Scrophulariaceae is a botanical term that refers to a family of flowering plants commonly known as the figwort family. This family is a diverse group of plants that includes around 65 genera and over 2,500 species that are distributed worldwide.
The plants in the Scrophulariaceae family are typically herbaceous or woody perennials, although some are annuals or shrubs. They can range in size from small, delicate plants to larger, robust species. The family exhibits a great variety in their floral and vegetative characteristics.
The leaves of Scrophulariaceae plants are usually simple, opposite, or alternate, and can have various shapes and sizes. The flowers are generally arranged in inflorescences, which can be in the form of spikes, racemes, or panicles. The flowers are bilaterally symmetrical and have five sepals and petals, with two or four stamens.
Scrophulariaceae plants can be found in a wide range of habitats, including meadows, woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands. Some well-known genera within this family include Scrophularia, Digitalis, Verbascum, and Linaria.
Many species within Scrophulariaceae are widely cultivated for their ornamental value, especially in gardens and landscapes. Some species are also known for their medicinal properties, such as Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as foxglove, which is used for heart medications.
In recent years, the classification of Scrophulariaceae has been revised due to advancements in molecular research. Consequently, some genera that were previously placed within Scrophulariaceae have been moved to other families, such as Plantaginaceae and Orobanch
