Caryophyllaceae
Caryophyllaceae Juss. comprises approximately 85–90 genera and 2,600–2,700 species, distributed predominantly in temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Molecular phylogenetic studies have clarified relationships among major tribes and genera, resulting in the reclassification of several taxa while maintaining the family as a well-supported monophyletic group. Caryophyllaceae is readily recognized by its swollen nodes, opposite leaves, free-central placentation, and capsular fruits.
Key characteristics
- Annual or perennial herbs, rarely subshrubs
- Stems with conspicuously swollen nodes
- Leaves opposite, simple, entire, and exstipulate
- Flowers actinomorphic, usually with five free petals
- Stamens commonly 5 or 10
- Superior ovary with free-central placentation
- Fruit a capsule opening by teeth or valves
- Seeds numerous, usually with curved embryos
Distribution
Caryophyllaceae has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, with its greatest diversity in the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, North Africa, Central Asia, and North America. Members commonly inhabit alpine meadows, grasslands, rocky slopes, steppes, deserts, coastal dunes, forest margins, agricultural fields, and disturbed habitats. Numerous species are adapted to cold, dry, and high-altitude environments. Caryophyllaceae is widely distributed throughout. The family is particularly abundant in the Himalaya, Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and western mountain ranges, where many alpine and subalpine species occur. Members also grow in grasslands, rocky slopes, cultivated fields, wastelands, riverbanks, deserts, and saline habitats.