Ranunculaceae

Ranunculaceae (pronounced /rəˌnʌŋkjʊləˈsiː/), also known as the buttercup family, is a family of flowering plants. The name is derived from the Latin ranunculus, meaning "little frog", due to the aquatic habitat of many species.

Etymology

The name Ranunculaceae comes from the genus Ranunculus, which is the type genus of the family. Ranunculus is a Latin word, derived from rana (frog) and -culus (diminutive suffix), thus meaning "little frog". This name was given due to the aquatic habitat of many species in this genus.

Description

Members of the Ranunculaceae family are mostly herbaceous annuals or perennials, but some are woody shrubs or vines. They are found worldwide, with the greatest diversity of species in temperate regions. The family includes many familiar plants such as buttercups, columbines, and delphiniums.

Classification

The Ranunculaceae family is classified under the order Ranunculales, in the eudicot clade of the Angiosperms. The family is further divided into several subfamilies, including Ranunculoideae, Thalictroideae, and Helleboroideae.

Related Terms

Ranunculus: A genus of about 500 species of flowering plants in the Ranunculaceae family.
Ranunculales: The order to which the Ranunculaceae family belongs.
Angiosperms: A large group of flowering plants, also known as the flowering plants.
Buttercups: A common name for plants in the Ranunculus genus.
Columbines: A common name for plants in the Aquilegia genus, which is part of the Ranunculaceae family.
Delphiniums: A common name for plants in the Delphinium genus, which is part of the Ranunculaceae family.