look at the FLOWER &
note:
- # of sepals,
petals, stamen, pistils (K/ calyx, C/ corolla, A/ androecium, G/
gynoecium)
- COMPLETE (all KCAG
present) or INCOMPLETE (missing KCAG)
- PERFECT
(bisexual), or IMPERFECT (unisexual- monoecious/ dioecious)
- REGULAR
(actinomorphic, w/ radial symmetry) or IRREGULAR (zygomorphic, w/
bilateral symmetry)
- OVARY: INFERIOR
(epigynous) or SUPERIOR (hypogynous/ perigynous)
- INFLORESCENCE
(solitary, head, spike, raceme, panicle, umbel, corymb, cyme)
look at the LEAVES &
note:
- leaf ARRANGMENT
(opposite, alternate, whorled, basal)
- leaf TYPE (simple/
compound pinnate/ palmate/ ternate)
- leaf VEINATION
(arcuate, palmate, parallel, pinnate, reticulate)
- leaf MARGIN
(entire, toothed, incised, lobed)
- leaf tip, base,
stem, surface
Aster family
(Asteraceae)
.
many individual
florets packed together tightly makes a COMPOSITE FLOWERHEAD:
- DISC FLOWERS forms
a pitted central disc
- RAY FLOWERS ring
the edge, usually with showy petals
.
2nd most
common flowering plant family in the world
(1rst place goes to
the Orchid family, due to their prevalance in the tropics)
.
IE. Dandelion,
Artemisias, Yarrow, Lettuce
Mint family
(Lamiaceae)
.
- square stalks
- alternating opposite leaves
- aromatic
- irregular flowers
- common useful kitchen herbs!
.
IE. Sages, Rosemary, Basil
Mustard family
(Brassicaceae)
.
- 4 petals
- 4 sepals
- 6 stamen (4 tall, 2 short)
- pungent
- seedpod staircase (fat silicles, or long siliques)
.
IE. Kale, Cabbage, Broccoli
Rose family
(Rosaceae)
.
- 5 separate petals
- 5 sepals
- numerous stamen
- numerous pistils (creates a fuzzy-looking center)
- serrated compound leaves
.
IE. Strawberries, Apples, Almonds
Nightshade
family (Solanaceae)
.
- 5 united petals
- 5 united sepals
- 5 stamen
- superior ovary with 2 chambers
- alternating leaves (often sticky, Earthy-smelling)
- alkaloid- rich
.
IE. Peppers, Datura, Eggplant, Tomato
Mallow family
(Malvaceae)
.
- alternate, palmately lobed leaves
- numerous fused stamen form a column around the pistil
- 5 separate petals
- 3-5 partially united sepals
- mucilaginous (slimy)
- funnel- shaped regular flowers
- superior ovary with united carpels that creates “cheeses”
.
