Definition

Proper noun * Family Rutaceae: A taxonomic family of dicotyledonous flowering plants within the order Geraniales. Plants in this family are characterized by flowers that are typically divided into four or five parts (sepals and petals) and often possess a strong, aromatic scent due to the presence of essential oils in their leaves and fruits.

Usage and Examples

• As a taxonomic classification:
  • Botanists study the evolution and characteristics of family Rutaceae.
  • The genus Citrus, which includes oranges and lemons, belongs to family Rutaceae.
  • Many plants in family Rutaceae have distinctive gland-dotted leaves.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical and horticultural contexts: The term is used precisely to group plants with shared morphological and genetic traits. It is a standard term in scientific literature, plant identification keys, and academic studies.
  • The phylogenetic relationships within family Rutaceae were clarified by recent DNA analysis.

Variants and Related Words

• Rutaceae: The more common, abbreviated form of the family name, used identically to "family Rutaceae."
  • Plants in Rutaceae are commonly known as the rue or citrus family.
• Rutaceous (adjective): Describing something pertaining to or characteristic of the Rutaceae family.
  • The tree exhibited typical rutaceous foliage.

Synonyms and Related Terms

• The rue family: A common English name for this plant family.
• The citrus family: An informal name highlighting its most economically important genus.
• Dicot family: A broader category to which Rutaceae belongs, indicating it is a family of dicotyledonous plants.

Notes on Meaning

• The definition specifically references the order Geraniales. It is important to note that plant taxonomy is periodically revised. In some modern classification systems (e.g., APG IV), the Rutaceae family is placed within the order Sapindales. The provided definition reflects its traditional placement.

Noun

1. a family of dicotyledonous plants of order Geraniales; have flowers that are divide into four or five parts and usually have a strong scent