Fumariaceae To Genus Directories: Adlumia fungosa Corydalis Dicentra

Genera : 19

Species: 400

Distribution: Widespread in north temperate regions with a few in South Africa.

Economic Uses: As cultivated ornamentals.

Defining Features of Interest: The family has species that make up a distinctive part of the Northeastern deciduous forest spring flora. The flowers are usually distinctive and complex, resulting in many descriptive common names such as 'bleeding heart', 'dutchman's breeches' and 'squirrel corn'.

Fossil Evidence: No known fossil record.

Defining Morphology

Floral Features : Strongly zygomorphic to sometimes actinomorphic and perfect. Inflorescence is as a cyme or raceme. Hypogynous.

Fruit and Seed Features : Fruit a capsule. Seeds small with endosperm present. Placentation is parietal.

Vegetative Features : Habit is as annual or perennial herbs. Leaves compound and alternate or basal. Stipules are lacking.

Other Family Information:

Fruit a capsule. Seeds small with endosperm present. Placentation is parietal.