Dipsacaceae

Dipsacaceae is a family of flowering plants, commonly known as the teasel family. It belongs to the order Dipsacales, which also includes the Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle) family. The family is characterized by herbaceous or shrubby plants, often with opposite or whorled leaves. Many species are known for their distinctive flower heads, which are typically dense and capitate, often surrounded by spiny or leafy bracts. The individual flowers within the head are usually small and tubular, with a two-lipped corolla.

The fruit of Dipsacaceae is a cypsela, a type of dry, indehiscent fruit that resembles an achene. The seeds are often dispersed by wind or animals. Many species within this family have medicinal or economic uses. For example, the common teasel, Dipsacus fullonum, was historically used for fulling wool, a process of matting and felting woolen fibers. Some species are also cultivated as ornamental plants due to their attractive flower heads.

Geographically, Dipsacaceae has a wide distribution, with many species found in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The family comprises several genera, including Dipsacus, Scabiosa, Knautia, and Succisa. Recent phylogenetic studies have led to some reclassification within the order Dipsacales, with some genera previously placed in Dipsacaceae now being considered part of an expanded Caprifoliaceae family. However, the core group of plants traditionally recognized as Dipsacaceae still shares distinct morphological and genetic characteristics.