (Wintergreens)
Woody or herbaceous
Family Monotropaceae (Indian Pipes)
Saprophytes, lacking chlorophyls
Order Diapensiales
Family Diapensiaceae
18 species in northern hemisphere, from temperate to arctic areas
Order Ebenales
Approx. 2000 species, primarily tropical
Family Sapotaceae (Sapodillas)
One genus, 1100 species, largest family in order
Family Ebenaceae (Ebonys, Persimmon)
450 species
Family Styracaceae (Storaxes)
Warm temperate to tropical
Family Lissocarpaceae
Family Symplocaceae (Sweetleafs)
Accumulate aluminum in leaves, primarily tropical in higher elevations
Order Primulales
1900 species
Family Theophrastaceae
100 species, often have spines on leaf tips, tropical
Family Myrsinaceae
Tropical
Family Primulaceae (Primroses)
22 genera, 800 species, one aquati
Subclass Caryophyllidae
Orders separated on basis of seive tube plastid structure, similar rust infects all three orders
Order Caryophyllales
Betalains (pigment) present, except in Aizoaceae, Molluginaceae and Caryophyllaceae
Family Phytolaccaceae (Pokeberries)
20 genera, 120 species, North and South America
Family Achatocarpaceae
Family Nyctaginaceae (Four O¹Clock)
30 genera, 290 species
Family Aizoaceae (Ice Plants)
Primarily succulents, southern Africa
Family Didiereaceae
4 genera, 11 species, trees similar ot Euphorbia, with or without spines, can be grafted onto Pereskia (in Cactaceae), endemic to Madagascar
Family Cactaceae (Cactus)
Family Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoots)
100 genera, 1500 species, occur in alkaline areas and cold deserts including the North American Great Basin, and the Gobi Desert
Family Amaranthaceae (Amaranths)
65 genera, 900 species, herbs and woody plants, worldwide
Family Portulacaceae (Purslanes)
19 genera, 500 species, mostly succulent, worldwide
Family Basellaceae (Madeira Vines)
4 genera, 15 species, mostly vines, New Zealand
Family Molluginaceae (Carpet-weeds)
Family Caryophyllaceae (Pinks)
80 genera, 2000 species, worldwide
Order Polygonales
Family Polygonaceae (Knotweeds)
30 genera, 750 species, herb to tree, worldwide
Order Plumbaginales
Family Plumbaginaceae
10 genera, 560 species, worldwide
Subclass Hamamelidae
Many with tannins, reduced flowers (unisexual), catkins, etc.
Order Trochodendrales
Vesselless wood, asiatic
Family Tetracentraceae
Monotypic
Family Trochodendraceae
Monotypic
Order Hamamelidales
Woody, mostly wind pollenated, a few are insect pollinated
Family Cercidiphyllaceae
One genus, two species, tropical Africa, Madagascar, Japan, southcentral China
Family Eupteleaceae
One genus, two species, tropical Africa, Madagascar, Japan, southcentral China
Family Platanaceae (Sycamores)
One genus, 10 species, North America, Europe (2 sp.), Asia Minor
Family Hamamelidaceae (Witch-Hazels)
23 genera, 100 species, includes sweet gum, witch-hazel, subtropical and temperate
Family Myrothamnaceae
Tropical Africa and Madagascar
Order Daphniphyllales
Family Daphniphyllaceae
One genus, 10 species, southeast Asia, east Asia, Malaysia
Order Didymelales
Endemic to Madagascar
Family Didymelaceae
One genus, two species, catcus-like spiny trees
Order Eucommiales
Family Eucommiaceae
Monotypic, montane, from western China
Order Urticales
Inflorecence in fasicles or racemes, mostly widespread
Family Barbeyaceae
Middle East
Family Ulmaceae (Elms)
16 genera, 200 species, includes Ulmus, Trema (tropical)
Family Cannabaceae (Hemps)
Family Moraceae (Mulberrys)
75 genera, 3000 species, including Ficus which has over 1000 species itself
Family Cecropiaceae
3 genera, 100 species, confined to tropics
Family Urticaceae (Nettles)
45 genera, 1000+ species, has irritating hairs on stems and/or leaves, worldwide
Order Leitneriales
Family Leitneriaceae
Monotypic, Leitneria floridana, in terrace lands, dioecious shrub of southeastern U.S.: in Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas (disjunct distribution)
