Description of Family: Brassicaceae

• Ex: Mustard
• Scientific Name: Brassica nigra
• It is a medium-sized and economically important family of flowering plants commonly known as the mustards or the cabbage family. It is widely distributed in subtropics, cold regions and even temperate zones.

Vegetative characters:

• Stems are medium size.

• Leaves are alternate, simple to lobed, exstipulate (lacking stipules), often a basal rosette (leaves at basal region of the stem).

• Few Trees, some shrubs, and mostly herbs;

Floral Characters:

• Inflorescence: Racemose and intermediated growth. 

• Flower: Bisexual and Actinomorphic.

• Calyx: Sepals are 4, polysepalous and Valvate aestivation.

• Corolla: Sepals are 4, polypetalous and Valvate aestivation.

• Androecium: 6 (2+4) and tetradynamous.

• Gynoecium: 2 united carpels, ovary superior and ovules have parietal placentation.

• Fruit: Dry, Dehiscent and Silique.

Economical Importance:

• Brassica nigra (black mustard) is used as spices and condiments (flavor).

• Brassica oleracea (cabbage) is used as a vegetable.

• Brassica campestris (small mustard) is used to extract oil.

• Eruca sativa (arugula) is used as a fodder and ornamental plants.

• The Iberis amara (candytuft) plant is used for treating rheumatism and gout and the seeds are used for treating asthma.