Linaceae

Linaceae is a family of flowering plants. The family is cosmopolitan, and includes about 250 species in 14 genera.

Description

The Linaceae family is characterized by herbs or shrubs that are often climbing or creeping. The leaves are alternate, simple, and entire. The flowers are bisexual and actinomorphic, with five sepals and five petals. The sepals may be free or fused, and the petals are free. The flowers have five stamens, and the ovary is superior, with five carpels.

Taxonomy

The Linaceae family was first described by Michel Adanson in 1763. The family is placed in the order Malpighiales, following the APG IV system. The family includes about 14 genera and 250 species.

Genera

The following genera are included in the Linaceae family:

• Anisadenia
• Cliococca
• Hesperolinon
• Linum
• Radiola
• Reinwardtia
• Sclerolinon
• Tirpitzia
• Tirpitzinae

Distribution and habitat

The Linaceae family is cosmopolitan, with species found in a variety of habitats around the world. The greatest diversity of species is found in the Mediterranean region, with other species found in the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

Uses

Many species in the Linaceae family have economic importance. For example, Linum usitatissimum, or flax, is cultivated for its seeds, which are used to produce linseed oil, and for its fibers, which are used to produce linen.

See also

• List of Linaceae genera

External links

• Linaceae in L. Watson and M.J. Dallwitz (1992 onwards). The families of flowering plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, information retrieval. Version: 3 May 2006. http://delta-intkey.com
• Linaceae in the Flora of North America
• Linaceae in the Flora of China

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