Order Juglandales
Antipherous, with compound leaves
Family Juglandaceae (Walnuts)
California, Arizona, southeastern U.S., southeastern Europe, Asia
Order Myricales
Family Myricaceae (Bayberries)
Three genera, 50 species, worldwide, one species confined to New Caledonia
Order Fagales
Family Balanopaceae
One genus, 9 species, Ballanops, found at high altitudes in Queensland, Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji
Family Fagaceae (Oaks)
8 genera, 1000 species, family dates at least back to Eocene, primarily in northern hemisphere, though occur worldwide - in western hemispher to the Columbian Andes (Trigonobalanus). One genus, Nothofagus occurs in Tierra del Fuego (southern South America), New Guinea and New Zealand and some consider it a separage family, Nothogagaceae
Family Betulaceae (Birches, alders)
6 genera, 170 species, mostly north temperate, Ulnus occurs into southern hemisphere
Order Casuarinales
Family Casurinaceae (She-oaks)
Two genera, 65 species (some consider it to have 4 genera with 7 species), whorled leaves, twigs similar to Equisetum (horsetails), endemic to Australia
o Class Liliopsida (Monocots)
More uniform than dicots
Subclass Alismatidae
400 species, similar to Ranunculaceae
Order Alismatales
Aquatic
Family Butomaceae (Flowering-rushes)
One genus, one species, cultivated, European
Family Limnocharitacae (Water-poppies)
Monotypic, tropical
Family Alismataceae (Water Plantains)
12 genera, 75 species
Order Hydrocharitales
Primarily aquatic
Family Hydrocharitaceae (Waterweeds)
15 genera, 100 species, two genera are marine
Order Najadales
Primarily aquatic
Family Aponogetonaceae (Cape-pondweeds)
Many aquarium plants, including lace plants, Old World tropics
Family Scheuchzeriaceae (Scheuchzerias)
Monotypic
Family Juncaginaceae (Arrow-grasses)
5 genera, 20 species, some in salt marsh
Family Potamogetonaceae (Pondweeds)
100 species, cosmopolitan, boreal
Family Ruppiaceae (Ditch-grasses)
Monotypic, Ruppia meridima brakish
Family Najadaceae (Water-nymphs)
Family Zannichelliaceae (Horned-pondweeds)
One genus, 78 species, some species with very restricted ranges, cosmopolitan
Family Posidoniaceae
Marine, Mediteranian, Australia
Family Cymodoceaceae
Family Zosteraceae (Eel-grasses)
Order Triuridales
Saprophytes, some growing on termite mounds, leafless, non-photosynthetic, tropical
Family Petrosaviaceae
Family Triuridaceae
Subclass Arecidae
All very similar
Order Arecales
Family Arecaceae (Palmae) (Palms)
200+ genera, 3000 species, tropical and warm temperate (north to French Coast
The North American and Caribbean Palms, Arecaceae (Palmae) by Robert B. Hole, Jr., USA.
Order Cyclanthales
Family Cyclanthaceae
11 genera, 180 species, some differ from palms only in flower details, palm-like palmately divided leaves, terrestrial or epiphytic, New World tropics
Order Pandanales
Family Pandanaceae
3 genera, 500-600 species (may be fewer), mostly coastal, somewhat yucca-like, Old World tropics, Phillippines, Hawaii
Order Arales
Family Araceae (Arums)
110 genera, 1000 species, herbs and epiphytes, some tree-like
Family Lemnaceae (Duckweeds)
6 genera, 28 species, aquatic
Subclass Zingiberidae
Generally banana-like
Order Bromeliales
Family Bromeliaceae (Bromeliads)
45 genera, 2000 species, wind dispersed seeds, New World except Pitcarnia from Mt. Nimba in Africa
Order Zingiberales
Banana-like, herbaceous
Family Strelitziaceae (Bird-of-Paradises)
3 genera, 17 species, up to 50 feet tall, New and Old World
Family Heliconiaceae (Heliconias)
One genus, 100+ species, New World and south Pacific
Family Musaceae (Bananas)
Many species, Musa paradisiaca is sterile triploid with seedless fruit, Old World
Family Lowiaceae
One genus, 7 species, Archsantha, China, Malaysia, Pacific Islanda
Family Zingiberaceae (Gingers)
47 genera, 1000 species, mostly Old World
Family Costaceae
4 genera, 150 species, pantropical but primarily neotropics
