Plant Families: A to C

Alstroemeriaceae

Alstroemeria Family

Alstroemeriaceae is a family of flowering plants known for their showy and brightly colored blooms. They are native to South America and have become popular ornamental plants all over the world.

Annonaceae

Custard Apple Family

Annonaceae Family: Discover the diverse and fascinating world of Annonaceae, a family of flowering plants known for their unique and aromatic fruits and many medicinal properties.

Aizoaceae is a family of flowering plants commonly known as the ice plant family. They are succulent herbs or shrubs with fleshy leaves and showy flowers, native to arid and semi-arid regions of Africa, Australia, and South America.

Altingiaceae

Liquidambar Family

The Altingiaceae family includes deciduous trees and shrubs known for their beautiful fall foliage. They are valued for timber and ornamental purposes.

Atherospermataceae

Atherosperma Family

Atherospermataceae is a family of flowering plants consisting of 15 genera and approximately 180 species. They are found predominantly in the Southern Hemisphere, with most species occurring in Australia and New Zealand. These plants are known for their aromatic foliage and distinctive fruiting structures.

Austrobaileyaceae

Fern Family

Austrobaileyaceae is a small but fascinating family of flowering plants consisting of only two genera and three species. These plants are characterized by their primitive features, including their simple leaves, separate male and female flowers, and the presence of sieve cells in their stems.

Asparagaceae

Asparagaceae Family

Asparagaceae is a widespread and diverse family of flowering plants, characterized by long, narrow leaves and showy flowers. Many species are cultivated as ornamentals, while others have cultural or economic importance.

Apocynaceae

Apocynaceae Family

Apocynaceae is a family of flowering plants characterized by their milky sap, simple leaves, and showy, fragrant flowers. Many species are cultivated for their ornamental value, while others have medicinal properties or produce useful products such as rubber or fiber.

Asteraceae

Daisy Family

With over 32,000 species, Asteraceae is one of the largest and most diverse plant families globally. Commonly known as the aster, daisy, or sunflower family, it is characterized by its composite flower heads and is found in almost every habitat on earth.

Aspleniaceae

Asplenium Family

Aspleniaceae is a family of ferns that are known for their distinctive fronds. These plants can be found in many parts of the world and are often grown as ornamental plants due to their attractive foliage.

Asphodelaceae

Asphodel Family

The Asphodelaceae family includes a diverse group of flowering plants that are known for their tall spikes of showy flowers. With over 40 genera and around 800 species, this family is distributed throughout the world, but is especially abundant in southern Africa.

Amaranthaceae

Amaranth Family

Amaranthaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes over 2,500 species distributed worldwide. These plants are known for their diverse uses, from food crops to ornamental plants and medicinal herbs.

Amaryllidaceae

Amaryllis Family

The Amaryllidaceae family is a group of flowering plants known for their showy blooms and ornamental value. This family includes several popular garden plants such as daffodils, snowdrops, and amaryllis.

Acanthaceae

Acanthus Family

Acanthaceae is a family of tropical and subtropical flowering plants that are known for their vibrant flowers and unique foliage. With over 4000 species, it is one of the largest families of dicotyledonous herbs, shrubs, and climbers.

Araceae

Arum Family

Araceae is a diverse family of flowering plants that include over 100 genera and 3,700 species. These plants are known for their unique floral structure and are found in many habitats across the world.

Arecaceae

Palm Family

Arecaceae is a family of plants commonly known as palms. They are characterized by their tall, unbranched stems and large, fan-like or feather-shaped leaves. Palms are widely distributed throughout the world and are often associated with tropical or subtropical regions. Many species are economically important, providing food, fiber, and other products to human communities, while also playing key roles in ecosystems as habitat providers and erosion controllers.

Araliaceae

Aralia Family

Araliaceae is a family of flowering plants commonly known as the ginseng or ivy family. It includes about 70-80 genera and over 1,200 species of shrubs, trees, and climbers distributed worldwide.

Apiaceae

Carrot Family

Apiaceae is a family of flowering plants commonly known as the carrot, celery or parsley family. It is recognized for its distinctive inflorescence, which is composed of small flowers arranged in umbels, and includes many important edible and medicinal plants.

