Rose (Family Rosaceae)

The Rosaceae or Rose Family is a large family of flowering plants,

with about 2830 species in 95 genera. Among the largest genera are

Alchemilla (270), Sorbus (260), Crataegus (260), Cotoneaster (260),

and Rubus (250). The largest genus by far is Prunus (plums, cherries,

peaches, apricots and almonds) with about 430 species. However, all

of these numbers should be seen as underestimates - much taxonomic

research needs to be conducted to adequately delineate this complex

family.

Roses can be herbs, shrubs or trees. Most species are deciduous, but
some are evergreen. They have a worldwide range, but are most di-

verse in the northern hemisphere.

Several economically important products come from the Rosaceae,
these include many edible fruits (such as apples, apricots, plums,
cherries, peaches, pears, raspberries, and strawberries), almonds,
and ornamental trees and shrubs (such as roses, meadowsweets,
photinias, firethorns, rowans, and hawthorns).

Back to Inventory of Herb/Forb Families and Species