Carnation family facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carnation family |
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Caryophyllaceae
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The Caryophyllaceae, often called the pink family or carnation family, is a large group of flowering plants. These plants are known for their pretty flowers and include many popular garden plants. They are part of a bigger group called dicotyledons, which are plants that have two seed leaves when they first sprout.
This family is quite big, with about 88 different types of plant groups, called genera, and around 2,000 different kinds of species. You can find members of the pink family all over the world, from cool mountain areas to sunny meadows.
Contents
What Makes Them Special?
Flower Power
Plants in the carnation family usually have flowers with five petals. These petals often have a notched or fringed edge, making them look like they've been cut with tiny scissors. The flowers can be many colors, like pink, white, red, or purple. They often grow in clusters, creating a beautiful display.
Leaves and Stems
The leaves of these plants usually grow in pairs, opposite each other on the stem. They are often simple in shape, meaning they are not divided into smaller leaflets. The stems are often jointed, which means they have swollen areas where the leaves attach. This can make them look a bit like bamboo.
Where Do They Grow?
You can find plants from the pink family in many different places. They grow in temperate regions around the world, which are areas with mild climates. Some species prefer rocky areas, while others thrive in open fields or forests. Many are common wildflowers you might see on a walk.
Famous Members of the Family
Carnations and Pinks
The most famous members are probably the carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) and pinks (Dianthus species). Carnations are popular cut flowers, known for their ruffled petals and spicy scent. Pinks are smaller but also very fragrant and often grown in gardens.
Other Well-Known Plants
- Chickweeds (like Stellaria media): These are common weeds found in gardens and fields. They have tiny white flowers.
- Campions (like Silene species): These plants often have larger, showy flowers, sometimes with inflated calyxes (the green part that holds the petals).
- Catchflies (also Silene species): Some of these plants have sticky stems that can trap small insects.
- Sandworts (like Arenaria species): These are often small, low-growing plants found in sandy or rocky places.
Why Are They Important?
The carnation family is important for several reasons. Many species are grown as ornamental plants in gardens because of their beautiful flowers. Some, like chickweed, are even used in traditional medicine or as edible wild greens. They also play a role in their ecosystems, providing food for insects and other animals.
Images for kids
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The "maiden pink", Dianthus deltoides, belongs to the core group of Silenoideae.
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Minuartia gerardii belongs to a clade traditionally included in the Alsinoideae.
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Paronychia argentea from the primitive Paronychioideae assemblage
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Stellaria ruscifolia is traditionally placed in the Alsinoideae, but may not be a close relative of Minuartia.
See also
In Spanish: Caryophyllaceae para niños
