Plant Families: D to L

Dipterocarpaceae

Dipterocarp Family

The Dipterocarpaceae family includes over 500 species of tropical trees found in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. These long-lived, towering trees are prized for their valuable timber and play important ecological roles in forest ecosystems.

Dipentodontaceae

Dipentodon Family

Dipentodontaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes just one genus, Dipentodon. These are small trees and shrubs that are native to tropical regions in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Dennstaedtiaceae

Bracken Family

Dennstaedtiaceae is a family of ferns that includes around 20 genera and over 500 species. They are widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, with some species also found in temperate forests.

Didiereaceae

Didierea Family

Didiereaceae is a family of flowering plants endemic to Madagascar that includes about 11 species. These succulent plants are known for their unique growth form and striking appearance, making them popular among gardeners and collectors.

Doryanthaceae

Doryanthes Family

The Doryanthaceae family is a group of flowering plants characterized by their unique and distinctive flowers.

Dioscoreaceae

Yam Family

The Dioscoreaceae family, commonly known as the yam family, comprises diverse species of flowering plants. These plants are mainly tropical or subtropical vines, shrubs, and trees that form an important component of human livelihoods and ecosystems.

Droseraceae

Sundew Family

Droseraceae is a family of carnivorous plants known for their sticky, insect-trapping leaves.

Dilleniaceae

Dillenia Family

Dilleniaceae is a family of flowering plants known for their beautiful flowers, unique fruit structures, and diverse growth habits.

Dasypogonaceae

Dasypogon Family

Dasypogonaceae is a family of monocotyledonous flowering plants found in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly in South America and southern Africa. These plants are generally characterized by their long, linear leaves and small, clustered flowers.

Daphniphyllaceae

Daphniphyllum Family

Daphniphyllaceae is a small family of flowering plants, comprising only two genera and seven species. These plants are primarily found in Asia and are characterized by their alternate and simple leaves, small flowers, and berry-like fruits.

Degeneriaceae

Degeneria Family

Degeneriaceae is a small family of flowering plants consisting of only one genus, Degeneria, and five species. These trees are found in New Caledonia and Vanuatu and are known for their unique flowers and evergreen foliage.

Dioncophyllaceae

Dioncophyllum Family

Dioncophyllaceae is a small, unique family of carnivorous plants found in tropical Africa.

Diapensiaceae

Diapensia Family

Diapensiaceae is a small family of flowering plants with only 18 species that are typically evergreen and found in subarctic, alpine, or high-altitude regions. They are known for their distinctive pink or white flowers and are adapted to survive in harsh environments.

Datiscaceae

Datisca Family

Datiscaceae is a small family of flowering plants. It includes only two genera, Datisca and Tetrameles, with a total of five species. These plants are found across different continents but are quite rare and not commonly cultivated.

Dichapetalaceae

Dichapetalum Family

Dichapetalaceae is a family of flowering plants, commonly found in tropical regions. The family consists of woody shrubs or trees that possess toxic compounds, making them a subject of scientific studies.

Dipteridaceae

Dipteris Family

Dipteridaceae is a small family of ferns featuring distinctive branching fronds and fertile structures. They are found primarily in tropical regions, and some species have medicinal properties.

Drosophyllaceae

Hard Fern Family

Drosophyllaceae is a small family of carnivorous plants containing only two genera, Drosera and Drosophyllum. These fascinating plants are known for their ability to capture and digest insects and other small prey using specialized traps.

Dirachmaceae

Dicksonia Family

Dirachmaceae is a small family of flowering plants, comprising a single genus, Dirachma, with only one known species. The plant is unique in that it produces only two leaves during its lifetime, and it is found in the arid regions of southern Africa.

Elaeagnaceae

Oleaster Family

Elaeagnaceae is a family of shrubs and small trees with a diverse range of species. They are known for their distinctive leaves, fragrant flowers, and edible fruits.

Emblingiaceae

Emblingia Family

Emblingiaceae is a small family of flowering plants with only one genus, Emblingia. The family consists of just two species, both of which are endemic to Australia.

Euphorbiaceae

Euphorbia Family

Euphorbiaceae is a diverse family of flowering plants comprising thousands of species. Members of this family are known for their unique physical structures and important roles in medicine, horticulture, and ecological studies.