Ancistrocladaceae

Ancistrocladaceae Family

Ancistrocladaceae is a small family of flowering plants with only two genera and around 40 species. These vines are found in the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Anacardiaceae

Cashew Family

Anacardiaceae is a family of flowering plants known for their economic and ecological importance. These plants are widely distributed across the globe and are characterized by their diverse growth habits, unique morphology, and distinctive adaptations.

Achariaceae

Acharia Family

Achariaceae is a family of flowering plants, consisting of about 15 species of trees and shrubs primarily found in Africa and Madagascar. They are known for their distinctive leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers which grow in clusters.

Araucariaceae

Araucaria Family

Araucariaceae is a family of evergreen trees that are found in the Southern Hemisphere. These iconic conifers are known for their striking appearance and their importance as timber and ornamental trees.

Alismataceae

Water Plantain Family

Alismataceae is a family of flowering plants that includes aquatic and semiaquatic species found in temperate and subtropical regions worldwide.

Aristolochiaceae

Birthwort Family

Aristolochiaceae is a family of flowering plants characterized by their unique flower structures and medicinal properties.

Aquifoliaceae

Holly Family

The Aquifoliaceae family is a diverse group of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs, known for their distinctive glossy leaves and brightly colored berries.

Anacampserotaceae

Anacampseros Family

Anacampserotaceae is a small family of flowering plants that includes only two genera and around 15 species. These plants are native to arid and semi-arid regions of South America, Africa, and Australia, and are known for their ability to tolerate extreme environmental conditions such as drought and high temperatures.

Acoraceae

Sweet Flag Family

The Acoraceae family includes perennial, aquatic or semi-aquatic plants with aromatic rhizomes. They are commonly known as sweetflag and are native to wetland habitats of North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

Akaniaceae

Akani Family

Akaniaceae is a small family of flowering plants, consisting of only two genera and about 15 species. These tropical trees and shrubs are best known for their distinctive, star-shaped flowers which bloom in shades of white, yellow, or pink.

Asteropeiaceae

Asteropeia Family

Asteropeiaceae is a family of flowering plants with around 60 species. They are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions, and often grow as shrubs or small trees. Many species have distinctive star-shaped flowers.

Asteliaceae

Astelia Family

Asteliaceae is a family of monocotyledonous plants that are native to New Zealand and nearby islands. They are known for their sword-like leaves and striking, often brightly colored inflorescences.

Alliaceae

Allium Family

Alliaceae is a family of monocotyledonous flowering plants that includes well-known species such as onions, garlic, and chives. The plants in this family are characterized by their distinctive onion-like aroma and flavor, often used in cooking and traditional medicine.

Aponogetonaceae

Water Hawthorn Family

Aponogetonaceae is a family of aquatic plants commonly known as water hawthorns. Their unique flowers and leaves make them a popular choice for aquariums and water gardens.

Achatocarpaceae

Achatocarpus Family

Achatocarpaceae is a small family of flowering plants consisting of only two genera, Achatocarpus and Lemuropetalon. These woody shrubs are endemic to the southern hemisphere, with limited distribution in Africa and Madagascar.

Anisophylleaceae

Anisophyllea Family

Anisophylleaceae is a family of flowering plants consisting of 25 species of trees and shrubs. These plants are found in tropical regions of the world and are known for their distinctive foliage and small flowers.

Actinidiaceae

Kiwi Family

Actinidiaceae family comprises about 60 species of woody plants, including the kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa). These plants are characterized by their twining habit and dioecious flowers.

Apodanthaceae

Apodanthes Family

The Apodanthaceae family comprises parasitic plants that grow on the roots of their host plants.

Alseuosmiaceae

Alseuosmia Family

Alseuosmiaceae is a small, endemic family of flowering plants found in Australia and New Zealand. They are known for their fragrant flowers and unique combination of ancestral and derived characteristics.

Aphanopetalaceae

Aphanopetalum Family

Aphanopetalaceae is a small family of flowering plants found only in Australia and New Caledonia. The family consists of just two genera, Aphanopetalum and Bowenia, and includes only a few species.

Aphloiaceae

Aphloia Family

Aphloiaceae is a small family of flowering plants with only two known species, Aphloia theiformis and its close relative Aphloia theiformis var. monticola. They are native to Madagascar and have been introduced to other tropical regions for their ornamental value.

