Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) The Mustard Family
Brassicaceae 375 genera/3200 species Herbs with alternate, simple leaves Mustard oils present (taste it!) Flowers perfect, actinomorphic, usually in racemes
Flowers perfect, 4-partate, usually yellow or white
Ca 4 Co 4 A 4+2 G 2 stamens tetradynamous
Fruit a silique or a silicle
Lunaria (honesty or moneywort) replum septum Lunaria (honesty or moneywort)
Economic Importance Brassica oleracea
Economic Importance mustard wasabi horseradish
Local Flora Arabis lyrata Lyre-leaved rock cress Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s purse Hesperis matronalis Dame’s rocket
Local Flora Brassica rapa Lepidium campestre field mustard pepper grass
BRASSICACEAE (Cruciferae) Mustard Family Ca4 Co4 A4+2 G2 375 genera/3200 species Recognition Characters: Annual or perennial herbs Leaves alternate, simple Flowers perfect, actinomorphic, usually in racemes Calyx and corolla 4-partate, the latter usually yellow or white Androecium of 6 stamens, tetradynamous Ovary superior, gynoecium of 2 fused carpels Fruit a silicle or silique