Hydrophyllaceae

Hydrophyllaceae is a group of flowering plants that belongs to the order Boraginales. This family includes many different kinds of plants that grow all around the world. Sometimes, scientists have classified these plants in different ways. For example, they have also been grouped as a subgroup called Hydrophylloideae inside another plant family known as Boraginaceae. These plants are interesting because they show how scientists study and organize living things based on their similarities.

Description

Plants in this family can be small plants that live for just one year or for many years. They can also be small bushes. Their stems can grow flat on the ground or stand up. Most of these plants have one main root.

The flowers of these plants usually have both male and female parts. The flowers look the same in all directions and typically have five petals and five parts that help make seeds.

Taxonomy

The group of plants known as Hydrophyllaceae has been classified in different ways over time. Traditionally, it was considered its own family and was part of the order Solanales. The name comes from the genus Hydrophyllum, which means "waterleaf."

Later, scientists noticed that Hydrophyllaceae was closely related to another family called Boraginaceae. In a system from 2016, Hydrophyllaceae was grouped into Boraginaceae. However, some experts still recognize Hydrophyllaceae as a separate family based on modern genetic studies.

Genera

As of December 2025, there are 11 accepted genera in this group, including Draperia, Ellisia, Emmenanthe, Eucrypta, Hesperochiron, Hydrophyllum, Nemophila, Phacelia, Pholistoma, Romanzoffia, and Tricardia.