Plant Families

Tropical herbs and shrubs with showy flowers; includes some ornamentals and medicinal plants.

Small family of African trees and shrubs with edible fruits similar to passion fruits.

Rare family of small trees and shrubs from Central and South America.

Contains only sweet flag; rhizomatous plant used historically for flavoring and medicine.

Small family of fungi-like organisms; rarely encountered in common classification.

Vines producing fuzzy kiwifruit and smooth-skinned varieties; important commercial fruit crop.

Small family including elderberries, viburnums, and honeysuckles; many with edible berries.

Fungal family containing the common button mushroom and its relatives; widely cultivated.

Wood-decay fungi family; includes some edible species but many are toxic.

Red algae family used in food industry as carrageenan source; marine organisms.

Succulent plants from arid regions; includes ice plant and some edible species.

Brown kelp algae family; edible seaweeds harvested commercially in Asian cuisines.

Wood-decay fungi producing shelf-like fruiting bodies; some species are edible.

Aquatic plants including arrowhead; rhizomes and corms are edible starch sources.

Small family of Australian shrubs; rarely cultivated or economically significant.

Peruvian lilies; ornamental flowering plants with colorful blooms; rarely edible.

Trees including liquidambar; produces aromatic resins used in perfumes and medicines.

Fungal family containing deadly amanitas and some edible species; highly toxic varieties present.

Includes amaranth grains, spinach relatives, and quinoa; nutritious leafy greens and seeds.

Bulbous plants including daffodils, onions, garlic, and leeks; many edible species.

Moss family containing small, delicate mosses common in damp habitats worldwide.

Small succulent plant family with fleshy leaves, native to arid regions.

Family including cashews, mangoes, pistachios, and poison ivy with characteristic resinous compounds.

Marine green algae family found in tropical and subtropical coastal waters.

Small tropical tree family with unequal-sized leaflets native to Africa and Asia.

Tropical fruit family including custard apples, soursops, and cherimoya.

Rare tropical tree family with few species found in Madagascar and Africa.

Carrot family containing parsley, celery, fennel, dill, and other aromatic herbs and vegetables.

Diverse family including periwinkles, oleander, and some tropical fruit species.

Aquatic plant family with ornamental water lily-like species.

Holly family containing evergreen shrubs and trees with spiny leaves and red berries.

Tropical family including arum lilies, philodendrons, and taro, a staple starch crop.

Diverse family including ginseng, ivy, and tropical trees and shrubs.

Ancient conifer family with monkey puzzle tree and kauri, producing valuable timber.

Palm family including coconut, date palm, and other economically important tropical plants.

Monogeneric red algae family with single genus found in Pacific coastal regions.

Climbing vines and herbs with unusual curved flowers, some medicinal species.

Red algae family with articulate (jointed) filamentous structure from marine environments.

Milkweed family with latex-containing plants, important for monarch butterfly caterpillars.

Family containing asparagus, agave, yucca, and various ornamental lily-like plants.

Fungal family including common molds like Aspergillus; some produce toxins, others used in food fermentation.

Herbaceous plants including aloe, with fleshy leaves; some species produce edible tubers.

Fern family with small, delicate fronds; spleenwort ferns are common ornamental species.

Monocots with strap-like leaves; found mainly in Southern Hemisphere, some produce edible berries.

Largest flowering plant family including sunflowers, lettuce, artichokes, and chrysanthemums.

Woody shrubs and trees from Australia and South America; some produce aromatic oils.

Fern family including lady ferns; delicate fronds common in temperate woodlands.

Gelatinous fungi family including wood ear mushrooms; edible species prized in Asian cuisine.

Small fungi family; includes ear-pick fungus and other woodland saprotrophs.

Parasitic plants lacking chlorophyll; found in tropical regions, odd morphology.

Succulent herbs including impatiens and touch-me-nots; colorful ornamental flowers.

Red algae family; includes nori used in sushi and other edible seaweeds.

Fungal family including hedgehog mushrooms; many species are edible.

Climbing herbs including Malabar spinach; used as leafy vegetables in tropical regions.

Small halophytic plant family; desert shrubs adapted to saline environments.

Tender plants with asymmetrical leaves; grown for ornamental foliage and flowers.

Includes barberry and may-apple; some produce edible berries, others toxic.

Trees and shrubs including birch, alder, and hazelnut; hazelnuts are edible nuts.

Woody vines and trees with showy trumpet flowers; mostly ornamental species.

Tropical trees including annatto; seeds produce red food coloring and dye.

Fern family including hard ferns and water ferns, mostly non-edible fronds used ornamentally.

Small fungal family of delicate brown mushrooms, mostly inedible or toxic species.

Fungal family including edible boletes and porcini mushrooms, prized culinary fungi.

Fungal family of small, rare boletes with limited edibility and minimal culinary use.

Fungal family of polypore fungi, mostly inedible wood decomposers without culinary value.

Red algae family with minimal economic importance, rarely harvested for food.

Tropical tree family with no significant edible members or common uses.

Herb family including borage, comfrey, and forget-me-nots with culinary and medicinal uses.

Misspelled or obsolete name; see Boraginaceae for correct botanical designation.

Red algae family, minor seaweed with limited commercial food applications.

Cruciferous family including cabbage, broccoli, mustard, and radish—major vegetable crops.