Ericaceae

Heath Family

Ericaceae is a family of flowering plants characterized by its bell-shaped flowers, evergreen leaves, and often edible fruit. The family includes more than 4500 species distributed worldwide, and many are important in horticulture, agriculture, and ecosystems.

Equisetaceae

Horsetail Family

Equisetaceae is a family of vascular plants that includes the only living genus of the Equisetales order, commonly known as horsetails. They are unique in appearance and have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.

Ebenaceae

Ebony Family

Ebenaceae is a family of flowering plants known for their edible fruit and valuable timber. This family includes more than 500 species of trees and shrubs found in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe.

Eriocaulaceae

Pipewort Family

The Eriocaulaceae family consists of small, herbaceous plants that are mainly found in wetland habitats. They are known for their unique appearance and distinctive inflorescences.

Escalloniaceae

Escallonia Family

The Escalloniaceae family consists of flowering plants including trees, shrubs or lianas which are native to the Americas, Pacific Islands and New Zealand. Many species within this family have ornamental value due to their attractive foliage and flowers.

Elatinaceae

Waterwort Family

Elatinaceae is a small family of flowering plants that includes aquatic, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial species. These plants are characterized by their small, inconspicuous flowers and simple leaves.

Elaeocarpaceae

Elaeocarpus Family

The Elaeocarpaceae family comprises around 350 species of trees and shrubs. They are known for their showy flowers, distinctive fruits, and diverse uses ranging from food to timber.

Ephedraceae

Ephedra Family

Ephedraceae is a small family of gymnosperm plants, commonly known as the Ephedra family. These plants are known for their use in traditional medicines and their production of ephedrine, a stimulant used in some medications.

Ecdeiocoleaceae

Ecdeiocolea Family

Ecdeiocoleaceae is a monotypic family of flowering plants that consists of a single species, Ecdeiocolea monostachya. These unusual and fascinating plants are endemic to the rainforests of Central and South America, where they play important ecological roles as myco-heterotrophs.

Eupomatiaceae

Eupomatia Family

Eupomatiaceae is a small family consisting of only one genus, Eupomatia. Its species are known for their attractive flowers and have cultural significance in some indigenous populations.

Eupteleaceae

Euptelea Family

The Eupteleaceae family is a group of flowering plants that includes only one genus, Euptelea, with two species. These beautiful trees are known for their distinctive bark and attractive foliage, and have a relatively limited distribution in Asia and North America.

Euphroniaceae

Euphronia Family

Euphroniaceae is a small family of flowering plants with only one known species, Euphronia hirta. It is a rare and endemic plant found in the tropical rainforests of West Africa.

Erythroxylaceae

Coca Family

The Erythroxylaceae family is a diverse group of flowering plants known for their psychoactive alkaloids. This family includes the coca plant, which is the source of cocaine, as well as other species that have traditional medicinal uses.

Eucommiaceae

Hard Fern Family

Eucommiaceae is a small family of flowering plants that includes only one extant species, Eucommia ulmoides, commonly known as the hardy rubber tree. It is native to China and is notable for its ability to produce latex, which has various commercial uses.

Fouquieriaceae

Ocotillo Family

The Fouquieriaceae family, also known as the Ocotillo family, consists of peculiar arid-adapted plants found in the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Fabaceae

Legume Family

Fabaceae, commonly known as legumes or bean family, is a large and diverse plant family with over 19,000 species found worldwide. This family includes trees, shrubs, and herbs that are important for their edible pods and seeds, nitrogen fixation abilities, and medicinal properties.

Fagaceae

Oak Family

The Fagaceae family, commonly known as the beech family, consists of over 900 species of trees and shrubs found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Francoaceae

Francoa Family

The Francoaceae family comprises flowering plants known for their beautiful and fragrant flowers that come in shades of pink, white, and yellow.

Frankeniaceae

Frankenia Family

Frankeniaceae is a family of flowering plants consisting of about 90 species of shrubs and small trees, distributed mainly in arid and coastal regions of the Mediterranean basin, Africa, Australia, and South America.

