Caryophyllales Order

Note: The information on morphological characteristics, floral formula, and representatives presented in this article are general characteristics of the families belonging to the Caryophyllales order. However, it is important to note that there are differences between families and even between species within the same family.

Amaranthaceae Family (Amaranth Family)

Morphological characteristics:

• Stem: Herbaceous plants, shrubs.

• Leaves: Simple leaves, alternate or opposite. No stipules.

• Flowers:

• Inflorescence: Spikes, heads or racemes.

• Flower characteristics: With bracts or bracteoles. Flowers are small, regular, bisexual.

• Fruit: Achene.

Floral formula: ♀ ♂K4-5C0A4-5 G(2-3)

Detailed flower structure:

• Calyx: 4-5 sepals, dry and membranous, no petals.

• Androecium: 4-5 stamens, opposite to sepals. Filaments fused at the base.

• Gynoecium: 2-3 carpels fused, 1 style, 2-3 stigmas, superior ovary 1-locular.

• Placentation: Central placentation.

Representative species: Amaranthus retroflexus, Celosia cristata, Celosia argentea, Boerhaavia diffusa, Calendula officinalis.

Polygonaceae Family (Buckwheat Family)

Morphological characteristics:

• Stem: Herbaceous plants, shrubs, vines (woody).

• Leaves: Simple leaves, alternate (rarely opposite or whorled). Often with ochrea.

• Flowers:

• Inflorescence: Racemes, often forming complex compound inflorescences.

• Flower characteristics: Small, regular, bisexual (rarely unisexual).

• Fruit: Achene.

Floral formula: ♀ ♂K5 or 3+3C0A3-6-9 G(3)

Detailed flower structure:

• Ternary pattern:

• Calyx: 3+3 or 5 sepals, green, white, red, persistent on the fruit, no petals.

• Androecium: 3-6 (8-9) stamens.

• Gynoecium: 3 carpels, superior ovary, 1 locule.

• Placentation: Basal placentation, 1 erect ovule at the base of the ovary.

Representative species: Rumex crispus, Polygonum multiflorum, Polygonum aviculare, Rheum officinale.

Note:

• The information provided above is general information about the Amaranth and Buckwheat families.

• There may be variations in morphological characteristics and flower structure among species within the same family.

• To accurately identify plant species, it is necessary to rely on various characteristics, in addition to those mentioned above.

• Studying individual plant species in detail will help us understand the biodiversity of plants better.