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FamilyCommon NameDescription
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AcanthaceaeAcanthus familyIncludes ornamentals such as Acanthus, Thunbergia and Justicia. Mostly tropical herbs and shrubs; some species have traditional leaf uses, especially for poultices and wound care. PFAF currently lists 8 plants in this family.
AchariaceaeAcharia familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
ActinidiaceaeKiwifruit familyBest known for Actinidia, the kiwifruit genus. PFAF includes many hardy Actinidia species useful for edible fruits, climbers, wildlife value and cold-climate food forests.
AdoxaceaeMoschatel familyIncludes elder, viburnum and related shrubs. Important for edible berries in some species, medicinal traditions, hedging, wildlife flowers and bird-attracting fruit. PFAF currently lists 41 plants in this family.
AizoaceaeIce-plant familyIncludes ice plants, New Zealand spinach and many succulent groundcovers. Useful in dry gardens, coastal sites and some edible-leaf crops, but some species can be invasive. PFAF currently lists 15 plants in this family.
AlangiaceaeAlangium familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
AlismataceaeWater-plantain familyAquatic or marsh plants such as Alisma and Sagittaria. Useful around ponds and wetlands; several arrowheads have edible tubers after correct preparation. PFAF currently lists 16 plants in this family.
AlstroemeriaceaeAlstroemeria familyIncludes Alstroemeria and Bomarea. Mostly known as ornamentals, with some tuberous species recorded as edible after suitable preparation. PFAF currently lists 3 plants in this family.
AmaranthaceaeAmaranth familyIncludes Amaranthus, quinoa relatives, saltbushes and many chenopods. Highly important for edible leaves, seeds, drought tolerance, saline soils and traditional food plants. PFAF currently lists 174 plants in this family.
AmaryllidaceaeAmaryllis / onion familyIncludes Allium, Narcissus and Amaryllis relatives. PFAF value is especially high for edible Allium species, while many ornamental bulbs are poisonous.
AnacardiaceaeCashew / sumac familyIncludes cashew, mango, pistachio, sumac and mastic. Economically important for fruits, nuts, spices and resins, but some species contain irritating compounds. PFAF currently lists 47 plants in this family.
AnnonaceaeCustard-apple familyIncludes pawpaw, cherimoya, soursop and custard apples. Noted for edible tropical and subtropical fruits; some species also have fragrant or medicinal uses. PFAF currently lists 12 plants in this family.
ApiaceaeCarrot / parsley familyIncludes carrot, celery, parsley, fennel, dill, angelica and many umbellifers. A valuable edible and medicinal family, but identification matters because it also includes very poisonous species. PFAF currently lists 260 plants in this family.
ApocynaceaeDogbane familyIncludes dogbanes, milkweeds, hoyas and periwinkles. Many have latex and medicinal chemistry; some support butterflies, while many are toxic if eaten. PFAF currently lists 86 plants in this family.
AponogetonaceaeAponogeton familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
AquifoliaceaeHolly familyIncludes Ilex, the hollies. Useful for hedging, wildlife berries, ornamental evergreen foliage and beverages such as yerba mate. PFAF currently lists 22 plants in this family.
AraceaeArum familyIncludes arums, taro, duckweeds and many aroids. Taro and related plants are major foods, but many species contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals and need correct preparation. PFAF currently lists 47 plants in this family.
AraliaceaeIvy / ginseng familyIncludes ivy, ginseng, fatsia and aralias. Important for medicinal roots, edible shoots in some species, ornamental foliage, hedges and wildlife cover. PFAF currently lists 39 plants in this family.
AraucariaceaeAraucaria familyIncludes Araucaria such as monkey puzzle and bunya pine. Several produce large edible seeds and are important evergreen landscape and heritage trees. PFAF currently lists 7 plants in this family.
ArecaceaePalm familyIncludes palms such as date, coconut and many ornamental genera. One of the great useful plant families, providing fruits, starch, fibres, thatch, oils and landscape structure. PFAF currently lists 72 plants in this family.
AristolochiaceaeBirthwort familyIncludes birthworts and wild gingers. Some have historical medicinal uses, but many contain toxic aristolochic acids, so caution is essential. PFAF currently lists 26 plants in this family.
AsparagaceaeAsparagus familyIncludes asparagus, agaves, yuccas, hostas and many former lily-family groups. Useful for edible shoots, fibres, sweeteners, ornamentals and drought-tolerant planting. PFAF currently lists 97 plants in this family.
AsphodelaceaeAsphodel / aloe familyIncludes aloes, asphodels and daylilies in broad treatments. Aloe is medicinal and ornamental; daylily flowers and shoots are edible in some species, while others need caution. PFAF currently lists 25 plants in this family.
AsteliaceaeAstelia familyPFAF lists 4 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
AsteraceaeDaisy / sunflower familyThe daisy family includes lettuce, artichoke, chicory, dandelion, sunflower, yarrow and many thistles. It is one of the richest PFAF families for edible, medicinal and wildlife plants.