Tropical family including pineapple, with ornamental and edible members.

South African family of small shrubs with no significant culinary importance.

Green algae family, mostly marine with minimal use in human food.

Tropical tree family producing frankincense, myrrh, and aromatic resins.

Aquatic plant family with flowering plants, no important edible members.

Evergreen shrub family including boxwood, primarily ornamental with no edible use.

Water plant family with fanwort, aquatic herbs without significant culinary value.

Succulent family including prickly pear and barrel cactus with edible fruits and pads.

Tropical tree family producing oils and resins, minor edible fruit species.

Aromatic deciduous shrubs with fragrant flowers; includes Carolina allspice and sweetshrub species.

Small family of South American herbs and shrubs with clustered flower heads.

Herbaceous plants and climbers with bell-shaped flowers; includes edible campanula and lobelias.

Tropical trees with aromatic bark; includes cinnamon relatives used as spice.

Herbaceous and woody plants including hemp, hops used in brewing, and cannabis.

Tropical plants with large leaves and showy flowers; includes edible canna lilies with starchy rhizomes.

Family of fungi; not applicable to vascular plants.

Herbaceous plants and shrubs; includes capers used as culinary condiments and related species.

Woody plants and herbs including honeysuckles, elderberries, and viburnums with edible berries.

Family of green algae; not applicable to terrestrial vascular plants.

Small family of tropical trees with winged fruits.

Tropical trees including papaya with large edible fruits rich in enzymes.

South American trees producing large oily nuts; includes Brazilian nut-like fruits.

Herbaceous plants including carnations, pinks; includes edible chickweed and related species.

Australian trees resembling conifers; produces edible seeds in some species.

Small family of Australian shrubs with needle-like leaves.

Marine green algae; includes edible sea grapes used in Asian cuisine.

Woody plants including spindle trees; some species have edible fruits or seeds.

Small family of Australian and New Zealand rush-like herbs.

Family of tropical trees producing oily seeds; includes African plant species.

Red algae family with delicate branched forms, some used in food and cosmetics.

Aquatic flowering plants with feathery submerged leaves, commonly used in aquariums.

Small woody plants with fragrant flowers, including wintergreens and aromatic species.

Single-celled green algae used as nutritional supplements and biofuel sources.

Brown algae family found in marine environments, some edible kelp species.

Brown algae with cord-like or whip-like structures in marine habitats.

Brown algae family with cylindrical or flattened thallus forms in cold waters.

Cyanobacteria forming colonies, some spirulina species used as protein supplements.

Tropical trees producing edible fruits like cocoplums and chrysobalanus nuts.

Fungal family associated with plant pathogens and decomposition processes.

Shrubby plants with showy flowers, including rock roses, no major edibles.

Lichen family with cup-shaped fruiting bodies, some traditional medicinal uses.

Green algae forming filamentous mats in freshwater and marine environments.

Fungal family with latticed fruiting bodies, some mushrooms with distinctive cage structures.

Club fungi family with simple or branched fruiting bodies, some edible species.

Club fungi producing upright unbranched or slightly branched fruiting bodies.

Parasitic fungi infecting grasses and insects, including ergot-producing species.

Club fungi with branched fruiting bodies, some edible coral-like mushrooms.

Flowering plants with showy four-petaled flowers, including peppery-fruited spider flowers.

Deciduous or evergreen shrubs with aromatic leaves and fragrant flower clusters.

Tropical trees and shrubs producing yellow resins and oils; includes mangosteen and garcinia species.

Marine green algae forming calcified structures; minor role in human food systems.

Herbaceous plants including autumn crocus; mostly toxic, medicinally important for gout treatment.

Gelatinous lichens; not edible, play ecological roles in soil development.

Tropical trees and shrubs; includes combretum species with limited edible uses.

Herbaceous plants with blue flowers; dayflowers and wandering Jew; mostly ornamental.

Tropical woody plants; species occasionally used for traditional medicines and minor foods.

Climbing plants and herbs; includes sweet potato, morning glories, and bindweeds.

Inky cap mushrooms; some edible species like Coprinellus comatus deteriorate quickly after harvest.

Toxic shrubs producing black berries; no significant edible species.

Shelf mushrooms; includes turkey tail used medicinally but not culinary.

Dogwood family; includes edible cornelian cherries and ornamental flowering trees.

Large mushroom family with brown-spored fruiting bodies; many poisonous, few edible species.

New Zealand trees; produces karaka nuts, traditional Maori food source.

Spiral ginger family; includes edible and medicinal rhizomes in tropical regions.

Succulents; includes stonecrop and jade plants; minor edible use in Asia.

Chanterelle mushroom family; valued edible fungi with distinctive funnel shape.

Small brown-spored mushrooms; mostly inedible or toxic species.

Rust fungi parasitizing plants; not directly relevant to human food.

Yeast-like fungi; includes pathogenic species, not culinary significance.

Family of climbing vines producing cucumbers, squashes, melons, and pumpkins with large leaves and tendrils.

Tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs, some producing timber; includes species with compound leaves.

See Cupressaceae (spelling variant).

Coniferous family including cypress, juniper, and arborvitae trees valued for timber and ornamental use.

Tree fern family with large fronds; ancient group found in tropical and subtropical forests.

