What is the largest family of flowering plants ?

The largest family of flowering plants is the ubiquitous sunflower family (Asteraceae or Compositae). According to James L. Reveal of the University of Maryland (personal communication, 2000), the family contains nearly 1550 genera and 24,000 species. The sunflower family is rivaled in size only by the orchid family (Orchidaceae) with approximately 20,000 species and the legume family (Fabaceae) with about 18,000 species. In fact, if all the known species of flowering plants on earth were randomly lined up, every fourth one would belong to the sunflower, orchid or legume families. The sunflower family includes a great diversity of species, including annuals, perennials, stem succulents, vines, shrubs and trees. It is well-represented in parks and gardens throughout the world, with bedding plants, ground covers and shrubs. Familiar common names, such as daisies, marigolds, zinnias, gazanias and chrysanthemums all belong to this family.

I came up with the orchid family, with 25,000-30,000 species.

http://www.nybg.org/events/hortexpt.html

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,