AtherospermataceaeSouthern sassafras familyPFAF lists 3 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
AthyriaceaeLady fern familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
AucubaceaeAucuba familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
AzollaceaeMosquito fern familyIncludes Azolla, the floating mosquito ferns. Valuable in water gardens, nitrogen-rich biomass systems and rice paddies because of its nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterial association. PFAF currently lists 2 plants in this family.
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BalsaminaceaeBalsam familyIncludes Impatiens and balsams. Mostly ornamental and nectar-rich; some species have traditional medicinal or edible records, but the family is not a major food group. PFAF currently lists 13 plants in this family.
BasellaceaeBasella familyIncludes Basella, especially Malabar spinach. Useful for heat-tolerant edible greens, ornamental climbers and tropical vegetable gardens. PFAF currently lists 3 plants in this family.
BegoniaceaeBegonia familyIncludes Begonia. Mostly ornamental, with sour-tasting edible leaves or flowers in some species, often due to oxalic acid content. PFAF currently lists 3 plants in this family.
BerberidaceaeBarberry familyIncludes barberries, Oregon grapes and mayapples. Useful for acidic fruits, medicinal alkaloids, dyes, wildlife hedges and woodland groundcovers. PFAF currently lists 80 plants in this family.
BetulaceaeBirch familyIncludes birch, alder, hazel and hornbeam. Useful for nuts, sap, timber, coppice, shelter and nitrogen-fixing alders. PFAF currently lists 58 plants in this family.
BignoniaceaeTrumpet-vine familyIncludes trumpet vines, catalpas and jacarandas. Mostly ornamental or timber plants; some provide edible or medicinal parts and excellent pollinator flowers. PFAF currently lists 15 plants in this family.
BixaceaeAnnatto familyBest known for Bixa orellana, annatto. Useful as a natural red-orange dye and food colouring, with some traditional medicinal uses. PFAF currently lists 2 plants in this family.
BlechnaceaeHard fern familyA fern family including Blechnum and relatives. Useful mainly as ornamentals and woodland or wet-site plants; some ferns have edible fiddleheads but identification is important. PFAF currently lists 4 plants in this family.
BoraginaceaeBorage familyIncludes borage, comfrey, forget-me-nots and many rough-leaved herbs. Useful for bee forage, dynamic accumulation and medicinal traditions, but some contain liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. PFAF currently lists 56 plants in this family.
BrassicaceaeCabbage / mustard familyIncludes cabbage, mustard, radish, rocket, cress and many wild edible greens. A major food family with pungent glucosinolates, cover crops and medicinal mustard poultice traditions. PFAF currently lists 235 plants in this family.
BromeliaceaeBromeliad familyIncludes pineapple, Spanish moss and many epiphytic ornamentals. Useful for edible fruit, fibre, water-holding rosettes and tropical ornamental planting. PFAF currently lists 7 plants in this family.
BuddleiaceaeButterfly-bush familyPFAF lists 5 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
BurseraceaeFrankincense familyIncludes frankincense, myrrh and related resin trees. Important for aromatic resins, incense, traditional medicine and some edible fruits. PFAF currently lists 10 plants in this family.
ButomaceaeFlowering-rush familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
BuxaceaeBox familyIncludes boxwood and Sarcococca. Useful mostly for hedging and ornamentals; many species are poisonous and not food plants. PFAF currently lists 7 plants in this family.
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CabombaceaeFanwort familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CactaceaeCactus familyIncludes prickly pears, hedgehog cacti and many columnar cacti. Important for edible fruits, pads, drought tolerance, wildlife habitat and dryland food systems. PFAF currently lists 53 plants in this family.
CallitrichaceaeWater-starwort familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CalochortaceaeMariposa lily familyPFAF lists 12 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CalycanthaceaeSweetshrub familyPFAF lists 4 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CalyceraceaeCalycera familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CampanulaceaeBellflower familyIncludes bellflowers, rampions and lobelias. Some species have edible roots or leaves, while others are ornamentals or medicinal plants. PFAF currently lists 64 plants in this family.
CanellaceaeCanella familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CannabaceaeHemp / hackberry familyIncludes hemp, hops, hackberries and Celtis. Useful for fibre, seed, oils, brewing, edible fruits, wildlife value and tough trees for difficult sites. PFAF currently lists 6 plants in this family.
CannaceaeCanna familyIncludes Canna. Useful for ornamental flowers, edible starch from rhizomes in some species, and wet or tropical garden plantings. PFAF currently lists 3 plants in this family.
CapparaceaeCaper familyIncludes capers and related shrubs. Known for edible flower buds, fruits and pungent condiments, often from dry or Mediterranean climates. PFAF currently lists 2 plants in this family.
CapparidaceaeCaper family (older name)Older name often used for caper-family plants. Consider standardising to Capparaceae or reviewing affected species for current placement. PFAF currently lists 7 plants in this family.
CaprifoliaceaeHoneysuckle familyIncludes honeysuckles, elder relatives, teasels and valerian in broad systems. Useful for edible berries in select species, medicinal roots, ornamentals and wildlife plants. PFAF currently lists 55 plants in this family.
CaricaceaePapaya familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CaryocaraceaeSouari nut familyPFAF lists 3 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CaryophyllaceaePink / carnation familyIncludes carnations, chickweeds, campions and soapworts. Several chickweeds are edible greens; soapworts contain saponins used historically for washing. PFAF currently lists 60 plants in this family.