Primitive seed plants resembling ferns with stout trunks and feathery leaves; includes cycads and sago palms.

Tropical American plants with spiral leaf arrangements; includes Panama hat palm used for weaving.

Parasitic plants lacking chlorophyll; rare family with underground stems and fleshy fruiting structures.

Grass-like sedges with triangular stems; abundant in wetlands; includes papyrus and nutgrass species.

Small fungi forming tiny cup-shaped fruiting bodies on decaying wood in moist environments.

Fragile ferns with delicate fronds; small family of herbaceous ferns in temperate regions.

Parasitic plants with no leaves living inside host vines; includes cytinus species.

Fungi causing galls on southern beech trees; includes edible beech apple fungus in South America.

Jelly fungi producing translucent, gelatinous fruiting bodies on decaying wood.

Evergreen shrubs and trees from Asia; glossy leaves; minimal economic importance.

Epiphytic ferns with scaly rhizomes; includes rabbit's foot fern and similar ornamental species.

Red algae with delicate, leafy thalli; marine family found in cool coastal waters worldwide.

Temperate ferns including bracken; some spreading by rhizomes in disturbed forest habitats.

See Dennstaedtiaceae (spelling variant).

Small fungi with membranous gill-like structures; inconspicuous woodland decomposers.

Small herbaceous plants found in alpine and arctic regions, mostly non-edible ornamentals.

Tropical trees and shrubs with small flowers; few economically important species.

Rare green algae family with simple, branching filamentous structure.

Tree ferns native to Southern Hemisphere; some species have edible starchy trunks.

Moss family with forked peristome teeth; common in moist terrestrial habitats.

Brown algae family with flat, branching fronds; some species used as food supplements.

Tropical and subtropical trees, shrubs, and climbers with showy flowers; limited food uses.

Climbing vines producing starchy tubers; includes yams, important staple crops worldwide.

Ferns with fan-shaped fronds; mostly tropical ornamental species with little economic value.

Large tropical rainforest trees producing valuable timber and aromatic oils; limited food species.

Liverwort family with disc-shaped gemmae cups; small non-vascular plants in moist habitats.

Australian native plants with large showy red and yellow flowers; rarely cultivated.

Carnivorous plants with sticky tentacles that trap insects; includes sundews.

Shield ferns family; widespread temperate and tropical ferns, mostly ornamental.

Brown algae family with bull kelp; Pacific marine species some harvested for food.

Tropical trees producing ebony wood and persimmons; includes valuable timber and edible fruits.

Brown algae family with branching filamentous structure; minor food and industrial uses.

Shrubs and trees with silvery leaves; includes sea buckthorn with nutrient-rich edible berries.

Tropical and subtropical trees; some produce edible fruits and medicinal seeds.

Red algae family with branching fronds; minor commercial use in some regions.

Ascomycete fungi family containing yeasts and fermentation organisms used in brewing and baking.

Fungal family of gilled mushrooms, mostly inedible or toxic, with pink spore prints.

Gymnosperm shrubs producing ephedrine alkaloids; includes ma huang used traditionally in medicine.

Primitive vascular plants (horsetails) with jointed stems and silica-rich tissues; no true edible species.

Diverse family including heaths, blueberries, cranberries, and rhododendrons; many produce edible berries.

Monocot family of small herbaceous plants found in wetlands; generally not economically important.

Fungal family causing powdery mildew diseases on plants; plant pathogens with no edible use.

Tropical tree family from South America; some species produce edible fruits and medicinal compounds.

Small tree family including coca (Erythroxylum coca), source of cocaine alkaloid.

South American family of ornamental shrubs with simple leaves; minimal economic importance.

Single-species family containing rubber tree (Eucommia ulmoides) producing gutta-percha latex.

Huge diverse family including cassava, rubber, ricin, and castor bean; many toxic or edible species.

Australian rainforest family with aromatic primitive flowers; Eupomatia produces edible fruits.

Small Asian family of deciduous trees with unusual flower structure; no major economic uses.

Ascomycete fungal family containing true truffles prized as culinary delicacies.

Gelatinous fungal family including wood ear mushrooms; some species are edible.

Parasitic fungal family causing leaf galls on plants; not edible or economically important.

Legume family with nitrogen-fixing roots; includes beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, and alfalfa.

Tree family containing oaks, beeches, and chestnuts; produces edible nuts and acorns.

Fungal family with single pore; includes beefsteak fungus, an edible bracket mushroom.

Tropical climbing plants with long, whip-like leaves; minor ornamental and traditional use species.

Wood-decay fungi family including shelf mushrooms; some species used in traditional medicine.

Desert shrubs with succulent stems and colorful flowers; mostly ornamental in cultivation.

Salt-tolerant shrubs found in coastal and saline environments; minimal economic importance.

Brown seaweeds including kelps; economically important for food, fertilizer, and industrial uses.

Red seaweeds used as carrageenan source; important for food thickening and gelling.

Shelf fungi with medicinal properties; Reishi mushroom used in traditional Asian medicine.

Ornamental evergreen shrubs with distinctive catkin flowers; cultivated for landscaping purposes.

Obscure plant family with minimal known members; limited economic or ecological importance.

Earthstar fungi with distinctive star-shaped spore dispersal structures; mostly inedible.