Argophyllaceae

Argophyllum Family

Argophyllaceae is a small family of flowering plants found in South America and Antarctica. These woody shrubs or small trees are known for their striking silver leaves and unique characteristics.

Aextoxicaceae

Aextoxicon Family

Aextoxicaceae is a small family of flowering plants with only one genus, Aextoxicon. These trees are native to Chile and have distinctive characteristics such as their shiny leaves and small flowers.

Alzateaceae

Alzatea Family

Alzateaceae is a small family of flowering plants, consisting of only one genus, Alzatea. These tropical trees are known for their striking flowers and are native to Central and South America.

Amborellaceae

Amborella Family

Amborellaceae is a small family of flowering plants, consisting of only a single genus and species. Amborella trichopoda is a rare and ancient plant that has been the subject of much scientific interest due to its unique characteristics and important evolutionary position.

Adiantaceae

Doodia Family

The Adiantaceae family consists of ferns with delicate, lacy leaves that are a popular choice for ornamental gardens and indoor decor.

Balanopaceae

Balanops Family

Balanopaceae is a family of flowering plants with only one genus, Balanops. The plants are known for their distinctive features and play important roles in their natural ecosystems.

Barbeyaceae

Barbeya Family

Barbeyaceae is a small family of flowering plants that includes only two genera and three species. They are known for their unique characteristics, including alternate leaves with stipules and distinctive flower structures.

Biebersteiniaceae

Biebersteinia Family

Biebersteiniaceae is a small family of flowering plants that includes only two genera and seven species. These plants are mostly found in tropical regions, with a few species growing in temperate zones.

Brassicaceae

Mustard Family

Brassicaceae is a family of flowering plants with over 3,700 species. They are known for their cruciferous fruit and include important crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, and mustard greens.

Bromeliaceae

Bromeliad Family

Bromeliaceae is a diverse family of flowering plants that includes species known for their colorful, exotic-looking foliage and showy flowers.

Bignoniaceae

Bignonia Family

The Bignoniaceae family is a diverse group of plants that includes both trees and vines. These tropical and subtropical species are known for their showy, trumpet-shaped flowers and are commonly used in ornamental horticulture.

Boraginaceae

Borage Family

Boraginaceae is a family of flowering plants, commonly known as the borage or forget-me-not family. It includes over 2,000 species of mostly herbaceous plants with cosmopolitan distribution.

Bruniaceae

Brunia Family

The Bruniaceae family consists of around 50 species of flowering plants known for their showy, fragrant flowers and attractive foliage. They are native to southern Africa and are particularly abundant in the Cape Floristic Region.

Balanophoraceae

Balanophora Family

Balanophoraceae is a family of parasitic plants that lack chlorophyll and obtain their nutrients from other host plants. They are unique in appearance and can often be found in tropical regions around the world.

Betulaceae

Birch Family

Betulaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes birch, alder, hazelnut, and hornbeam species. They are known for their distinctive bark and often grow in temperate regions around the world.

Begoniaceae

Begonia Family

Begoniaceae is a diverse family of flowering plants comprising more than 1,800 species. These plants are known for their colorful and showy flowers, attractive foliage, and wide range of sizes and growth habits.

Basellaceae

Basella Family

The Basellaceae family includes mostly tropical climbing or trailing herbaceous vines. They are known for their ornamental flowers and edible leaves, and are commonly used in traditional medicine.

Berberidaceae

Barberry Family

Berberidaceae is a family of flowering plants comprising about 16 genera and over 700 species found in diverse habitats worldwide. They are known for their distinctive flowers and foliage, with some species having economic and medicinal importance.

Burmanniaceae

Burmannia Family

The Burmanniaceae family consists of small, mycoheterotrophic herbs that are commonly found in tropical regions.

Burseraceae

Copal Family

Burseraceae is a family of flowering plants that includes many species of tropical trees and shrubs known for their aromatic resins.

Bixaceae

Annatto Family

Bixaceae is a family of flowering plants consisting of around 250 species. Many members of this family are valued for their economic and medicinal uses.

Boryaceae

Borya Family

Boryaceae is a small family of flowering plants, consisting of only three genera and less than 30 species. These plants are native to South America and are particularly concentrated in Brazil and Argentina.

