Dicots; class: Magnoliopsida

defining characters

• seeds with two cotyledons
• flower parts in 4's or 5's [or multiples of 4 or 5]
• leaves with branching primary veins
• vascular cambium [meristem between xylem and phloem, produces vascular tissue]
  frequently cork cambium [meristem, produces cork and bark]
• vascular bundles form [continuous] ring inside stem
  xylem often lignified, woody

representative families

considered to have evolved from Cycads [or other seed ferns]
families listed in traditional phylogenetic order
currently under review using DNA evidence and cladistics methods
expected to be revised as a result

• Buttercup family: Ranunculaceae
• Laurel family: Lauraceae
• Poppy family: Papaveraceae
• Mustard family: Brassicaceae [formerly Cruciferae]
• Rose family: Rosaceae
• Legume family: Fabaceae
• Spurge family: Euphoriaceae
• Cactus family: Cactaceae
• Mint family: Lamiaceae [formerly Labiatae]
• Nightshade family: Solanaceae
• Carrot family: Apiaceae [formerly Umbelliferae]
• Pumpkin family: Curcubitaceae
• Sunflower family: Asteraceae [formerly Compositae]

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