Red seaweeds yielding agar; essential for laboratory media and food industry uses.

Small red seaweeds producing agar; less economically important than related families.

Climbing vines; Carolina jasmine valued as ornamental; contains toxic alkaloids.

Herbaceous plants with bright flowers; some species used for bitter digestive tonics.

Earth-tongue fungi with distinctive clublike fruiting bodies; mostly inedible species.

Includes geraniums and pelargoniums; valued ornamental flowers; some produce scented oils.

Tropical herbaceous plants including African violets; popular indoor ornamental houseplants.

Red seaweeds yielding carrageenan; important for food thickening and industrial applications.

Ancient tree family with single living species; ginkgo nuts are edible; medicinal uses.

Minor succulent herbs; primarily of botanical interest; negligible economic importance.

Ancient fern family containing climbing and scrambling ferns with distinctive forked fronds found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Small fungal family of wood-decay basidiomycete fungi with gills, related to polypores and shelf fungi.

Gymnosperm family including Welwitschia and Ephedra, unique plants with vessel elements in their wood.

Fungal family containing tooth fungi and relatives, with spore-bearing structures on gills or ridges rather than pores.

Fungal family of slimy cap mushrooms with blackening gills, closely related to boletes and conifers.

Flowering plant family with mostly Australian wildflowers, small herbs and shrubs with characteristic winged fruits.

Tropical South American tree family producing the Curupay tree, yielding hardwood and edible fruits.

Red algae family containing economically important species harvested for carrageenan, a common food thickening agent.

Alternative spelling of Gracilariaceae; red algae family providing carrageenan used in food and cosmetic industries.

Currant and gooseberry family, producing tart edible berries rich in vitamin C and widely cultivated.

Plant family containing Gunnera, giant rhubarb-like herbs with enormous leaves native to South America.

Small Australian plant family of shrubs and small trees with distinctive spiral-chambered fruits.

Bloodwort family containing ornamental plants with red sap and rhizomes, including kangaroo paw species.

Calcified green algae family producing segmented branching forms, contributes to tropical reef sand.

Red algae family with diverse morphologies, some species used as food additives and in agar production.

Witch hazel family including ornamental shrubs and trees with fragrant winter flowers and medicinal properties.

Small palm-like plant family from Southeast Asia containing climbing or spreading monocots with sword-shaped leaves.

Tropical flowering plant family with distinctive waxy bracts, lobster-claw flowers, and edible banana-like fruits.

Cup fungus family containing saddle fungi and false morels, some edible but requiring careful identification.

Small Asian plant family of evergreen shrubs with inconspicuous flowers and distinctive spine-like inflorescences.

Tropical trees and shrubs in the laurel order, including species with aromatic properties and some edible fruits.

Brown seaweeds found in cool coastal waters, sometimes harvested as sea vegetables.

Small tropical family of trees and shrubs native to South America with limited commercial importance.

Tropical South American trees producing hard wood and some edible fruits rarely used locally.

Bulbous flowering plants including edible hyacinth beans and ornamental species with clustered blue or purple flowers.

Fungi with tooth-like or spine-like structures under the cap; includes edible species like hedgehog mushrooms.

Ornamental shrubs and vines known for large, showy flower clusters; includes hydrangeas and mock orange.

Aquatic flowering plants including waterweed and frogbit; some species used in aquariums and water gardens.

Freshwater green algae forming net-like or colonial structures; minimal economic importance.

Small family of herbs and shrubs with blue flowers, primarily found in warm regions.

Fungi with waxy gill texture; includes edible wax cap mushrooms found in grasslands and woodlands.

Underground-fruiting fungi related to truffles; some species edible but not commercially significant.

Herbaceous plants and shrubs including St. John's Wort; many species have medicinal properties.

Red seaweeds used in Asia as food and for carrageenan extraction in food production.

Parasitic and saprophytic fungi; includes cordyceps and some species used in traditional medicine.

Small fungal family with limited economic or ecological importance in most regions.

Herbaceous plants with star-shaped yellow flowers; includes some species with medicinal or ornamental value.

Wood-decaying fungi that form dark fruiting bodies; minor role in forest ecosystems.

Tropical trees and shrubs producing edible fruits like plums and some timber species.

Fungi with distinctive fibrous caps; mostly inedible, some toxic species mistaken for edible mushrooms.

Flowering plants with sword-like leaves including iris, crocus, and saffron; grown for ornament and spice.

Tropical African trees producing edible mango-like fruits and seeds used in West African cuisine.

Aquatic and terrestrial fern allies with grass-like leaves, mostly small primitive vascular plants.

Small tropical tree family from Africa and Asia with limited economic importance.

Trees producing nuts including walnuts, pecans, and hickories; economically important for nuts and timber.

Rush family of grass-like herbaceous plants inhabiting wet areas; used for basketry and thatching.

Small aquatic and wetland herb family with arrow-grass species; minor ecological importance.

Red algae family from marine environments; some species harvested for food and cosmetic uses.

Rare African tree family with very limited distribution and minimal economic importance.

Small African tree family with aromatic properties; limited commercial use in traditional medicine.

Desert shrub family from Americas with astringent properties; historically used in traditional remedies.

Small tropical tree family from South America with limited economic or culinary importance.

Mint family including basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage; essential for cooking and medicine.