CasuarinaceaeShe-oak familyIncludes Casuarina and Allocasuarina. Useful for windbreaks, nitrogen-fixing associations, firewood, erosion control and coastal shelter. PFAF currently lists 9 plants in this family.
CelastraceaeBittersweet familyIncludes bittersweet, spindle trees and related shrubs. Useful for ornament, dyes and some medicinal traditions; many fruits are not edible. PFAF currently lists 30 plants in this family.
CephalotaxaceaePlum-yew familyPFAF lists 15 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CeratophyllaceaeHornwort familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CercidiphyllaceaeKatsura familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
ChloranthaceaeChloranthus familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
ChrysobalanaceaeCoco-plum familyPFAF lists 5 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CistaceaeRock-rose familyPFAF lists 6 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CleomaceaeSpider-flower familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
ClethraceaeClethra familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
ClusiaceaeSt John’s-wort / mangosteen familyPFAF lists 14 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CneoraceaeCneorum familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
ColchicaceaeColchicum familyPFAF lists 10 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CombretaceaeCombretum familyPFAF lists 12 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CommelinaceaeSpiderwort familyPFAF lists 9 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CompositaeDaisy family (older name)PFAF lists 14 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
ConvallariaceaeLily-of-the-valley family (older grouping)PFAF lists 37 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
ConvolvulaceaeMorning-glory familyIncludes morning glories, sweet potato and dodders. Important for edible tubers in Ipomoea batatas, ornamental climbers and parasitic Cuscuta species. PFAF currently lists 29 plants in this family.
CoriariaceaeCoriaria familyPFAF lists 7 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CornaceaeDogwood familyIncludes dogwoods and cornels. Useful for edible fruits in Cornus species, ornamental bracts, wildlife berries, hedging and durable wood. PFAF currently lists 42 plants in this family.
CorynocarpaceaeKaraka familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CostaceaeSpiral ginger familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CrassulaceaeStonecrop familyIncludes stonecrops, houseleeks and many succulents. Useful for drought-tolerant groundcover, green roofs, ornamentals and some edible or medicinal leaves. PFAF currently lists 38 plants in this family.
CucurbitaceaeGourd / cucumber familyIncludes pumpkins, cucumbers, melons, gourds and luffas. A major edible family also used for utensils, sponges, oils and traditional medicines. PFAF currently lists 48 plants in this family.
CunoniaceaeCunonia familyPFAF lists 3 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CupressaceaeCypress familyIncludes cypresses, junipers, redwoods and many former Taxodiaceae. Useful for timber, shelterbelts, essential oils, berries in juniper, and evergreen structure. PFAF currently lists 54 plants in this family.
CyatheaceaeTree fern familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CycadaceaeCycad familyPFAF lists 7 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CyclanthaceaePanama-hat plant familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CyperaceaeSedge familyIncludes sedges, papyrus and some edible nut sedges. Useful in wetlands, weaving, thatching, soil stabilisation and edible tubers in Cyperus species. PFAF currently lists 76 plants in this family.
CyrillaceaeTiti familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
CystopteridaceaeBladder fern familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
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DaphniphyllaceaeDaphniphyllum familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
DatiscaceaeDatisca familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
DennstaedtiaceaeBracken familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
DiapensiaceaeDiapensia familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
DicksoniaceaeTree fern familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
DioscoreaceaeYam familyIncludes yams. Important for edible tubers in many tropical species, but correct identification and preparation are vital because some are toxic raw. PFAF currently lists 12 plants in this family.
DipsacaceaeTeasel familyPFAF lists 10 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
DipterocarpaceaeDipterocarp familyPFAF lists 15 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
DroseraceaeSundew familyIncludes sundews and Venus flytrap relatives. Mostly carnivorous plants valued for conservation interest, bog gardens and historical medicinal uses. PFAF currently lists 2 plants in this family.
DryopteridaceaeWood fern familyPFAF lists 28 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
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EbenaceaeEbony / persimmon familyIncludes persimmons and ebony. Important for edible fruit in Diospyros, dense timber, wildlife food and ornamental trees. PFAF currently lists 15 plants in this family.
EhretiaceaeEhretia familyPFAF lists 4 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
ElaeagnaceaeOleaster familyIncludes Elaeagnus, sea buckthorn and buffaloberry. Important for nitrogen-fixing shrubs, edible fruits, windbreaks, poor soils and wildlife planting. PFAF currently lists 34 plants in this family.
ElaeocarpaceaeElaeocarpus familyPFAF lists 6 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
EmpetraceaeCrowberry familyPFAF lists 7 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
EpacridaceaeEpacris familyPFAF lists 35 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
EphedraceaeEphedra familyIncludes Ephedra. Dryland shrubs with traditional medicinal and beverage uses; alkaloid content means legal and safety caution may apply. PFAF currently lists 18 plants in this family.
EquisetaceaeHorsetail familyIncludes horsetails. Ancient spore-bearing plants used for abrasive silica-rich stems and traditional medicine; some species can be problematic weeds. PFAF currently lists 10 plants in this family.
