Compositae
Compositae Family of c.20,000 species of plants in which the ‘flower’ is actually a composite flower-head consisting of a cluster of many, usually tiny, individual flowers (florets). In a typical composite, such as the daisy, the flower-head has a central yellow disc, consisting of a cluster of tiny bisexual florets lacking visible petals. The outer ring of female, ray florets has large white petals. In composites such as the dandelion and endive, the flower-head consists entirely of ray florets. Others, such as thistles, consist entirely of disc florets. Composites make up by far the largest family of plants, and include food plants, such as artichokes, and many popular garden flowers. The Compositae are often known as the Asteraceae.
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Compositae
