| Classification |
| Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order Type: Eudicots-Rosids II
Order: Brassicales
Family: Cleomaceae
Family Common Name: Spider Plant Family
Genera: Cleome |
Defining Features: This family
is closely related to capparaceae (in which it was previously placed).
Plants in this family as plants in Capparaceae and Brassicaceae yield "mustard
oils". Mustard oils may cause skin irritation.
Defining Morphology: Floral
Features: Flowers are often in bracted racemes or solitary. Perianth has
distinct calyx and corolla. Petals are clawed. Ovaries are superior with
parietal placentation. Fruit and Seed Features: Dicotyledon. Fruit a slender
capsule. Vegetative Features: Mostly annual or perennial herbs with few
shrubs, lianas and trees. Leaves are alternate, simple or palmately compound,
aromatic with scaly, leafy or spiny stipules.
Distribution: They are widely
in tropical and subtropical regions.
Economic Use: As cultivated
garden ornamental.
Number of Genera Globally:
12
Number of Species Globally:
275
