Capparales

(botany) An order of dicotyledonous plants in the subclass Dilleniidae.

An order of flowering plants (Angiospermae) of approximately 15 families of dicotyledons with over 4000 species. In molecular phylogenetic classifications, it is placed near Malvales, Myrtales, and Sapindales. See also Malvales; Myrtales; Plant kingdom; Sapindales.

The mustard family, Brassicaceae (Cruciferae), with about 3000 species, and the caper family, Capparaceae, with about 800 species, form the core of the order. An additional 200 or so species are treated in 13 families, including Caricaceae (papaya), Limnanthaceae (meadowfoam), Resedaceae (mignonette), and Tropaeolaceae (garden nasturtium). The plants are diverse in vegetative habit and in floral and fruit morphology. However, they commonly possess myrosin cells, containing the enzyme myrosinase, and produce mustard oil glucosides (glucosinolates), the breakdown products of which are the pungent compounds of radish, wasabi, horseradish, and capers. Primitive members of the order have five-parted flowers, but the core families have four-parted flowers. Common vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, radish, rutabaga, turnip, and water cress belong to the Brassicaceae. Capparales are also important sources of seed oils and of several ornamental flowers. See also Broccoli; Brussels sprouts; Cabbage; Cauliflower; Collard; Cress; Horseradish; Kale; Kohlrabi; Mustard; Radish; Rape; Rutabaga; Turnip.

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