Family Cruciferae, also known as the Brassicaceae family, is a diverse and widespread family of flowering plants that includes numerous commonly known species. This family is highly recognizable by its distinctive four-petalled flowers that form a cross shape, which gives rise to the alternate name "Cruciferae" derived from the Latin word for cross.
The family Cruciferae encompasses over 330 genera and around 3,700 known species. These plants are primarily herbaceous, with some species being annuals and others biennials or perennials. They are found in various habitats worldwide, from temperate regions to subtropical and even polar areas. Many Cruciferae species are cultivated for their edible parts, such as cabbage, broccoli, radish, and mustard greens.
The leaves in Cruciferae are usually alternate, simple, and often lobed or pinnately divided. The flowers are typically small and clustered in inflorescences, forming racemes or spikes. Most species exhibit an impressive range of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and purple. The fruit produced by this family is a characteristic pod or silique, which is long and narrow with two flat sides. Inside the pod, seeds are arranged in a row along a central partition.
The Cruciferae family plays a significant ecological role as many species are insect-pollinated and provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Additionally, some members of this family are considered important weeds that can interfere with agriculture.
In summary, family Cruciferae encompasses a diverse group of flowering plants with distinctive flowers forming a cross shape. These plants have economic and ecological importance and are widely distributed across various habitats globally.
