Fumariaceae: Fumitory Family / Subfamily. Identify plants and flowers.

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Fumariaceae: Fumitory Family Plant Identification Characteristics.

Fumariaceae
Plants of the Fumitory Family

The delicate flowers of the Bleeding Heart or Fumitory family are always a delight to find. The flowers are irregular and bisexual with 2 scale-like sepals and 4 petals. The outer petals spread above the narrower inner petals. The flowers usually have 6 stamens in two groups of 3 on opposite sides of the pistil, but may have 4 stamens positioned opposite the petals. The ovary is positioned superior and consists of 2 united carpels (bicarpellate) that form a single chamber. It matures as a capsule or a 1-seeded nut.

Worldwide, there are about 16 genera and some 450 species. Three genera below are native to North America. Fumaria was introduced. The Bleeding Heart Family is sometimes combined with the Poppy Family, and shares at least some medicinal properties. Both families are rich in alkaloids, many with narcotic properties.

Key Words: Irregular dicot flowers with 2 sepals and 4 petals.

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