Family Cannaceae (Cannas)
One genus, 50 species, some edible, tropical and subtropical Americas
Family Marantaceae (Arrowroots)
30 genera, 400 species, pantropical, mostly neotropical
o Subclass Lilidae
Order Liliales
Family Philydraceae
Small family
Family Pontederiaceae (Water-hyacinth)
9 genera, 30 species, tropical and subtropical to warm temperate
Family Haemodoraceae
Red or orange sap
Family Cyanastraceae
Small family
Family Liliaceae (Lilies)
280 genera, 4000 species
Family Iridaceae (Irises)
80 genera, 1500 species, fan-like equitant leaves (in one plane), southern Africa, southern South America
Family Velloziaceae
6 genera, 250 species, mostly woody, southern hemisphere
Family Aloeaceae (Aloes)
5 genera, 700 species, primarily Africa
Family Agavaceae (Agaves)
18 genera, 1600 species, all with same chromosome number
Family Xanthorrhoeaceae
Small family
Family Hanguanaceae
Family Taccaceae
Family Stemonaceae
3 genera, 30 species, Asia, North America
Family Smilacaceae (Green-briers)
12 genera, 500+ species, Smilax itself has over 300 species, mostly woody, leaves with net veination, often included in Liliaceae but if Aloes and Agaves are given familial rank this family should be recognized as well
Family Dioscoreaceae (Yams)
6 genera, 630 species, vines, dioeceous, fruit a winged capsule, source of estrogen precursers used in birth control, related to Smilacaceae, though never (to my knowledge) lumped
Order Orchidales
"The epitome of specialization"
Family Geosiridaceae
Montypic, Geosiris, endemic to Madagascar
Family Burmanniaceae
20 genera, 130 species, mostly small saprophytes, tropical
Family Corsiaceae
Two genera, 26 species, saprophytes, Chile and western Pacific
Family Orchidaceae (Orchids)
1000 genera, 15-20-30,000 species, tiny seeds, easily wind or bird disseminated, but if appropriate pollenating organism isn't in the new habitat it can't reproduce, intergeneric hybrids are a regular occurence, species may be "behaviorally" isolated but are not genetically isolated, endotrophic microrhysae, the most successful monocot group
o Subclass Commelinidae (Grasses, Sedges and Rushes)
Mostly grass-like
Order Commelinales
Family Rapateaceae
16 genera, 100 species, primarily tropical South America, one species in western Africa
Family Xyridaceae (Yellow-eyed Grasses)
4 genera, 200 species, high elevations and tropical savanas, strong represented in southeastern U.S., southern Brazil and western Africa
Family Mayacaceae
One genus, 2 or 1 species, pink flowered aquatic "moss," tropical to warm temperate wetlands, Neotropics and western Africa
Family Commelinaceae (Spiderworts)
50 genera, 700 species, largest family in order, tropics to warm temperate areas
Order Eriocaulales
Family Eriocaulaceae (Pipeworts, Ladies Hat Pin)
13 genera, 1200 species, one aquatic species in tropical South America, tropical, subtropical and warm temperate, southeastern U.S. southern Brazil and western Africa
Order Restionales
Mostly Australia, but Pacific and south Brazil well represented
Family Flagellariaceae
Family Joinvilleaceae
Family Restionaceae
Family Centrolepidaceae
Only one in New World in southern Brazil
Order Juncales
Heads small and compact
Family Juncaceae (Rushes)
8 genera, 300 species, a couple woody members in southern hemisphere - Tierra del Fuego, Cosmopolitan
Family Thurniaceae
One genus, 3 species, eastern Amazon
Order Cyperales
Heads larger than Juncales
Family Cyperaceae (Sedges)
70 genera, 4000 species, Carex has 1000 species and is cosmopolitan itself
Family Poaceae (Gramineae) (Grasses)
785 genera, 10,000 species, 5 subfamilies
Order Hydatellales
Family Hydatellaceae
Order Typhales
Family Sparganiaceae (Bur-Reeds)
One genus, 13 species, Sparganium, monoeceous, aquatic, north temperate
Family Typhaceae (Cattails)
One genus, 10 species, rare in wet tropics, otherwise cosmopolitan