Kelp family of large brown algae harvested for food, fertilizer, and industrial compounds worldwide.

South African plant family related to bromeliads; minor horticultural and ornamental importance.

Climbing vines from East Asia producing edible berries and used ornamentally in gardens.

Trees and shrubs including bay laurel, cinnamon, avocado, and camphor; important spice and fruit crops.

Tropical rainforest trees including Brazil nut tree; produces edible nuts and hard woods.

Red algae family from freshwater environments; minimal economic importance with limited human use.

Carnivorous plants including bladderworts and butterworts that trap aquatic prey using specialized leaf structures.

Brown algae family containing large kelps and seaweeds found in cold ocean waters worldwide.

Small family of red algae, mostly microscopic species found in marine environments.

Monocots including lilies, tulips, and onions; diverse herbs with bulbs and colorful flowers.

Extinct early fish family; not applicable to modern plant classification systems.

Flax family producing linseed oil and fiber; includes herbaceous plants with small clustered flowers.

Small family of herbaceous plants, some used traditionally in Asian medicine and cuisines.

Tropical and subtropical herbs with stinging hairs, showy flowers, and sometimes edible fruits.

Lichen family combining fungi and algae; found on trees and rocks in humid regions.

Tropical woody plants including strychnine tree; various species with medicinal and toxic properties.

Ferns with climbing or creeping fronds, found in tropical rainforests and moist habitats.

Small family of tropical trees with unusual fruit structures and limited economic importance.

Parasitic flowering plants (mistletoes) living on tree branches with colorful berries and flowers.

Puffball fungi family producing spore-filled fruiting bodies, some species edible when young.

Ancient clubmosses with scale-like leaves; primitive vascular plants reproducing via spores.

Climbing ferns with feathery fronds, found in tropical and subtropical moist regions.

Wood-decomposing fungi family including gilled mushrooms found on dead wood.

Diverse herbs and shrubs including loosestrife; some produce dyes and have medicinal uses.

Ancient flowering trees including magnolias and tulip trees; large fragrant flowers and edible fruits.

Large tropical family including passionfruits, flax, and hypericum; diverse morphology and uses.

Family including hibiscus, okra, and cacao; characterized by five petals and prominent stamens.

Tropical plants with distinctive leaves; includes arrowroot and prayer plant, valued for starch and ornament.

Family of small, delicate fungi; includes edible species like fairy ring mushrooms.

Tropical climbing plants with specialized nectar-producing bracts; includes mostly non-edible ornamentals.

Aquatic ferns with clover-like leaves; some species used as vegetables in Asian cuisine.

Plants producing distinctive hooked seed pods; devil's claw used medicinally and ornamentally.

Filamentous cyanobacteria family; rarely edible, primarily ecological interest.

Fungal family with large spores; saprotrophs playing roles in forest decomposition.

Family of truffle-like fungi; some species edible or used as flavoring agents.

Herbaceous plants including baneberry and false hellebore; mostly toxic, not edible.

Tropical shrubs with distinctive flowers; includes edible Tibouchina and medicinal species.

Family containing mahogany and neem; includes edible chinaberry and West Indian cedar.

Southern African plants with nectar-rich flowers; primarily ornamental with no culinary significance.

Climbing vines producing moon-seed fruits; mostly toxic despite edible-appearing berries.

Aquatic and wetland plants including bogbean; some traditionally used as bitter herbs.

Wood-decay fungi family; includes bracket mushrooms without culinary or edible value.

Family of shelf and bracket fungi; saprotrophs with no edible species.

Small tropical tree family; largely unknown with minimal economic or culinary importance.

Rare tropical family; taxonomically obscure with negligible economic or edible significance.

Small herbaceous plants in tropical/subtropical regions, some used as leafy vegetables in Asian cuisines.

Fungi producing monacolin compounds; used in fermented foods and traditional medicine.

Tropical woody plants with aromatic leaves; includes species with culinary or medicinal uses.

Marine green algae; simple seaweed species with minimal commercial significance.

Small succulent herbs including spring beauty; minor edible tubers in some cultures.

Tropical African shrubs and trees; limited economic importance.

Includes figs, mulberries, breadfruit, and jackfruit; important tropical fruits and timber trees.

True morel mushrooms; highly prized edible fungi with distinctive honeycomb caps.

Drumstick/moringa tree; highly nutritious leafy vegetable and seeds used in tropical regions.

Fungal family with cellulose-degrading molds; mostly decomposers with limited practical use.

Fast-growing molds including bread molds; used in fermented foods and bioproduction.

Banana and plantain family; globally important staple fruits and carbohydrate sources.

Small delicate mushrooms; some edible species but many toxic look-alikes.

Aromatic shrubs including bayberry and waxmyrtle; used for wax and seasonings.

Nutmeg and mace family; valuable warm spice from tropical seed coverings.

Tropical and subtropical shrubs; includes some plants with edible berries.

Eucalyptus, guava, myrtle; includes berries, spices, and essential oil sources.

Bog plants with modest flowers; no significant culinary or commercial importance.

Tropical carnivorous pitcher plants; ornamental species with no edible use.

Sword ferns; common ornamental houseplants with no culinary significance.

Small herb family found in arid regions; contains low-growing plants with minimal economic importance.

