Rosaceae : Polypetalae

Rosaceae, the rose family of flowering plants composed of some 2,500 species in more than 90 genera. The family is primarily found in the north temperate zone and occurs in a wide variety of habitats. A number of species are of economic importance as food crops, including apples, almonds, cherries, pears, raspberries, and strawberries; some, such as the rose, are grown as ornamentals. Members of Rosaceae are generally woody plants, mostly shrubs or small to medium-size trees, some of which are armed with thorns, spines, or prickles to discourage herbivores.