FORM  Pungent herbs –annual, biennial or perennial many crop plants.

Genera   375 

Species   3200 in our area 138 (Gray); 133 (B&B)⁴³

Distribution north temperate regions

Flowers Perfect, with 4 spreading petals and 4 sepals in a cross-like arrangement hence the former family name of Cruciferae; fruits pod-like capsules, splitting lengthwise in two. Flowers in racemes

#Parts sepals and petals 4 in the form of a cross, 6 stamens of which 2 are shorter than the other 4. 

Symmetry regular

Leaves alternate

Crop plants in this family include cabbage, radish, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and turnips.