EricaceaeHeath familyIncludes blueberries, cranberries, heathers, rhododendrons and wintergreens. Important for acidic-soil fruits, ornamentals, medicinal teas and heathland ecology. PFAF currently lists 161 plants in this family.
EriocaulaceaePipewort familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
ErythroxylaceaeCoca familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
EscalloniaceaeEscallonia familyPFAF lists 8 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
EucommiaceaeHardy rubber tree familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
EucryphiaceaeEucryphia familyPFAF lists 4 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
EuphorbiaceaeSpurge familyIncludes spurges, cassava, rubber tree and castor bean. Highly useful for starch, oils, latex and ornamentals, but many species are toxic or irritating. PFAF currently lists 64 plants in this family.
EupomatiaceaeEupomatia familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
EupteleaceaeEuptelea familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
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FabaceaePea / legume familyIncludes peas, beans, clovers, acacias, lupins and many trees. One of the most useful families for edible seeds, forage, nitrogen fixation, timber and soil improvement. PFAF currently lists 612 plants in this family.
FagaceaeBeech / oak familyIncludes oaks, beeches and chestnuts. Important for edible nuts, tannins, timber, wildlife habitat, coppice and long-lived food forest structure. PFAF currently lists 124 plants in this family.
FlacourtiaceaeFlacourtia family (older grouping)PFAF lists 4 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
FouquieriaceaeOcotillo familyIncludes ocotillo. Dryland shrubs valued for pollinator flowers, desert landscapes, living fences and traditional uses. PFAF currently lists 1 plant in this family.
FumariaceaeFumitory familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
FunkiaceaeHosta family (older grouping)PFAF lists 16 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
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GarryaceaeSilktassel familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
GentianaceaeGentian familyIncludes gentians and centauries. Known for bitter medicinal tonics, ornamentals and some wetland or alpine plants. PFAF currently lists 42 plants in this family.
GeraniaceaeGeranium familyIncludes geraniums, pelargoniums and erodiums. Useful for ornament, scented leaves, edible flowers in some Pelargonium cultivars, and medicinal astringents. PFAF currently lists 51 plants in this family.
GesneriaceaeAfrican violet familyIncludes African violet and many tropical ornamentals. Mostly ornamental, with some edible or medicinal records in tropical genera. PFAF currently lists 2 plants in this family.
GinkgoaceaeGinkgo familyIncludes the single living species Ginkgo biloba. Useful as a resilient urban tree, medicinal leaf source and edible seeds after careful preparation. PFAF currently lists 1 plant in this family.
GleicheniaceaeForking fern familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
GlobulariaceaeGlobularia familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
GnetaceaeGnetum familyPFAF lists 3 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
GoodeniaceaeGoodenia familyPFAF lists 3 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
GrossulariaceaeCurrant / gooseberry familyIncludes Ribes: currants and gooseberries. Very important in PFAF for edible fruits, wildlife value, hedging and cool-climate food forests.
GunneraceaeGunnera familyIncludes Gunnera. Large architectural wetland plants; some species have edible stalks or traditional uses, while others are invasive in mild climates. PFAF currently lists 3 plants in this family.
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HaemodoraceaeBloodwort familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
HaloragaceaeWater-milfoil familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
HaloragidaceaeWater-milfoil family (older spelling)PFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
HamamelidaceaeWitch-hazel familyIncludes witch hazel, sweetgum and related trees. Useful for medicinal witch-hazel extracts, ornamentals, autumn colour and timber in some genera. PFAF currently lists 7 plants in this family.
HemerocallidaceaeDaylily family (older grouping)PFAF lists 25 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
HippuridaceaeMare’s-tail familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
HydrangeaceaeHydrangea familyIncludes hydrangeas, mock oranges and related shrubs. Mostly ornamental, with some medicinal records and wildlife value. PFAF currently lists 22 plants in this family.
HydrocharitaceaeTape-grass familyPFAF lists 5 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
HydrophyllaceaeWaterleaf familyPFAF lists 12 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
HypericaceaeSt John’s-wort familyIncludes St John’s worts. Important medicinally, especially Hypericum perforatum, and valuable for yellow flowers, groundcover and wildlife. PFAF currently lists 14 plants in this family.
HypoxidaceaeStar-grass familyPFAF lists 3 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
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IcacinaceaeIcacina familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
IlliciaceaeStar-anise familyPFAF lists 3 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
IridaceaeIris familyIncludes iris, crocus, saffron and gladiolus. Useful for ornamentals, dyes and saffron spice; many species are not edible and some are toxic. PFAF currently lists 45 plants in this family.
IrvingiaceaeWild mango familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
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JuglandaceaeWalnut familyIncludes walnuts, hickories and pecans. Important for edible nuts, timber, dye, wildlife food and large productive trees. PFAF currently lists 40 plants in this family.
JuncaceaeRush familyIncludes rushes. Useful for wetland planting, weaving, thatching, habitat and soil stabilisation rather than food. PFAF currently lists 10 plants in this family.