Fungal family of tiny "bird's nest" fungi with cup-shaped fruiting bodies.

Small shrub family from arid regions; contains salt-tolerant plants with minor edible fruits.

Cyanobacteria family forming gelatinous colonies; includes edible spirulina-related organisms.

Southern beech trees from Southern Hemisphere; produces small edible nuts.

Four o'clock family; ornamental herbs and shrubs with showy flowers and edible roots in some species.

Water lily family; aquatic plants with large floating leaves and edible rhizomes/seeds.

Tropical family including Mickey Mouse plant; ornamental shrubs with colorful fruits.

Tropical tree family with small flowers; includes some species with edible fruits.

Ash, olive, and lilac family; includes olives, jasmine, and valuable timber trees.

Evening primrose family; includes edible plants like evening primrose oil and berries.

Small fern family with sensitive fern; includes some edible fiddleheads.

Fungal family of cordyceps; includes insect-parasitic fungi used in traditional medicine.

Adder's tongue fern family; small primitive ferns with simple fronds.

Tropical tree family with small flowers; minor edible fruits in some species.

Largest flowering family with 25,000+ species; mostly ornamental; vanilla is primary edible crop.

Parasitic plants including broomrape; some species edible but mostly weeds.

Cyanobacteria family forming filamentous mats; includes spirulina and edible algae.

Royal fern family; large primitive ferns; fiddleheads are edible delicacy.

Small fungal family of cup fungi; mostly inedible and microscopically small.

Wood sorrels and their relatives; some species edible with tart leaves, others cultivated ornamentally.

Peonies; herbaceous and woody ornamental plants prized for large, colorful flowers.

Red algae family; includes edible and commercially harvested seaweed species.

Small tropical tree family; includes plants with edible fruits and useful timber.

Screw pines; tropical plants with long leaves; some species produce edible fruits and fibers.

Poppy family; includes ornamental poppies, opium poppy, and plants yielding culinary seeds.

Lichens; symbiotic fungi and algae; some species edible and used in traditional medicines.

Passion fruits; climbing vines with exotic flowers and nutritious, tart edible fruits.

Fungi family; includes brown rot wood-decomposing mushrooms, mostly inedible or toxic.

Sesame family; herbaceous plants producing sesame seeds and other oil-rich seeds for food.

Lichens; symbiotic organisms; some species used as traditional foods and medicines.

Small African shrub family; ornamental plants with minimal culinary or commercial importance.

Tropical African trees; rarely cultivated, producing fruits with limited commercial use.

Herbaceous plants from tropical Asia; minimal economic importance or culinary use.

Tropical trees and shrubs; primarily ornamental with limited edible or commercial products.

Ditch stonecrop family; small herbaceous plants with minimal culinary or economic significance.

Tropical trees; produce edible fruits, though rarely cultivated outside native regions.

Tropical tree family; limited economic importance; minimal culinary or commercial use.

Herbaceous plants; some used in traditional medicine; minimal widespread culinary significance.

Fungi family; includes cup fungi; some edible species like morels, though variable toxicity.

Fungi family including stinkhorns; fruiting bodies with foul odor dispersed by insects.

Wood-decay fungi family; includes bracket fungi and species used in traditional medicine.

Small fungal family; earthstar-like fungi with spore-containing structures beneath soil surface.

Rare Chilean plants; woody vines with red flowers; limited horticultural use.

Flowering plants including lopseed; small herbaceous plants native to Asia and Americas.

Tropical/subtropical plants including leaf flowers; some species produce edible fruit or medicinal compounds.

Red algae family; includes carrageenan-producing species valuable in food and cosmetic industries.

Fungal family including honey mushrooms; edible fungi with clustered fruiting bodies on wood.

Slime mold family; plasmodial organisms producing spore cases on decaying wood and plant matter.

Lichen family; includes common foliose and fruticose lichens found on trees and rocks.

Berried plants including pokeweed; some edible berries, though many species contain toxic compounds.

Tropical South American plants; small family with bitter wood used in traditional medicine.

Conifer family including pines, firs, spruces; major timber source and valuable seed-bearing plants.

Pepper family; includes black pepper and other spice plants with pungent aromatic fruits.

Fungal family; puffball-like fungi producing chambered spore masses within underground fruiting bodies.

East Asian ornamental shrubs and trees; glossy-leaved plants with fragrant flowers and seed capsules.

Flowering plant family including plantains and snapdragons; mostly herbaceous with simple leaves.

Plane trees; large deciduous trees with distinctive peeling bark and sycamore-like fruits.

Fungal family including oyster mushrooms; edible wood-decay fungi with shelf-like fruiting bodies.

Red algae family; branched seaweeds from cold waters with limited commercial applications.

A family of flowering plants including statice and leadwort, often grown as ornamentals with colorful flowers.

A fungal family of gilled mushrooms, including the deer mushroom and other woodland species.

The grass family containing wheat, rice, corn, barley, and oats—humanity's most important food crops.

A family of conifers native to Southern Hemisphere regions, including timber and ornamental trees.

Aquatic flowering plants adapted to fast-flowing rivers, rarely cultivated and of minimal economic importance.

A family of flowering plants including phlox and Jacob's ladder, valued for colorful garden displays.

A family of green algae found in freshwater environments with minimal human economic significance.

