Caprifoliaceae

The flowering plants in this clade are mostly shrubs and vines: rarely herbs. They include some ornamental garden plants grown in temperate regions. The leaves are mostly opposite with no stipules (appendages at the base of a leafstalk or petiole), and may be either evergreen or deciduous. The flowers are tubular funnel-shaped or bell-like, usually with five outward spreading lobes or points, and are often fragrant. They usually form a small calyx with small bracts. The fruit is in most cases a berry or a drupe. The genera Diervilla and Weigela have capsular fruit, while Heptacodium has an achene. ==Taxonomy==

Views of the family-level classification of the traditionally accepted Caprifoliaceae and other plants in the botanical order Dipsacales have been considerably revised in recent decades. Most botanists now accept the placement of two of the most familiar members of this group, the elderberries (Sambucus) and the viburnums (Viburnum), in the family Adoxaceae instead; these were formerly classified here. 33 genera are currently accepted. • × Succisoknautia – 1 species • Triplostegia – 1 species • Tribe Bassecoieae • Bassecoia – 3 species • Tribe Dipsaceae • Cephalaria – 102 species • Dipsacus – teasel, 21 species • Tribe Knautieae • Knautia – 55 species • Tribe Pseudoscabioseae • Pseudoscabiosa – 3 species • Tribe Pterocephalidieae • Pterocephalidium – 1 species • Pterothamnus – 1 species • Tribe Succiseae • Succisa - 3 species • Succisella – 5 species Subfamily Scabiosoideae • Tribe Scabioseae • Pterocephalus – 34 species • Scabiosa – scabious or pincushion flower, 68 species • Tribe Lomelosieae • Lomelosia – 63 species • Pycnocomon – 2 species Subfamily Linnaeoideae • Abelia – 6 species • Diabelia – 4 species • Dipelta – 3 species • Kolkwitzia – beautybush, 1 species • Linnaea – twinflower, 1 species • Vesalea – 6 species Subfamily Morinoideae • Morina – 14 species • Zabelia – 8 species Subfamily Valerianoideae • Nardostachys – 1 species • Patrinia – 14 species • Valeriana – valerians, 426 species • Valerianella – cornsalads, 28 species ==Uses==

The plants belonging to this family are mainly hardy shrubs or vines of ornamental value, many of which are popular garden shrubs, notably species belonging to the genera Abelia, Lonicera, and Weigela. Valerianella locusta is cultivated for use in food. Plants belonging to the family are sometimes used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). A few, however, have become invasive weeds outside their native ranges (such as Lonicera japonica). ==References==

• Flowering Plants of the World, 1987, Vernon H. Heywood, Andromeda Oxford Ltd., • Botanica, Gordon Cheers, Random House Australia, ==External links==