Flagellariaceae

Flagellaria Family

Flagellariaceae is a small family of flowering plants that belong to the order Poales. These plants are native to tropical regions and are characterized by their tough, cane-like stems and highly reduced leaves.

Griseliniaceae

Broadleaf Family

Griseliniaceae is a small family of flowering plants that includes just two genera and seven species. These plants are mostly found in the Southern Hemisphere and are known for their attractive foliage and ornamental value.

Ginkgoaceae

Moonwort Family

Ginkgoaceae is a family of ancient and unique gymnosperms with only one extant species, Ginkgo biloba. The plants in this family have a distinctive fan-shaped leaf and are prized for their cultural, medicinal, and ecological significance.

Gentianaceae

Gentian Family

Gentianaceae is a family of flowering plants known for their attractive and often brightly colored flowers. Many species in this family have medicinal properties and are used to treat a variety of ailments.

Geraniaceae

Geranium Family

The Geraniaceae family is a diverse group of flowering plants known for their showy, colorful flowers and aromatic foliage. This family includes popular garden plants such as geraniums and pelargoniums.

Gesneriaceae

Gesneriad Family

Gesneriaceae is a diverse family of flowering plants, consisting of around 3,500 species worldwide. These plants are known for their unique and showy flowers, which come in a range of colors and shapes.

Gnetaceae

Gnetum Family

A family of gymnosperms that includes three genera of shrubs and trees. They are characterized by their unique reproductive structures and have been used for various medicinal purposes.

Gunneraceae

Gunnera Family

The Gunneraceae family is a small group of flowering plants with a unique appearance. They are known for their large leaves and characteristic inflorescences, and are found in cool, moist habitats around the world.

Goodeniaceae

Goodenia Family

Goodeniaceae is a diverse family of flowering plants that includes around 400 species. They are primarily found in Australia and nearby regions, but can also be found in Africa and South America. These plants have a range of ecological and economic importance, including medicinal uses, ornamental value, and habitat support for wildlife.

Gigaspermaceae

Gigaspermum Family

The Gigaspermaceae family consists of woody plants primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. They are known for their large, showy flowers and distinctive fruit capsules.

Gomortegaceae

Gomortega Family

Gomortegaceae is a small family of flowering plants comprising only two genera and around 30 species, which are primarily found in the Neotropics. These trees and shrubs have economic value as timber, with some species also used for medicinal purposes.

Gleicheniaceae

Coral Fern Family

Gleicheniaceae is a family of ferns with a cosmopolitan distribution and whose species are characterized by their overlapping fronds, growing in tufts or mats.

Grossulariaceae

Gooseberry Family

Grossulariaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes currants and gooseberries. These small fruits are known for their tart flavor and are commonly used in culinary dishes, as well as for medicinal purposes.

Garryaceae

Silk Tassel Family

Garryaceae is a small family of flowering plants consisting of two genera, Garrya and Aucuba. These plants are known for their dense clusters of male flower spikes and female flowers with colorful bracts, making them popular ornamentals in gardens and landscapes.

Grubbiaceae

Grubbia Family

Grubbiaceae is a small family of flowering plants that consists of shrubs and trees. These plants are known for their fragrant flowers and unique characteristics, which make them popular among horticulturists and plant enthusiasts.

Gisekiaceae

Gisekia Family

A rare and unique family of flowering plants, Gisekiaceae, consists of only two genera with a total of 15 known species. These plants are native to Madagascar and are notable for their distinctive flowers and unusual morphology.

Gelsemiaceae

Gelsemium Family

Gelsemiaceae is a family of flowering plants commonly known as the Carolina jessamine family. These plants are characterized by their showy, fragrant yellow flowers and are found in North and Central America and East Asia.

Gyrostemonaceae

Gyrostemon Family

A brief overview of Gyrostemonaceae: The Gyrostemonaceae family is a small group of flowering plants known for their unique and diverse morphology. These plants are native to Australia, predominantly found in the arid regions of Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory.

Goupiaceae

Goupia Family

Goupiaceae is a small family of flowering plants that includes only two genera and three species. These plants are found in tropical regions of the Americas and are known for their interesting morphological features such as unisexual flowers, specialized leaves, and fruiting structures.

