Ranunculaceae
Ranunculaceae Juss. comprises approximately 60–65 genera and 2,400–2,600 species, distributed mainly in temperate and cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Molecular phylogenetic studies support the monophyly of the family and have clarified relationships among major genera such as Ranunculus, Anemone, Clematis, Delphinium, Aconitum, and Thalictrum. Members are characterized by herbaceous growth, numerous free floral parts, superior apocarpous ovaries, and aggregate fruits.
Key characteristics
- Annual or perennial herbs; rarely woody climbers
- Leaves alternate, exstipulate, often lobed or compound
- Flowers usually large and showy
- Floral parts numerous and free
- Stamens numerous
- Carpels numerous and free (apocarpous)
- Ovary superior
- Fruit an aggregate of achenes or follicles
Distribution
Ranunculaceae has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, with highest diversity in temperate regions of Eurasia and North America, particularly in mountainous areas. Members occur in alpine meadows, temperate forests, grasslands, wetlands, riverbanks, rocky slopes, and subalpine habitats. In Pakistan, Ranunculaceae is widely distributed in the Himalayas, Karakoram, Hindu Kush, Murree Hills, Swat, Chitral, Kaghan Valley, and alpine regions. Species occur in temperate forests, alpine meadows, moist grasslands, stream margins, rocky slopes, and high-altitude pastures, with greatest diversity above 1, 500 m.