Ranunculaceae -- the buttercup family (52/2000 widespread)
Habit herbs, shrubs or woody vines
Leaves phyllotaxy variable, simple to several times compound (crowsfoot leaf); estipulate (rarely stipulate)
Inflorescence various
Perianth various, usually showy
Calyx 4-many sepals, distinct, often petaloid
Corolla 0 or 4-5, sometimes many, distinct
Androecium many (rarely 5-10) stamens, distinct
Gynoecium 5-many carpels (rarely 1), distinct (rarely 5, connate); superior
Fruit= cluster of achenes or follicles (rarely a berry or capsule)
(Floral formula: Ca4- ? Co0,4-5 A ? G5- ? )