Geissolomataceae

Geissoloma Family

Geissolomataceae is a small family of flowering plants, consisting of only two genera and three species. These plants are found in southern South America, particularly in the Andes Mountains. They are generally small, herbaceous plants that grow in rocky or mountainous habitats.

Guamatelaceae

Guamatela Family

Guamatelaceae is a small family of flowering plants containing only two genera, with a total of around 22 known species. These plants are primarily found in Central America and the Caribbean, and they are known for their unique morphology and ecological adaptations.

Gerrardinaceae

Diplaziopsis Family

The Gerrardinaceae family is a small group of flowering plants found in tropical regions. It consists of only one genus, Gerrardina, and two species.

Hydrocharitaceae

Tape Grass Family

Hydrocharitaceae is a family of aquatic plants found worldwide, known for their unique morphology and ecological importance.

Humiriaceae

Humiria Family

Humiriaceae is a family of flowering plants that is characterized by its many useful species that have significant economic and medicinal importance.

Heliconiaceae

Heliconia Family

Heliconiaceae is a diverse family of tropical plants with striking inflorescences that are often used in floral arrangements.

Hydatellaceae

Hydatella Family

Hydatellaceae is a small family of aquatic flowering plants that are known for their unique morphological characteristics.

Hamamelidaceae

Witch Hazel Family

Hamamelidaceae is a family of flowering plants found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They are known for their unique flowers and interesting reproductive mechanisms.

Hydroleaceae

Water Hyacinth Family

The Hydroleaceae family consists of aquatic and semi-aquatic flowering plants found throughout the world.

Huaceae

Huaceae Family

Huaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes several species of trees, shrubs, and climbers. These plants are known for their diverse morphology, including unique leaf shapes, distinctive flowers, and complex inflorescences. Some species within this family have economic, ecological, and cultural significance.

Hymenophyllaceae

Filmy Fern Family

The Hymenophyllaceae family, also known as the filmy fern family, is a group of delicate and intricate ferns that are characterized by their translucent leaves and lace-like appearance.

Hypericaceae

St. John's Wort Family

Hypericaceae is a family of flowering plants known for their yellow flowers and the production of hypericin, a compound with potential medicinal properties.

Hydrangeaceae

Hydrangea Family

Hydrangeaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes around 18 genera and more than 220 species. These plants are known for their distinctive inflorescences, which range in color from white to pink, blue, or purple, and are commonly used in landscaping and ornamental horticulture.

Hypoxidaceae

Star Grass Family

The Hypoxidaceae family comprises small, herbaceous plants with attractive star-shaped flowers. They are commonly grown as ornamental plants due to their aesthetic appeal and easy cultivation.

Hernandiaceae

Hernandia Family

Hernandiaceae Family Overview: Hernandiaceae is a small family of flowering plants that includes around 100 species. These mostly tropical trees and shrubs are known for their distinctive, often aromatic bark, and unique flower structures.

Helwingiaceae

Helwingia Family

Helwingiaceae is a small family of flowering plants comprising of only one genus, Helwingia. These understory shrubs are native to East Asia and North America.

Haemodoraceae

Bloodroot Family

A diverse family of perennial herbs and shrubs, Haemodoraceae are known for their stunningly colored flowers and attractive sword-shaped leaves.

Himantandraceae

Himantandra Family

Himantandraceae is a small family of flowering plants comprising only one genus, Himantandra, with just two known species.

Hanguanaceae

Hanguana Family

The Hanguanaceae family consists of terrestrial ferns commonly found in Southeast Asia. They are known for their unique fronds and sporangia, which hang down from the underside of the leaf.

Haloragaceae

Water Milfoil Family

Haloragaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes aquatic and semi-aquatic herbs, shrubs, and small trees. They are mostly found in temperate regions around the world and are known for their interesting floral and fruit structures.

Halophytaceae

Halophytum Family

Halophytaceae is a small family of flowering plants adapted to saline environments. These plants exhibit unique morphological and physiological adaptations that enable them to survive in extreme conditions.

Hydrostachyaceae

Hydrostachys Family

Hydrostachyaceae is a small family of aquatic plants that are mainly found in freshwater habitats.

