Brassicaceae

Brassicaceae is one of the best-known families in the mustard family of flowering plants. Most are herbaceous plants, some are shrubs, with simple, although sometimes deeply incised, alternatingly set leaves without stipules or in leaf rosettes, with terminal inflorescences without bracts.

Many of these species are known to be widely altered by humans for their benefit.

Composition Of Brassicaceae Family

The Brassicaceae family consists of 338 genera and 3700 species. It is one of the largest dicot families of flowering plants in the plant kingdom, comprising 10-19 tribes. This family belongs to the order Brassicales.

The Floral Formula For The Brassicaceae Family

• The floral formula for the Brassicaceae family consists of 4 sepals, 4 petals, 6 stamens that are tetradynamous, and a syncarpous gynoecium of 2 carpels. 
• In this family, the flowers are radially symmetrical and possess both male and female flowers. 
• It has two lateral stamens, which are small, and four median stamens, which are larger. 

Dietary Importance of The Brassicaceae Family

• The Brassicaceae family is considered to be an essential part of our diet. 
• These plants contain rich amounts of polyphenols, minerals, vitamins, and other antioxidant compounds.

Description Of The Brassicaceae Family

Plants in the Brassicaceae family are generally found in herbs and are either annuals, biennials, or perennials, depending upon their nature and the availability of conditions. Their leaves are simple and arranged alternately, sometimes in a cross pattern, and many are peppery-flavoured. These flowers’ are most commonly available in yellow, lavender, or white. The androecium has four long and two short stamens, and the gynoecium consists of a two-chambered ovary located above the other flower parts. Its floral formula is usually considered to be perfect.

From Where Do The Brassicaceae Originate?

Brassicaceae are known to have originated in Europe in the Iran-Turanian region, from where they are known to have spread throughout the whole world except for Antarctica.

Its distribution has been found to be limited to mountains and alpine regions in the tropics.

The worldwide distribution of Brassicaceae provides an excellent basis to perform various evolutionary, biogeographic, or phylogeographic studies.

Uses of Brassicaceae 

• Different Brassicaceae species have been extensively used to prepare traditional medicine from ancient times to the present day. 
• In the last few decades, epidemiological studies have provided evidence that diets rich in cruciferous vegetables are beneficial in preventing or avoiding several types of cancer. These studies have recognised cruciferous vegetables as functional foods and numerous dietary supplements.
• The health benefits of Brassica plants are correlated with their sulphur-containing compounds known as glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products.
• Brassica genus is an important agricultural genus of the Brassicaceae family because of its floral formula.
• It is known for its historical use in agriculture throughout the world.
• The most commonly grown and utilised brassica vegetable is Brassica oleracea, which is considered to be completely edible and fit for consumption. 
• All these phytochemicals have additive and synergistic effects that may contribute to the anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective activities recently associated with the consumption of cruciferous vegetables.
• The pungent root of horseradish is mixed with vinegar to form the horseradish sauce, which is widely used.
• Several representatives of the Brassicaceae family play a significant role in achieving environmental sustainability.
• An important component of Brassicaceae vegetables known as indole 3-carbinol acts as an anticarcinogenic compound through different hormonal and metabolic changes.

Wallflower: The Wallflower has a genus of approximately 180 species of plants that belong to the family of Brassicaceae and floral formula. Wallflowers are found in the Northern Hemisphere. The presence of attractive four-petaled flowers is one of the regions of their large-scale cultivation. It also has applications in rock gardens.

Conclusion

Brassica plants are characterised by their pungent smell and have a wide variety of growth habits according to a particular region. The flowers are formed in clusters in the form of four petals with a usually perfect floral formula.