A family of herbaceous plants and shrubs including milkworts, mostly ornamental with few edible species.

A family containing buckwheat, rhubarb, sorrel, and dock—plants valued for grains and leafy vegetables.

A family of dinoflagellates, microscopic marine organisms important in ocean ecosystems and harmful algal blooms.

A family of true ferns with fronds, commonly found in forests and cultivated as houseplants.

A family of shelf fungi and bracket fungi, including edible species like chicken of the woods.

A family of mosses, including hair cap mosses, found in moist forests and acidic soils.

Aquatic flowering plants including water hyacinth and pickerel rush, used in ornamental water gardens.

A family of red algae used in research and biotechnology, some species cultured commercially.

A family including purslane and miner's lettuce—succulent edible greens and ornamental flowering plants.

Aquatic plants including pondweeds, important for freshwater ecosystem structure and fish habitat.

A family of green algae found in freshwater and marine environments with minimal commercial use.

A family including primrose, cyclamen, and pimpernel, prized as decorative garden and indoor flowering plants.

A Southern Hemisphere family including protea, macadamia nuts, and Australian native ornamental trees.

Family of small, delicate mushrooms with thin fruiting bodies, including edible species like ink caps.

Filamentous cyanobacteria family found in freshwater and marine environments, important for nitrogen fixation.

Ancient vascular plants lacking true roots and leaves, primitive ferns with whisk-like branching.

Fern family including bracken and maidenhair ferns, with fronds varying from delicate to robust.

Red algae family containing gelidium species used commercially to produce agar for culinary and scientific use.

Small tropical tree family with dioecious species producing useful timber and medicinal compounds.

Moss family characterized by pinnately branched shoots, common in temperate forests on bark and soil.

Fungal family of small cup fungi and earth-tongue species found decomposing organic matter in soil.

Lichen family with branched fruticose or foliose forms, commonly found on tree bark and rocks.

Fungal family of coral fungi and club fungi, some edible species like cauliflower mushrooms.

Buttercup family including diverse herbs with simple flowers; contains buttercups, anemones, and columbines.

Fungal family with basidiomycete fruiting bodies, typically small wood-decaying species.

Small herb family including mignonette and weld, historically used for yellow dyes.

Grass-like southern hemisphere family with rush-like shoots, important in wetland ecosystems.

Fungal family of slime molds forming network-like plasmodia during their life cycle.

Woody plant family including buckthorn and jujube; produces edible fruits and medicinal compounds.

Mangrove family with salt-tolerant trees adapted to coastal environments with specialized aerial roots.

Red algae family of small marine seaweeds found primarily in tropical and subtropical waters.

Large red algae family with complex branching patterns, includes species used in food production.

Red algae family with diverse morphologies, found in marine rocky shore and deeper water habitats.

Red algae family with branched thalli; some species used in food and agar production.

Lichen family producing usnic acid; historically important for dye production.

Flowering plants including apples, pears, strawberries, almonds, and roses.

Tropical family containing coffee, quinine, and madder plants.

Aquatic flowering plants found in brackish and saline waters.

Fungal family with edible and toxic mushrooms including russula and brittlegill species.

Citrus family producing oranges, lemons, limes, and aromatic oils.

Small tropical tree family with limited economic importance.

Yeast family including baker's and brewer's yeast used in fermentation.

Trees and shrubs including willows and poplars.

Tropical shrub family with salt-tolerant species in arid regions.

Aquatic fern family with free-floating fronds used as animal feed.

Sandalwood family; trees producing fragrant wood and parasitic species.

Tropical family including lychee, longan, and soapberry plants.

Tropical family with edible fruits like sapodilla and shea butter.

Desert saltbush family with halophytic shrubs.

Tropical Madagascar family with limited distribution and uses.

Cup fungi family with small colorful fruiting bodies in moist environments.

Brown cup fungi family found on wood and soil.

Brown algae family including floating sargassum seaweed in oceans.

Small family of aromatic herbs including lizard's tail; mostly tropical with few economically important species.

Diverse family of herbaceous plants and shrubs including saxifrages; some ornamental species, few edible members.

Family of microscopic green algae; single-celled organisms important in biotechnology and aquaculture but not culinary plants.

Small tropical family of trees and shrubs; limited economic importance and minimal edible or ornamental use.

Woody vines with aromatic fruits; includes magnolia vine used in traditional Asian medicine and cuisine.

Ancient family of ferns with filmy fronds; primitive lineage with no significant economic or culinary value.

Small tropical family of epiphytic plants; minimal economic importance and rarely cultivated outside native ranges.

Small family of tropical shrubs and trees; no major culinary, medicinal, or ornamental significance reported.

Family of puffball-like fungi; some species edible but often gelatinous and of limited culinary appeal.

Large family including snapdragons and figworts; primarily ornamental with few significant edible members.

Family of brown algae; marine seaweeds with minimal culinary use despite ocean habitat.

Family of red algae; seaweeds primarily of scientific interest with limited human food applications.

Ancient family of small club mosses; primitive plants resembling ferns but evolutionarily distinct, non-edible.

Tropical family including ailanthus and picrasma; bitter compounds used medicinally but few culinary applications.

Monogeneric family containing jojoba; produces valuable wax-like oil used cosmetically and industrially, not food.

