Ranuculaceae

“Buttercup Family”

By: Levi Eggermont

General info• The Ranunculaceae are herbs or rarely shrubs or vines comprising 25-81

genera and 2,000-2,500 species. The leaves are typically alternate, compound, and estipulate.

• The flowers are actinomorphic or less commonly zygomorphic and are usually bisexual. The perianth is usually in two, often 5-merous cycles that may or may not be differentiated into calyx and corolla. The petals are usually nectariferous near the base, and in Ranunculus there is a flap of tissue in this position.

• Typical flowers have many helically disposed stamens and simple pistils on an elongated receptacle. All of the floral parts are distinct. Each pistil has a superior ovary with one locule and 1-several parietal ovules. A single flower commonly produces a cluster of achenes or follicles.

Diagram of a Ranuculaceae flower

Distribution of Ranuculaceae

Genus Actea

• Actea rubra

Genus Anemone

• Anemone quinquefolia

Genus Aquilegia

• Aquilegia canadensis

Genus Caltha

• Caltha palustris

Genus Hepatica

• Hepatica acuta

Genus Ranuculus

• Ranuculus abortivus

Genus Thalictrum

• Thalictrum diocum

Sources• http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/search.php?start=120&pag

ecount=10• http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://plant-life.org/

Ranunculaceae/ran_schem_01.gif&imgrefurl=http://montana.plant-life.org/families/

• http://data.gbif.org/species/13146238