RUTACEAE Family Overview

What type of inflorescence is commonly found in the Rutaceae family?

Which characteristic is NOT typical of flowers in the Rutaceae family?

How many sepals or lobes can be found in the calyx of Rutaceae flowers?

What is the typical number of stamens present in Rutaceae flowers?

Which of the following leaves' characteristics is commonly found in the Rutaceae family?

What type of ovary does the gynoecium typically possess?

What is the placentation type found in the gynoecium?

Which of the following types of fruit is least likely produced by members of the Rutaceae family?

Which structure is formed from a syncarpous gynoecium?

Which of the following is an economic importance of the Rutaceae family?

RUTACEAE Family

Family of flowering plants, commonly known as the rue or citrus family
Typically placed in the Sapindales order
Species range from herbs to shrubs and large trees
Flowers generally have four or five parts
Often have strong scents
Floral parts may include sepals (aposepalous or synsepalous), petals (apopetalous or sympetalous), stamens (often 8-10), and a gynoecium (usually syncarpous).
Inflorescence may be a cyme or raceme
Fruit forms include schizocarp, berry, drupe, or hesperidium (with swollen trichomes called juice sacs).
Secretory cavities containing essential oils are often present in various plant parts (like leaves and pericarp).
Plants globally distributed, particularly in tropical regions.

Economic Importance

Significant fruit producers (e.g., oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, etc)
Herbal species like Ruta graveolens (rue)
Timber trees
Medicinal plants
Ornamental cultivars

Examples of Citrus Species

Citrus sinensis (sweet orange), with varieties like Valencia late and Washington Navel
Citrus unshiu: Satsuma orange
Citrus clementina: Clementine
Citrus reticulata: Mandarin, with varieties such as Fairchild, Dancy, or Beauty
C. reticulata x C. Sinensis: Tangor
Citrus aurantium ssp. bergamia: Bergamot
Citrus meyeri: Meyer lemon
C. reticulata x C. paradisis: Tangelo
Fortunella margarita: Kumquat
Citrus mitis: Calamondin
Citrus maxima: Pamplemousses (or Pomelo)
Hybrids like C. aurantifolia (a hybrid of C. hystrix and C. medica) native to Southeast Asia.

Explore the RUTACEAE family of flowering plants, commonly known for their strong scents and economic importance. This quiz covers their classification, key characteristics, and notable species such as citrus and rue. Test your knowledge on their botanical features and uses.