Brassicaceae
The
Brassicaceae, a medium-sized and economically important family of flowering plants (Angiosperms), are informally known as the mustards, mustard flowers, the
crucifers or the
cabbage family. The name Brassicaceae is derived from the included genus
Brassica.
Cruciferae, an older name, meaning "cross-bearing", describes the four petals of mustard flowers, which are reminiscent of a cross; it is one of eight plant family names without the suffix
-aceae that are authorized alternative names (according to ICBN Art. 18.5 and 18.6 (Vienna Code)), and thus both
Cruciferae and
Brassicaceae are used. The family contains over 330 genera and about 3,700 species, according to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The largest genera are
Draba (365 species),
Cardamine (200 species, but its definition is controversial),
Erysimum (225 species),
Lepidium (230 species), and
Alyssum (195 species). The family contains well-known species such as
Brassica oleracea (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.),
Brassica rapa (turnip, Chinese cabbage, etc.),
Brassica napus (rapeseed, etc.