Ranunculaceae
English: Buttercup family
Dutch: Ranonkelfamilie
The Ranunculaceae is a family of herbaceous plants comprising about 43 genera and 2,500 species. They are distributed worldwide, particularly in temperate and cold regions, and include many attractive spring wildflowers and garden ornamentals. Many species are toxic.
Key Identifying Features
- Flowers: Often showy with numerous stamens and pistils, petals sometimes absent (replaced by colorful sepals)
- Leaves: Usually alternate, often deeply lobed or divided
- Fruits: Variable; follicles, achenes, or berries
- Chemistry: Many contain toxic alkaloids and glycosides
Parent: Plantae