Caryophyllaceae
	To Genus Directories: Arenaria Cerastium Dianthus Gypsophila Leptodactylon pungens Lychnis Minuartia Paronychia Saponaria Silene Stellaria

Genera : 75 - 80

Species: 2,000

Distribution: Pan temperate.

Economic Uses: As garden ornamentals.

Defining Features of Interest: All other caryophyllids (except this family and the Molluginaceae) produce reddish betalain pigments. The Caryophyllaceae produces anthocyanin as its reddish pigment.

Fossil Evidence:Fossil pollen from the Oligocene.

Defining Morphology

Floral Features : Actinomorphic (rarely zygomorphic) and perfect (rarely unisexual). Petals have an unique blade, claw and ligule morphology in some species. Hypogynous (rarely perigynous). Bracts sometimes present.

Fruit and Seed Features : Fruit as a capsule. Seeds with curved embryo. Endosperm lacking. Placentation is free-central or basal.

Vegetative Features : Habit is as annual or perennial herbs. Leaves simple and opposite, often with paired bases connected. Stipules thin and dry or lacking.