JuncaginaceaeArrowgrass familyPFAF lists 4 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
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LamiaceaeMint familyIncludes mint, sage, thyme, rosemary, oregano and many aromatic herbs. A major family for edible leaves, essential oils, medicinal teas and pollinator plants. PFAF currently lists 257 plants in this family.
LardizabalaceaeLardizabala familyPFAF lists 12 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
LauraceaeLaurel familyIncludes bay, avocado, cinnamon and sassafras relatives. Important for fruits, spices, aromatic leaves, timber and evergreen forest plants. PFAF currently lists 37 plants in this family.
LecythidaceaeBrazil-nut familyPFAF lists 10 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
LeguminosaeLegume family (older name)Older alternative name for Fabaceae. It is familiar in older literature, but PFAF may prefer Fabaceae as the standard family name.
LeitneriaceaeCorkwood familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
LentibulariaceaeBladderwort familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
LiliaceaeLily familyIncludes true lilies and tulips in the strict sense. Some bulbs are edible in specific species, but many ornamentals are toxic or require caution. PFAF currently lists 96 plants in this family.
LimnanthaceaeMeadowfoam familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
LinaceaeFlax familyIncludes flax. Useful for linseed, fibre, oil, wildflowers and medicinal mucilage in some species. PFAF currently lists 10 plants in this family.
LoasaceaeBlazing-star familyPFAF lists 3 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
LoganiaceaeLogania familyPFAF lists 4 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
LomandraceaeLomandra familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
LoranthaceaeShowy mistletoe familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
LycopodiaceaeClubmoss familyPFAF lists 8 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
LythraceaeLoosestrife familyIncludes pomegranate relatives, loosestrifes and henna in broad usage. Useful for dyes, medicinal plants, ornamentals and wetland species. PFAF currently lists 10 plants in this family.
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MagnoliaceaeMagnolia familyIncludes magnolias and tulip trees. Useful for ornamental trees, fragrant flowers, timber and traditional medicinal bark in some species. PFAF currently lists 14 plants in this family.
MalpighiaceaeBarbados cherry familyPFAF lists 5 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
MalvaceaeMallow familyIncludes mallows, hibiscus, okra, cacao, cotton, limes and many former Sterculiaceae/Tiliaceae. Important for edible leaves, fibres, drinks, mucilage and ornamentals. PFAF currently lists 111 plants in this family.
MarantaceaeArrowroot familyIncludes arrowroot and prayer plants. Useful for edible starch, ornamentals and tropical understory planting. PFAF currently lists 3 plants in this family.
MarrattiaceaeMarattia fern familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
MarsileaceaeWater-clover familyPFAF lists 3 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
MartyniaceaeDevil’s-claw familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
MelanthiaceaeBunchflower familyPFAF lists 10 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
MelastomataceaeMelastome familyA large tropical family with melastomes and medinillas. Mostly ornamental or ecological, with some edible berries and medicinal uses. PFAF currently lists 3 plants in this family.
MeliaceaeMahogany familyIncludes mahogany, neem and chinaberry relatives. Useful for timber, insecticidal compounds, oils and shade trees; some fruits are toxic. PFAF currently lists 27 plants in this family.
MelianthaceaeHoney-flower familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
MenispermaceaeMoonseed familyIncludes moonseeds and several medicinal climbers. Pharmacologically important but many species are toxic, so food use is limited. PFAF currently lists 9 plants in this family.
MenyanthaceaeBogbean familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
MisodendraceaeMistletoe familyPFAF lists 4 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
MolluginaceaeCarpetweed familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
MonimiaceaeBoldoa familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
MontiaceaeMiner’s lettuce familyPFAF lists 7 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
MoraceaeMulberry / fig familyIncludes figs, mulberries, breadfruit and osage orange. Very important for edible fruits, latex, fodder, timber and wildlife food. PFAF currently lists 44 plants in this family.
MorinaceaeMorina familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
MoringaceaeMoringa familyIncludes Moringa. Highly useful for edible leaves, pods, seeds, oil, water-clarifying seed proteins and dryland nutrition. PFAF currently lists 3 plants in this family.
MuntingiaceaeJamaica cherry familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
MusaceaeBanana familyIncludes bananas and plantains. Major food plants in warm climates, also useful for fibre, leaves, shade and biomass. PFAF currently lists 6 plants in this family.
MyoporaceaeMyoporum familyPFAF lists 10 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
MyricaceaeBayberry familyIncludes bayberries and sweet gale. Useful for aromatic leaves, waxy berries, nitrogen-fixing shrubs, wetland planting and wildlife. PFAF currently lists 11 plants in this family.
MyristicaceaeNutmeg familyPFAF lists 3 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
MyrsinaceaeMyrsine familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
MyrtaceaeMyrtle / eucalyptus familyIncludes eucalyptus, myrtle, guava, feijoa and cloves. Important for edible fruits, spices, essential oils, timber, shelter and bee forage. PFAF currently lists 88 plants in this family.
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NajadaceaeNaiad familyPFAF lists 3 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
NelumbonaceaeLotus familyIncludes sacred lotus. Useful for edible rhizomes, seeds and leaves, as well as ornamental ponds and cultural value. PFAF currently lists 2 plants in this family.