Buxaceae

Boxwood Family

Buxaceae is a small family of flowering plants, consisting of only six genera and approximately 90 species. They are characterized by their woody habit, simple leaves, and small flowers that lack petals and sepals.

Bonnetiaceae

Bonnetia Family

Bonnetiaceae is a family of flowering plants native to tropical regions of South and Central America. These plants are known for their beautiful flowers and are often cultivated as ornamentals.

Barbeuiaceae

Barbeuia Family

The Barbeuiaceae family, also known as the candy root or snake creeper family, is a small group of flowering plants with woody stems. Many species have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine.

Bataceae

Batis Family

Bataceae is a small family of flowering plants, consisting of only one genus, with around 5 species. They are known for their distinctive and unusual flowers that resemble lanterns, and are found in tropical regions across the world.

Brunelliaceae

Brunellia Family

Brunelliaceae is a small family of flowering plants that includes just one genus, Brunellia, with approximately 40 species. These trees are found in high altitude regions of the Andes mountains in South America and are known for their hard wood and unique characteristics.

Blandfordiaceae

Blandfordia Family

Blandfordiaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes six genera and around 25 species. These plants are found primarily in Australia and New Zealand and are known for their showy, tubular flowers.

Butomaceae

Flowering Rush Family

Butomaceae is a family of aquatic and semi-aquatic flowering plants commonly known as the flowering rush family. It includes only one genus, Butomus, that comprises four species of perennial herbs found in freshwater habitats across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Balsaminaceae

Impatiens Family

The Balsaminaceae family, also known as the touch-me-nots or jewelweeds, is a group of flowering plants that are primarily found in tropical regions.

Berberidopsidaceae

Berberidopsis Family

Berberidopsidaceae is a small family of flowering plants that consists of only one species, Berberidopsis corallina. It is native to Chile and exhibits showy pink flowers that resemble coral.

Byblidaceae

Anemiopsis Family

Byblidaceae is a small family of carnivorous plants that are native to Australia, South Africa, and the Americas. These unique plants capture prey using sticky, glandular leaves and inhabit nutrient-poor environments such as bogs or sandy soils.

Connaraceae

Connarus Family

Connaraceae, a family of flowering plants, includes around 80 species of trees, shrubs, and vines distributed primarily in tropical regions across the world.

Cornaceae

Dogwood Family

The Cornaceae family is a group of flowering plants that includes around 50 genera and 600 species. They are known for their showy flowers, attractive foliage, and various uses in medicine and horticulture.

Chloranthaceae

Chloranthus Family

Chloranthaceae is a small family of flowering plants, consisting of aromatic shrubs and trees. They are known for their unusual inflorescences and primitive characteristics, which make them an interesting subject of study for botanists.

Ceratophyllaceae

Hornwort Family

This family is known as the hornwort family and consists of aquatic plants that lack leaves, roots, and stems.

Cephalotaceae

Albany Pitcher Plant Family

Cephalotaceae is a family of carnivorous pitcher plants found only in southwestern Australia. These unique plants have distinctive pitchers that trap and digest insects to supplement their nutrient-poor habitat.

Ctenolophonaceae

Ctenolophon Family

The Ctenolophonaceae family consists of a single genus, Ctenolophon, which has only one or two species of trees found in tropical regions of Africa.

Corsiaceae

Corybas Family

Corsiaceae is a family of flowering plants known for their unique and often parasitic lifestyles. They are found throughout the Southern Hemisphere, from temperate regions to tropical forests.

Cystodiaceae

Cystodium Family

The Cystodiaceae family is a group of red algae found in marine environments. These algae are characterized by their small size and delicate branching structure, making them an important component of many marine ecosystems.

Cucurbitaceae

Gourd Family

Cucurbitaceae is a family of flowering plants commonly known as the gourd family. They are mostly vines, with some species having woody stems. This family includes important food crops such as cucumber, melon, pumpkin, and squash.

Convolvulaceae

Morning Glory Family

The Convolvulaceae family includes a diverse range of plants known for their trumpet-shaped flowers and twining habit. Some species are cultivated for their edible roots, while others have medicinal properties.

Caryophyllaceae

Pink Family

Caryophyllaceae is a family of flowering plants commonly known as the pink family. This group includes numerous species that are highly valued for their ornamental and economic uses.

