CRUCIFERAE/BRASSICACEAE
NB Cruciferae is a synonym of Brassicaceae. Since it is a conserved name it is still valid to use. In this key we use Brassicaceae.
Morphological description
Herbaceous usually.
Leaves
Leaves simple, spiral, indented or lobed, exstipulate.
Inflorescence
Inflorescence terminal.
Flowers
Flower bisexual, 4-merous; stamens 6; ovary superior, 2-locular; placentation parietal, ovules many.
Fruit
Fruit elongate, dehiscent.
Different from: Capparidaceae (Cleome): stamens many, ovary 1-celled.
Distribution: The family is best represented outside the tropics. In Malesia 3 indigenous genera including: - Cardamine, herbs of open places, especially in the mountains. - Lepidium (Papuzilla), spiny subshrubs in alpine vegetation.
Notes: Several species of Brassica, Raphanus and Rorippa are cultivated as vegetables, especially in the mountains. Many species are weeds.
Literature: B. Jonsell, Fl. Males. I, 10 (1988) 541-560.
Spot characters (Van Balgooy): Lepidium (Papuzilla) 1, 12.
Illustrations: Fig. 61. Lepidium laeteviride (P. Royen) Hewson (Cruciferae). a. Habit, °- 4; b. flower; c. ditto, calyx removed, both °- 12; d. petals; e. ovary; f. ovary, lateral view, all °- 16; g. fruit; h. seeds; i. fruit valve, all °- 4. Reproduced from Flora Malesiana I, 10 (1988) 549, fig. 2. a c b d e f g h i 85 Fig. 62. Rorippa peekelii (O.E. Schulz) P. Royen (Cruciferae). Habit and fruiting raceme; seed, scale bar 1 mm. Reproduced from Flora Malesiana I, 10 (1988) 558, fig. 5.