NyctaginaceaeFour-o’clock familyPFAF lists 10 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
NymphaeaceaeWater-lily familyIncludes water lilies. Important aquatic ornamentals; some species have edible seeds, tubers or rhizomes after preparation. PFAF currently lists 11 plants in this family.
NyssaceaeTupelo familyPFAF lists 3 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
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OchnaceaeOchna familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
OenotheraceaeEvening-primrose family (older name)PFAF lists 3 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
OlacaceaeOlax familyPFAF lists 6 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
OleaceaeOlive familyIncludes olives, ashes, lilacs, jasmines and privets. Useful for olives and oil, timber, ornamentals, hedges and fragrance. PFAF currently lists 48 plants in this family.
OnagraceaeEvening-primrose familyIncludes evening primroses, willowherbs and fuchsias. Useful for edible shoots in some species, evening primrose oil, ornamentals and pollinator flowers. PFAF currently lists 38 plants in this family.
OnocleaceaeSensitive fern familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
OphioglossaceaeAdder’s-tongue fern familyPFAF lists 6 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
OrchidaceaeOrchid familyThe orchid family is huge and mostly ornamental. Vanilla is the best-known food crop; some terrestrial orchids have traditional tuber uses but conservation issues are important. PFAF currently lists 51 plants in this family.
OrobanchaceaeBroomrape familyIncludes broomrapes and many parasitic plants, plus some former figwort relatives. Useful mainly botanically or medicinally; some are crop parasites. PFAF currently lists 16 plants in this family.
OsmundaceaeRoyal fern familyPFAF lists 5 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
OxalidaceaeWood-sorrel familyIncludes wood sorrels and starfruits. Useful for edible sour leaves or fruits in some species, but oxalic acid means moderation is important. PFAF currently lists 24 plants in this family.
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PaeoniaceaePeony familyPFAF lists 17 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
PandanaceaeScrewpine familyPFAF lists 3 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
PapaveraceaePoppy familyIncludes poppies, celandines and fumitory relatives in broad usage. Useful for seeds, ornamentals and medicinal alkaloids, but many species are toxic or regulated. PFAF currently lists 37 plants in this family.
ParmeliaceaeParmelia lichen familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
ParnassiaceaeGrass-of-Parnassus familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
PassifloraceaePassionflower familyIncludes passionflowers. Useful for edible passionfruit, medicinal calming herbs, ornamentals, climbers and butterfly host plants. PFAF currently lists 19 plants in this family.
PedaliaceaeSesame familyIncludes sesame and devil’s-claw relatives. Sesame is an important oilseed; some genera provide edible seeds or medicinal fruits. PFAF currently lists 1 plant in this family.
PentadiplandraceaePentadiplandra familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
PhilesiaceaePhilesia familyPFAF lists 3 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
PhormiaceaeNew Zealand flax familyPFAF lists 5 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
PhrymaceaeLopseed familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
PhyllanthaceaePhyllanthus familyPFAF lists 4 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
PhytolaccaceaePokeweed familyIncludes pokeweed. Some species have carefully prepared edible shoots, dyes and medicinal traditions, but toxicity is a major caution. PFAF currently lists 6 plants in this family.
PinaceaePine familyIncludes pines, firs, spruces, cedars and larches. Important for nuts, resin, timber, shelter, edible inner bark traditions and aromatic needles. PFAF currently lists 129 plants in this family.
PiperaceaePepper familyIncludes black pepper and kava relatives. Important for spices, medicinal chemistry, tropical vegetables and aromatic leaves. PFAF currently lists 3 plants in this family.
PistaciaceaePistacia family (older grouping)PFAF lists 7 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
PittosporaceaePittosporum familyPFAF lists 14 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
PlantaginaceaePlantain / speedwell familyIncludes plantains, speedwells, foxgloves and many former figworts. Useful for medicinal Plantago, ornamentals and some edible greens. PFAF currently lists 25 plants in this family.
PlatanaceaePlane-tree familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
PlumbaginaceaeLeadwort familyIncludes sea lavenders and leadworts. Useful for coastal ornamentals, salt tolerance and some medicinal or dye uses. PFAF currently lists 9 plants in this family.
PoaceaeGrass familyThe grass family includes cereals, bamboo, sugarcane and many forage plants. It is one of the most important plant families for food, fibre, shelter and soil cover. PFAF currently lists 344 plants in this family.
PodocarpaceaePodocarp familyIncludes podocarps and southern conifers. Useful for edible arils in some species, timber, shelter and evergreen structure. PFAF currently lists 23 plants in this family.
PodophyllaceaeMayapple familyPFAF lists 5 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
PolemoniaceaePhlox familyPFAF lists 10 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
PolygalaceaeMilkwort familyPFAF lists 9 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
PolygonaceaeKnotweed / buckwheat familyIncludes buckwheat, sorrels, docks and knotweeds. Useful for edible leaves, grains, rhubarb-like stems, medicinal roots and wildlife value. PFAF currently lists 135 plants in this family.
PolypodiaceaePolypody fern familyPFAF lists 20 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
PolytaeniaNot a family namePFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
PolytrichaceaeHaircap moss familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
PontederiaceaePickerelweed familyIncludes pickerelweed and water hyacinth relatives. Useful for pond ornamentals, edible seeds or leaves in some species, and wetland habitat. PFAF currently lists 2 plants in this family.