Cactaceae

Cactus Family

Cactaceae family includes a diverse group of succulent plants adapted to arid and semi-arid regions. They are characterized by their fleshy, water-storing stems, often covered in spines or thorns.

Caprifoliaceae

Honeysuckle Family

Caprifoliaceae is a family of flowering plants known for their fragrant and attractive flowers.

Cyperaceae

Sedge Family

Cyperaceae is a family of grass-like plants that are often found in wetlands and other damp areas. They are characterized by their distinctive triangular stems, small flowers, and typically inconspicuous seed heads.

Clethraceae

Clethra Family

Clethraceae is a family of flowering plants with around 80 species. These shrubs or small trees are known for their aromatic flowers and leaves.

Campanulaceae

Bellflower Family

Campanulaceae is a family of flowering plants characterized by their bell-shaped flowers and often showy appearance. With over 2000 species worldwide, these plants can be found in many habitats, from alpine meadows to tropical forests.

Cupressaceae

Cypress Family

Cupressaceae is a family of coniferous trees and shrubs found worldwide, including many species that are important for timber and ornamental purposes.

Cannabaceae

Hemp Family

Cannabaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes two important genera, Cannabis and Humulus. These plants are known for their unique chemical properties and have been used for various purposes throughout human history.

Cleomaceae

Spider Flower Family

The Cleomaceae family is a diverse group of flowering plants known for their spiky inflorescences and unique flower structures.

Clusiaceae

Mangosteen Family

Clusiaceae is a family of flowering plants, commonly known as the mangosteen family. It is distributed worldwide in both tropical and temperate regions and is known for its economically important species such as the mangosteen and St. John's wort.

Capparaceae

Caper Family

Capparaceae is a family of flowering plants known for their edible fruits, unique reproductive mechanisms, and diverse medicinal properties.

Cistaceae

Rockrose Family

Cistaceae is a family of flowering plants commonly known as rock-rose or sun-rose. These plants are known for their showy, brightly colored flowers and resinous foliage.

Commelinaceae

Spiderwort Family

The Commelinaceae family is a diverse group of flowering plants known for their unique floral structures and leaf arrangements. These herbs, vines, and shrubs are found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Calophyllaceae

Calophyllum Family

Calophyllaceae: a family of evergreen trees and shrubs with leathery leaves and showy flowers, found in tropical regions.

Celastraceae

Bittersweet Family

Celastraceae is a diverse family of woody plants that includes trees, shrubs, and vines. Many species are valued for their ornamental qualities, while others have medicinal or economic importance.

Crassulaceae

Stonecrop Family

A short description of Crassulaceae: Crassulaceae is a family of succulent flowering plants known for their fleshy leaves, diverse forms, and beautiful flowers. With over 30 genera and 1,400 species, it is a large and widespread family found in many parts of the world.

Cynomoriaceae

Cynomorium Family

Cynomoriaceae is a small family of parasitic plants that lack chlorophyll and are holoparasites, obtaining nutrients from the roots of their host plants.

Cyatheaceae

Tree Fern Family

Cyatheaceae is a family of ferns characterized by large, showy fronds and a tree fern growth habit. They are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world and have important ecological roles in forest ecosystems.

Combretaceae

Combretum Family

Combretaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes around 600 species distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. They exhibit a wide range of growth habits, flower types, and leaf shapes, making them an interesting and diverse group of plants.

Chrysobalanaceae

Chrysobalanus Family

Chrysobalanaceae is a diverse family of flowering plants with roughly 500 species worldwide. They are known for their edible fruits and other uses such as timber production, medicinal purposes, and ornamental features.

Cyclanthaceae

Cyclanthus Family

The Cyclanthaceae family includes tropical plants with unique leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern. They inhabit diverse habitats in Central and South America, from rainforests to savannas.

Costaceae

Costus Family

Costaceae is a family of herbaceous plants known for their brightly colored flowers and distinctive bracts. This tropical family is distributed throughout Africa, Asia, and the Americas and includes many popular ornamental species.

Casuarinaceae

She Oak Family

Casuarinaceae is a family of flowering plants commonly known as the sheoaks or casuarinas. They are found throughout the world in tropical and subtropical regions, with many species adapted to thrive in harsh environments. Casuarinaceae are notable for their unique appearance, with needle-like branchlets that resemble pine needles and provide a distinctive texture to landscapes.