Primaterra

The family Caryophyllaceae are herbs or rarely subshrubs comprising about 75 genera and 2,000 species, more than half of which are part of six genera: Silene (400), Dianthus (300), Arenaria (250), Gypsophyla (125), Stellaria (100), Cerastium (100).

Distribution

Principally in temperate regions of the north hemisphere, well developped around the Mediterranean and in the Close East.

Characteristics

Stems: usually swollen on nodes, sometimes with anomalous secondary growth.

Leaves: usually opposite and decussate, more rarely alternate, simple, entire, usually quite narrow, often connected to the base by a transversal line, with or without scarious stipules.

Flowers: actinomorphic and mostly bisexual. Often in bracteate dichasia or sometimes solitary. Pentamers or rarely tetramers. Sepals free or almost free or connate in a tube with an intern yelllow nectifere. Petals can be present or absent depending on subfamilies, if they are present, they are distinct, and frequently clawed. Stamens in one or two whorls (sometimes 1-4), either equaling or twice the number of petals. The gynoecium is a single compound pistil of 2-5 carpels, usually with an equal number of styles and with a superior ovary that has a single locule with numerous free central ovules. In some cases the ovary is 3-5 loculed. Occasionally, there may be a single basal ovule.

Fruits: most commonly capsules, dehiscing with teeth equalling the styles in number or twice as many; more rarely berries or achenes.

Seeds: frequently ornate.