PortulacaceaePurslane familyIncludes purslane and related succulents. Purslane is a notable edible leaf rich in mucilage and used in dry, sunny gardens. PFAF currently lists 24 plants in this family.
PotamogetonaceaePondweed familyIncludes pondweeds. Important aquatic plants for wildlife, water bodies and some edible seeds or tubers in traditional uses. PFAF currently lists 9 plants in this family.
PrimulaceaePrimrose familyIncludes primroses, cyclamen and pimpernels in broad systems. Useful for early flowers, ornamentals, medicinal traditions and woodland groundcover. PFAF currently lists 39 plants in this family.
ProteaceaeProtea familyIncludes macadamia, banksias, grevilleas and proteas. Useful for edible nuts, nectar, ornamentals, wildlife plants and dry-climate gardens. PFAF currently lists 33 plants in this family.
PteridaceaeBrake fern familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
PunicaceaePomegranate familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
PyrolaceaeWintergreen familyPFAF lists 10 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
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QuillajaceaeSoapbark familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
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RafflesiaceaeRafflesia familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
RanunculaceaeButtercup familyIncludes buttercups, clematis, monkshood and columbines. Rich in ornamentals and medicinal chemistry, but many species are toxic. PFAF currently lists 168 plants in this family.
ResedaceaeMignonette familyPFAF lists 4 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
RestoniaceaeRestionaceae / restio family?PFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
RhamnaceaeBuckthorn familyIncludes buckthorns, jujubes and ceanothus. Useful for edible fruits in Ziziphus, nitrogen-fixing Ceanothus, dyes, hedging and wildlife. PFAF currently lists 52 plants in this family.
RosaceaeRose familyIncludes apples, pears, plums, cherries, strawberries, raspberries and roses. One of the most important edible fruit families in PFAF and temperate gardens.
RubiaceaeCoffee / bedstraw familyIncludes coffee, madder, bedstraw and quinine relatives. Useful for beverages, dyes, medicines, ornamentals and some edible fruits. PFAF currently lists 77 plants in this family.
RutaceaeCitrus familyIncludes citrus, rue, zanthoxylum and many aromatic shrubs. Important for edible fruits, spices, essential oils, hedging and medicinal traditions. PFAF currently lists 68 plants in this family.
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SalicaceaeWillow familyIncludes willows, poplars and some former flacourts. Useful for basketry, coppice, biomass, medicine, bee forage, erosion control and timber. PFAF currently lists 89 plants in this family.
SantalaceaeSandalwood familyIncludes sandalwoods, mistletoes and related hemiparasites. Useful for fragrant timber, oils, wildlife fruit and specialist ecological relationships. PFAF currently lists 32 plants in this family.
SapindaceaeSoapberry / maple familyIncludes maples, horse chestnuts, lychee, longan and soapberries. Useful for sap, edible fruits, saponin-rich fruits, ornamentals and timber. PFAF currently lists 60 plants in this family.
SapotaceaeSapodilla familyIncludes sapodilla, mamey and shea relatives. Useful for edible fruits, latex, oils, timber and tropical agroforestry. PFAF currently lists 26 plants in this family.
SargentodoxaceaeSargentodoxa familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
SarraceniaceaePitcher-plant familyIncludes North American pitcher plants. Carnivorous bog plants with high conservation and ornamental value rather than food use. PFAF currently lists 2 plants in this family.
SaururaceaeLizard’s-tail familyPFAF lists 4 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
SaxifragaceaeSaxifrage familyIncludes saxifrages, heucheras and relatives. Mostly ornamental rock-garden or woodland plants, with some medicinal or edible records. PFAF currently lists 37 plants in this family.
SchisandraceaeStar-anise / schisandra familyIncludes Schisandra and star-anise relatives. Useful for medicinal berries, spices and aromatic or woodland climbers. PFAF currently lists 11 plants in this family.
SciadoptyaceaeUmbrella-pine familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
ScrophulariaceaeFigwort familyIncludes figworts and mulleins in modern narrower use. Useful for medicinal herbs, bee plants and ornamentals; many former members are now Plantaginaceae or Orobanchaceae. PFAF currently lists 89 plants in this family.
SelaginellaceaeSpikemoss familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
SimaroubaceaeQuassia familyPFAF lists 7 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
SimmondsiaceaeJojoba familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
SmilacaceaeGreenbrier familyPFAF lists 24 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
SolanaceaeNightshade familyIncludes potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, nightshades and tobacco. A major food family, but green parts and many wild relatives can be poisonous. PFAF currently lists 125 plants in this family.
SparganiaceaeBur-reed familyPFAF lists 4 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
SphagnaceaePeat moss familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
StaphyleaceaeBladdernut familyPFAF lists 6 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
SterculiaceaeCacao / kola family (older grouping)PFAF lists 5 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
StyracaceaeStorax familyPFAF lists 6 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
SymplocaceaeSweetleaf familyPFAF lists 4 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
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TaccaceaeBat-flower familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
TalinaceaeFameflower familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
TamaricaceaeTamarisk familyIncludes tamarisks. Useful for salt-tolerant shelter and erosion control in some sites, but several species are invasive in dryland waterways. PFAF currently lists 14 plants in this family.