Tropical South American family of aromatic trees; limited commercial use aside from traditional medicine applications.

Family including sarsaparilla and greenbriers; some species produce edible tubers and berries in traditional cuisines.

Major family including tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplants; essential global food crops also containing tobacco.

Family of red algae; edible seaweeds harvested in Asia for culinary and industrial carrageenan extraction.

Family of shelf fungi including oyster mushrooms; widely cultivated edible fungi prized in global cuisine.

Red algae family found in marine environments, some species used in food production and agar extraction.

Moss family of peat mosses found in wetlands, important for soil formation and carbon storage.

Small tropical plant family with herbaceous members, minor agricultural significance in some regions.

Bladdernut family of woody plants with compound leaves, primarily ornamental with inedible fruits.

Asian plant family with tuberous roots, some species traditionally used in herbal medicine.

Tropical tree family from Southeast Asia, poorly studied with limited economic importance.

Wood-decay fungal family, important decomposers in forest ecosystems.

Lichen family with photosynthetic algal partners, found on tree bark and rocks worldwide.

Plant family including candlewood trees, mainly ornamental with some medicinal uses in Africa.

Tropical plant family including bird-of-paradise flowers, grown ornamentally for stunning colorful blooms.

Fungal family of wood-decomposing mushrooms, some species edible though not widely cultivated.

Fungal family including edible species like king trumpet mushrooms, cultivated commercially worldwide.

Tree family producing fragrant resins, includes storax and benzoin used in perfumes and medicine.

Fungal family of ectomycorrhizal mushrooms, some edible species foraged in coniferous forests.

Tropical tree family with limited distribution, minimal economic or culinary importance.

Tropical and subtropical trees, some species provide dyes and traditional medicines in Asia.

Succulent plant family with small herbaceous members, minor ornamental and culinary value.

Salt-tolerant shrub family including tamarisk, useful for revegetation in arid and saline areas.

Conifer family including yew trees, toxic except for edible arils, important in traditional medicine.

Small bulbous plant family from South America, grown ornamentally for blue flowers.

Tropical ferns with simple or compound fronds, including some ornamental species.

Lichens with colorful fruticose or foliose forms, often found on rocks and trees.

Desert truffles producing edible, prized underground fruiting bodies in arid regions.

Tropical trees with large leaves and distinctive four-chambered capsule fruits.

Small family of tropical rainforest trees with unusual flower structures.

Woody plants including tea (*Camellia sinensis*) and ornamental camellias with showy flowers.

Wood-decaying fungi forming bracket or funnel-shaped fruiting bodies on logs.

Marsh ferns with soft, delicate fronds, mostly temperate and tropical species.

Shrubs and trees with tough bark; includes daphnes and flax plants.

Jelly fungi forming gelatinous fruiting bodies, edible species include wood ear mushrooms.

Green algae forming filaments in freshwater environments, important in aquatic ecosystems.

Mushrooms with gills including edible species like matsutake and honey mushrooms.

Tropical lianas and shrubs with distinctive three-winged fruits and colorful flowers.

Herbaceous plants with peppery edible leaves and flowers; includes garden nasturtium.

Truffles producing highly prized, fragrant underground fruiting bodies valued in cuisine.

Wetland plants including cattails with cylindrical brown seed heads and edible rhizomes.

Trees including elms and hackberries; adaptable hardwoods with small flowers.

Green algae forming unbranched filaments in freshwater and marine environments.

Green algae including sea lettuce, edible seaweed found in coastal waters.

Rock lichens with distinctive disc-like thalli, some species traditionally eaten.

Family of herbaceous plants and shrubs including nettles; some species edible when cooked to remove stinging hairs.

Lichen family producing fruticose forms; not typically consumed but used medicinally in traditional practices.

Fungal family causing smut diseases on grains; some species historically harvested as food delicacy.

Marine green algae family; limited culinary use but studied for nutritional potential.

Drought-resistant plants from Africa and South America; rarely cultivated or consumed.

Herbaceous family including lemon verbena and vervain; valued for herbal teas and flavoring.

Includes violets and pansies; flowers edible with mild flavor, used for garnish and candying.

Grapevines and relatives; grapes are major fruit crop, leaves used in Mediterranean cuisines.

Small South American plant family; no significant culinary or economic importance.

Tropical trees from South America; limited use, some species produce useful timber.

Monotypic family of desert plant; rarely used, primarily botanical curiosity with no edible value.

Ancient flowering plant family; some species used medicinally, no major culinary applications.

Fern family producing small woodland ferns; some species edible when young as fiddleheads.

Includes grass trees and aloe relatives; some species used medicinally or ornamentally.

Fungal family of edible boletus mushrooms; includes prized species like porcini and cepe.

Fungal family containing small forest mushrooms; some edible species but generally not commercially important.

Tropical plants with grass-like foliage; no significant culinary or economic applications.

Cycads producing starch-bearing seeds; some traditionally processed for food but potentially toxic without preparation.

Ginger and turmeric family; economically important spices and flavoring agents worldwide.

Seagrass family found in coastal marine habitats; minimal culinary use but ecologically important.

Freshwater green algae family, including conjugating algae; mostly microscopic aquatic organisms without commercial food use.

Tropical and arid plant family containing guaiacum, creosote bush, and caltrop; few edible members of note.