Icacinaceae

Icacina Family

The Icacinaceae family consists of around 39 genera and 600 species of mostly tropical trees, shrubs or lianas. They have a variety of uses ranging from medicinal properties to ornamental purposes.

Ixioliriaceae

Ixiolirion Family

A short description of Ixioliriaceae: Ixioliriaceae is a small family of flowering plants, comprising only two genera and a handful of species. These plants are known for their showy flowers, which have bright colors and unique shapes.

Incertae sedis

Uncertain Family Family

The Incertae Sedis family is a taxonomic rank used for plants that have not yet been categorized within a specific family.

Iridaceae

Iris Family

The Iridaceae family, commonly known as the iris family, is a diverse group of flowering plants with over 2,000 species. These plants are valued for their ornamental flowers and have cultural significance in many parts of the world.

Iteaceae

Sasanqua Family

The Iteaceae family is a group of flowering plants found in both temperate and subtropical regions. They are known for their ornamental value, with some species cultivated for their attractive foliage and showy flowers.

Irvingiaceae

Irvingia Family

The Irvingiaceae family consists of trees that are native to the tropical forests of Africa. These trees are known for their large fruit, which is edible and has medicinal properties.

Ixonanthaceae

Ixonanthes Family

The Ixonanthaceae family is a group of flowering plants that includes around 30 species. These tropical trees and shrubs are known for their showy flowers and attractive foliage, making them popular ornamental plants in many parts of the world.

Isoetaceae

Quillwort Family

Isoetaceae is a family of aquatic and semi-aquatic vascular plants that are known as quillworts. They are unique in their ability to form corms and live in nutrient-poor environments.

Juglandaceae

Walnut Family

Juglandaceae is a family of deciduous trees and shrubs, commonly known as the walnut family. They are valued for their timber, edible nuts, and ornamental qualities.

Juncaceae

Rush Family

Juncaceae is a family of flowering plants commonly known as the rush family. These herbaceous plants are widely distributed across the world and have ecological importance as well as uses in traditional medicine and handicrafts.

Juncaginaceae

Arrow Grass Family

Juncaginaceae is a family of flowering plants that are commonly known as arrowgrass family. It includes around 40 species and is found in aquatic and marshy habitats throughout the world.

Joinvilleaceae

Joinvillea Family

Joinvilleaceae is a small family of flowering plants that comprises only two genera and six species. These plants are native to the rainforests of South America and are known for their unique morphology and reproductive mechanisms.

Krameriaceae

Ratany Family

Krameriaceae is a family of flowering plants commonly known as rhatanies. They exhibit small, inconspicuous flowers and are notable for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making them an important ecological component in arid ecosystems.

Kewaceae

Kewa Family

Kewaceae is a family of flowering plants that are mostly herbs or small shrubs, with some species growing as epiphytes. The family is known for its showy flowers and distinctive fruit capsules.

Kirkiaceae

Kirkiella Family

Kirkiaceae is a small family of flowering plants, consisting of only one genus and three species. These plants are native to tropical regions of Africa and Madagascar, and they are known for their unique floral structures.

Koeberliniaceae

Koeberlinia Family

A brief overview of Koeberliniaceae family is that it is a small family of flowering plants, consisting of only one genus Koeberlinia. These desert shrubs are native to Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico and known for their fragrant flowers and adaptability to arid environments.

Lycopodiaceae

Clubmoss Family

A general overview of the Lycopodiaceae family is that it consists of primitive vascular plants commonly known as clubmosses. These plants have a unique characteristic of producing spores in structures called strobili, and are an ancient group whose lineage dates back to the Devonian period.

Lythraceae

Loosestrife Family

Lythraceae is a family of flowering plants known for their showy, colorful flowers and diverse growth forms. Most species are found in tropical and subtropical regions, and they occupy a variety of habitats from wetlands to arid landscapes.

Lowiaceae

Lowia Family

Lowiaceae is a family of flowering plants known for their unique and intricate flowers that often resemble orchids.

Limnanthaceae

False Pimpernel Family

The Limnanthaceae family consists of small, delicate flowering plants that are native to North America. These plants are known for their showy, brightly-colored flowers that bloom in a range of colors from white and yellow to pink and purple.

