Resedaceae

Botanical characteristics

Plants belonging to the family Resedaceae are annual, biennial, or perennial herbs, sometimes shrubs. They have a habit ranging from herbs to shrubs, with leaves arranged spirally and equipped with stipules. The flowers are generally hermaphroditic and zygomorphic, composed of 5-6 elements per whorl, with a single whorl of petals and numerous stamens. The gynoecium is formed by 2-7 carpels, with a superior and unilocular ovary. The fruit is typically a capsule, but in some cases it can be a berry. The flowers are gathered in racemes, a common characteristic of the family.

Distribution and diversity

The family Resedaceae is widespread in temperate and subtropical regions of Europe, Western Asia, the Middle East, North America, and Southern Africa. It includes several genera, with a variable number of species depending on updated taxonomic classifications. According to the APG IV classification, the family includes genera such as Reseda, Oligomeris, Caylusea, Randonia, among others. Some genera previously assigned to Capparaceae are now considered part of Resedaceae.

Main genera and representative species

Among the best-known and widespread genera in the family Resedaceae is Reseda, which includes species well known also in Italy, such as Reseda lutea (wild mignonette) and Reseda alba (white mignonette). Other relevant genera include Oligomeris, present in various regions, and Randonia. Some genera such as Borthwickia, Forchhammeria, Stixis, and Tirania have been recently reclassified into this family from the previous classification in Capparaceae.

Etymology

The name of the family derives from the type genus Reseda, whose term has Latin origins. The name Reseda is traditionally associated with the concept of "to cure" or "to calm," probably referring to the medicinal uses of some species of this genus.

Sources

• Wikipedia