Plantefamilie

Plantefamilie, or plant family, is a taxonomic rank in botany that lies between order and genus. A plant family groups one or more genera that are considered to share a common ancestor and similar morphological or genetic traits. The classification of plant families has evolved with advances in molecular phylogenetics; modern circumscription aims for monophyletic families that include all descendants of a common ancestor.

Family names in flowering plants typically end with the suffix -aceae, as in Rosaceae (the rose family), Fabaceae (the legume family), and Asteraceae (the daisy or sunflower family). The size and composition of a family can vary greatly, ranging from large, diverse groups to small, narrowly defined ones. Families may be revised as new data emerge, leading to reclassification of genera or changes in boundaries.

Plant families help organize botanical diversity, guide identification, and support studies of evolution, ecology, and agriculture. They often provide clues about shared features such as flower structure, seed type, or fruit form, though exceptions and taxonomic updates occur as knowledge advances.

Some well-known plant families and their general significance include Rosaceae (many fruit crops and ornamentals), Fabaceae (legumes with ecological and agricultural importance), Asteraceae (one of the largest families with widespread ecological roles), Lamiaceae (herbs like mint and sage), and Poaceae (the grasses, including major cereal crops). Collectively, plant families offer a practical framework for understanding plant relationships and diversity.