Defining Morphology: Floral
Features: Inflorescences are various. Flowers mostly bisexual in heads
or spikes. Flowers are actinomorphic or zygomorphic. Corolla is often bilabiate.
Ovaries are superior with axile placentation. Nectar disk often present.
Fruit and Seed Features: Dicotyledon. Fruit is a septicidal capsule or
nutlet enclosed by calyx. Vegetative Features: Habit as herbs, shrubs and
sometimes aquatics. Leaves are spiral, alternate to opposite and connate
at the base. Leaves are often basal, simple or compound. Leaves have entire
or toothed margins. Stipules are lacking.
Distribution: Almost cosmopolitan,
but majority in temperate regions.
Economic Use: Several species
are being cultivated for their mucilaginous seeds and being used as a mild
laxative. Some species are being used as cultivated garden ornamentals
or medicinally (Cardiac drugs digitalin and digoxin from common foxglove).
Number of Genera Globally:
113
Number of Species Globally:
1,800
