3-14 Brassicaceae, mustard family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Magnoliophyte, mustard family, dicot, Comelina, Neslia, Coronopus, Rorippa, Raphanus, Diplotaxis, Erucastrum, Sisymbrium, Descurainia, Barbarea, Sinapis, Brassica, Conringia, Erysimum, Cakile, Cochlearia, Draba, Berteroa, Capsella, Thlaspi, Lepid

Abstract

Nearly 3000 species in 340 genera comprise this large family. Oils, seeds, greens and condiments are produced from cultivated species.

Flowers typically are four-merous: petals and sepals, with six stamens and a single superior ovary, divided into two locules. The inflorescence is terminal, with the flowers borne singly or in racemes.

It is not unusual to have fruit and flowers present simultaneously. Fruits are capsules, spliting longitudinally or siliques.

Leaves are alternate, pinnately lobed. Ours are all herbaceous plants.
Photographers include Martin Thomas, Sean Blaney, Ross Hall, Andy Dean, David Mazerolle and Alain Belliveau.
Academic discipline: biology, botany

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor.