Genera    30         

Species 580 in our area  66 (Gray); 64 (B&B)⁴³

Distribution Northern Hemisphere temperate regions

Flowers regular flowers radially symmetrical with 5 separate petals and 5 sepals. Flowers distinctive, flat ring around the ovary often covered with nectar.

Fruits often in pairs with 2 diverging tips.

#Parts   4’s or 5’s sepals and petals 5-10 stamens Symmetry

Leaves simiple or compound, usually alternate or basal, commonly deciduous.

Grow in clefts in the rock, were believed to break it down hence the name rock breaker.