Ranuculaceae “Buttercup Family” By: Levi Eggermont

General info The Ranunculaceae are herbs or rarely shrubs or vines comprising 25-81 genera and 2,000-2,500 species. The leaves are typically alternate, compound, and estipulate. The flowers are actinomorphic or less commonly zygomorphic and are usually bisexual. The perianth is usually in two, often 5-merous cycles that may or may not be differentiated into calyx and corolla. The petals are usually nectariferous near the base, and in Ranunculus there is a flap of tissue in this position. Typical flowers have many helically disposed stamens and simple pistils on an elongated receptacle. All of the floral parts are distinct. Each pistil has a superior ovary with one locule and 1-several parietal ovules. A single flower commonly produces a cluster of achenes or follicles.

Diagram of a Ranuculaceae flower

Distribution of Ranuculaceae

Genus Actea Actea rubra

Genus Anemone Anemone quinquefolia

Genus Aquilegia Aquilegia canadensis

Genus Caltha Caltha palustris

Genus Hepatica Hepatica acuta

Genus Ranuculus Ranuculus abortivus

Genus Thalictrum Thalictrum diocum

Sources http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/search.php?start=120&pagecount=10 http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://plant-life.org/Ranunculaceae/ran_schem_01.gif&imgrefurl=http://montana.plant-life.org/families/ http://data.gbif.org/species/13146238