TaxaceaeYew familyIncludes yews. Important ornamentals and medicinal-source plants; most parts are highly poisonous except the fleshy aril of some species. PFAF currently lists 5 plants in this family.
TecophilaeaceaeTecophilaea familyPFAF lists 5 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
TheaceaeTea familyIncludes tea, camellias and related trees. Useful for tea leaves, oil, ornamentals, evergreen hedges and acidic-soil gardens. PFAF currently lists 20 plants in this family.
ThelypteridaceaeMarsh fern familyPFAF lists 2 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
ThymelaeaceaeMezereum familyIncludes daphnes and paperbarks. Useful for fragrance, fibre and ornamentals, but many species are toxic. PFAF currently lists 28 plants in this family.
TrapaceaeWater-chestnut familyPFAF lists 4 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
TricyrtidaceaeToad-lily familyPFAF lists 3 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
TrilliaceaeTrillium familyPFAF lists 13 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
TropaeolaceaeNasturtium familyPFAF lists 8 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
TurneraceaeTurnera familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
TyphaceaeCattail familyIncludes cattails and bur-reeds in broad classifications. Very useful wetland plants with edible shoots, pollen and rhizomes, plus thatching and habitat value. PFAF currently lists 11 plants in this family.
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UlmaceaeElm familyIncludes elms and zelkovas. Useful for timber, shade, edible young fruits in some elms, shelter and urban planting. PFAF currently lists 35 plants in this family.
UrticaceaeNettle familyIncludes nettles, ramie and pellitory. Useful for edible greens, fibres, medicines, compost activators and wildlife larvae. PFAF currently lists 47 plants in this family.
UvulariaceaeBellwort familyPFAF lists 3 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
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ValerianaceaeValerian familyOlder family name for valerian relatives now often placed in Caprifoliaceae. Valerian is best known for medicinal roots and pollinator flowers. PFAF currently lists 28 plants in this family.
VerbenaceaeVerbena familyIncludes verbenas, lantanas and lemon verbena relatives in older usage. Useful for ornamentals, aromatic leaves and pollinator plants; some genera have moved to Lamiaceae. PFAF currently lists 24 plants in this family.
ViolaceaeViolet familyIncludes violets and pansies. Useful for edible flowers and leaves in some species, ornamentals, medicinal traditions and woodland groundcover. PFAF currently lists 42 plants in this family.
VitaceaeGrape familyIncludes grapes, Virginia creepers and related climbers. Important for edible fruits, wine, leaves, wildlife value and vigorous climbers. PFAF currently lists 43 plants in this family.
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WinteraceaeWinter’s-bark familyPFAF lists 4 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
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XanthorrhoeaceaeGrass-tree familyPFAF lists 6 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
XyridaceaeYellow-eyed grass familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
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ZannichelliaceaeHorned pondweed familyPFAF lists 1 plant in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
ZingiberaceaeGinger familyIncludes ginger, turmeric, cardamom and galangal. Highly useful for spices, edible rhizomes, medicines, dyes and tropical ornamentals. PFAF currently lists 5 plants in this family.
ZosteraceaeSeagrass familyPFAF lists 3 plants in this family. It is included mainly for taxonomic completeness; review individual species pages for edible, medicinal, ecological or ornamental uses.
ZygophyllaceaeCaltrop familyIncludes caltrops, guaiacum and creosote-bush relatives. Dryland family with medicinal, resin, timber and tough desert species. PFAF currently lists 11 plants in this family.

Families in the Database

Jump to Monocotyledon (Single seed leaf) Dicotyledons (Two seed leaves) Non-flowering plants including Ferns and Conifers.

First off there are some items with general entries for an entire genus.

Latin NameCommon NameFamily Members
Castanea speciesChestnut hybridsFagaceae Castanea
Ceanothus species Rhamnaceae Ceanothus
Crataegus speciesHawthorns etc.Rosaceae Crataegus
Escallonia speciesEscalloniaEscalloniaceae Escallonia
Fuchsia speciesFuchsiaOnagraceae Fuchsia
Hemerocallis speciesDay LiliesHemerocallidaceae Hemerocallis
Hosta speciesHostaFunkiaceae Hosta
Lavatera speciesTree lavateraMalvaceae Lavatera
Lilium speciesLilyLiliaceae Lilium
Mentha speciesMint etc.Labiatae Mentha
Morus speciesMulberryMoraceae Morus
Quercus speciesOaksFagaceae Quercus
Rubus speciesHybrid berriesRosaceae Rubus
Sorbopyrus species Rosaceae Sorbopyrus
Sorbus speciesMountain Ash, WhitebeamRosaceae Sorbus

Non-Flowering Plants

Angiosperm (flowering plants)

Monocotyledon (Single seed leaf)

Alismatidea Commelinidae Arecidae Liliidae

Dicotyledons (Two seed leaves)

Asteridae Caryophyllidae Dilleniidae Hamamelididae Magnoliidae Rosidae
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