Commelinaceae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Commelinaceae |
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| Aneilema aequinoctiale | |
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Commelinaceae
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The Commelinaceae is a family of flowering plants. Think of a plant family like a group of relatives that share many common features. This family includes about 40 different groups of plants, called genera, and over 600 different kinds of species!
These plants are mostly herbs, which means they don't have woody stems like trees or shrubs. They are also "monocots." This means their seeds have only one "seed leaf" when they first sprout. You can find Commelinaceae plants growing all over the world, from cooler northern areas to warm, tropical places.
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What Makes Them Special?
Commelinaceae plants have some cool features that help you recognize them.
Leaves and Stems
One special thing about these plants is their leaves. They often have a "leaf sheath." This is like a little sleeve that wraps around the stem where the leaf attaches. It's a bit like how a shirt sleeve wraps around your arm.
Another interesting thing is how their leaves unroll. Many Commelinaceae leaves unroll in a special way called "involute." This means the edges of the leaf curl inwards towards the middle as they grow.
Flowers
The flowers of Commelinaceae plants can be quite unique. Some have petals that look like they have little "claws" at the base. You might also see flowers with different types of stamens (the parts that make pollen) or petals that come in two different shapes or sizes on the same flower.
Where Do They Grow?
These plants are found in many different climates. They grow in temperate zones, which have four distinct seasons, and also in tropical zones, which are warm and humid all year round. This wide range shows how adaptable the Commelinaceae family is!
Images for kids
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The distinctive leaf sheath common to all Commelinaceae
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The distinctive involute unfurling of the leaf in most Commelinaceae can be seen in the background; also note the clawed petals, polymorphic stamens, and dimorphic petals in this species
See also
In Spanish: Comelináceas para niños