Lepidobotryaceae

Lepidobotrys Family

The Lepidobotryaceae family comprises a single genus, Lepidobotrys, which contains two known species of rare tropical trees.

Lamiaceae

Mint Family

Lamiaceae, commonly known as the mint or deadnettle family, is a large and diverse family of flowering plants with over 7,000 species worldwide. They are characterized by aromatic leaves with serrated edges and square stems, as well as bilaterally symmetrical flowers that are often arranged in whorls or spikes. Many species within this family have culinary, medicinal, or ornamental value.

Liliaceae

Lily Family

Liliaceae is a family of flowering plants with around 16 genera and over 700 species distributed worldwide. These herbaceous perennials are known for their showy flowers, and many are cultivated as ornamental plants.

Lecythidaceae

Brazil Nut Family

A diverse family of tropical trees, Lecythidaceae is known for their large, showy flowers and unique fruit structures.

Lentibulariaceae

Bladderwort Family

Lentibulariaceae is a fascinating family of carnivorous plants that have modified leaves to capture prey. With more than 300 species, this family is widely distributed across different habitats, from tropical rainforests to arctic tundras.

Loasaceae

Loasa Family

Loasaceae family is a diverse and widespread group of plants with around 200 species, known for their showy, sometimes spiny flowers and attractive foliage. The family includes both annual and perennial herbs, shrubs, and small trees found throughout the Americas and Africa.

Lauraceae

Laurel Family

The Lauraceae family consists of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Many species are economically important for their timber, essential oils, and culinary use.

Lindsaeaceae

Lindsaea Family

Lindsaeaceae is a family of ferns that includes about 200 species distributed worldwide. These plants are known for their delicate, lacy fronds and are popular among collectors and gardeners alike.

Loganiaceae

Logania Family

Loganiaceae is a family of flowering plants with around 480 species. These are mostly trees and shrubs found in tropical regions around the world, some of which have medicinal properties.

Linderniaceae

False Pimpernel Family

Linderniaceae is a family of flowering plants known for their beautiful and delicate flowers. This family includes both aquatic and terrestrial species and is widely distributed across the globe.

Linaceae

Flax Family

Linaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes around 290 species. These plants are characterized by their simple leaves, showy flowers, and oil-producing glands. Many species in this family have economic or cultural significance.

Loranthaceae

Mistletoe Family

Loranthaceae is a family of flowering plants known as mistletoes. These parasitic shrubs are known for their small, sticky fruits and their ability to attach themselves to the branches of other trees.

Lanariaceae

Lanaria Family

Lanariaceae is a small family of flowering plants that includes only two genera and approximately 10 species. These rare and unusual plants are known for their distinctive morphology and adaptations to harsh environments.

Lardizabalaceae

Lardizabala Family

Lardizabalaceae is a small family of flowering plants that includes about 30 species of vines, shrubs, and trees. They are characterized by their showy flowers and unique fruit structures, which resemble twisted horns or antlers. These plants are found in temperate regions of Asia and the Americas and are valued for their ornamental and medicinal properties.

Lacistemataceae

Lacistema Family

Lacistemataceae is a small family of flowering plants comprising about 200 species found in tropical regions of South and Central America, Africa, and Madagascar. This family is known for its unique chemical compounds and medicinal properties.

Lophopyxidaceae

Lophopyxis Family

Lophopyxidaceae is a small family of flowering plants with only one genus, Lophopyxis. These plants are mainly found in tropical regions and are known for their unique characteristics.

Limeaceae

Limeum Family

The Limeaceae family is a group of flowering plants that includes over 300 species. These plants are known for their aromatic leaves and small, white or yellow flowers that are often arranged in clusters.

Lophiocarpaceae

Lophiocarpus Family

The Lophiocarpaceae family consists of small, evergreen trees or shrubs found in tropical regions. They have leathery leaves and produce clusters of small flowers followed by distinctive fruits.

Lonchitidaceae

Lonchitis Family

Lonchitidaceae is a family of flowering plants with around 10 species. These plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. They are known for their unique, elongated inflorescences that resemble comets or fireworks.