Why Do Most Plant Family Names End in "-aceae"?

image generated by Laura Watson

If you've ever looked at scientific plant names, you might have noticed a pattern—most plant family names end in "-aceae" (like Orchidaceae for orchids or Rosaceae for roses). But why is that?

A Rule of Botanical Naming

The "-aceae" ending comes from the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN), the system that regulates how plants are scientifically named. This suffix helps standardize plant classification and makes it easier for botanists to group related species.

How Are Family Names Created?

Plant family names are typically based on the name of a key genus within that family. For example:

  • Rosaceae comes from Rosa (roses)
  • Orchidaceae comes from Orchis (a type of orchid)

This method ensures a logical connection between plant names and their broader family groupings.

A Few Exceptions

Before the "-aceae" rule was enforced, some families had different names, like Compositae (now Asteraceae) and Leguminosae (now Fabaceae). These older names are still sometimes allowed due to tradition.

The Benefit of Standardization

By using a uniform naming system, scientists worldwide can communicate clearly about plant families, no matter their language. So, next time you see a plant family name ending in "-aceae," you'll know it's part of a long-standing tradition in botanical science!


Interested in FREE botanical painting tips? 

 Download my FREE 5-Step Botanical Painting Guide here.

Happy painting,
Laura 

Laura Watson
Botanical Artist & Instructor
Founder of The Watercolour Garden
www.thewatercolourgarden.com


Location: Nanaimo, BC, Canada

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

3 Tips for Keeping a Sketchbook with Nicoline Mann

Image
Botanicals & Landscape by Nicoline Mann Hi, I’m Nicoline. I'm an artist deeply inspired by the natural world, especially animals and birds, and the fleeting beauty of small, precious moments. My sketchbook practice is an extension of my love for these connections—it’s where I explore, experiment, and savour the joys of creating without pressure. I don’t confine myself to one sketchbook or one style of book. I have several on the go at any time, each serving a unique purpose. My tools vary depending on what feels right for the page or moment. I use everything from dollar-store sketchbooks prepped with gesso to high-quality watercolour books. There’s no limit to what we can create when we let go of expectations and allow ourselves to explore freely. Sketchbook pages by Nicoline Mann Sketching My World My sketchbooks are a collection of snapshots from my life and the natural world. On my forest walks with my dog, I document the tiny flowers growing along the forest floor or the bi...
Read more

3 Botanical Painting Tips with Anne Butera

Image
 Garden Painting, Anne Butera Welcome to my new Artist Feature series ! In this series of blog posts, I have invited other artists to share some of their best tips with you to help you reach your watercolour goals! There are so many wonderful and talented artists to learn from. Let's get inspired together, I hope you enjoy this article by Anne Butera. Anne Butera is a self-taught artist who works primarily in watercolour but also loves challenging herself to try new things, savouring the freedom and joy she finds within the pages of her sketchbooks. She strives to seek out and celebrate life’s little joys and daily graces in her life, her writing and her art. Anne is passionate about encouraging others to embrace their creativity and discover their joy. Her art and writing have been published in multiple magazines and in the book Botanica. She writes the blog My Giant Strawberry and the Substack In an Artist’s Garden and she teaches in person and online. Anne painting in the stud...
Read more

Exploring Nature Journaling with Alex Boon: Tips, Inspiration, and Creative Approaches

Image
Nature Journal by Alex Boon I’m always on the lookout for artists who bring a fresh perspective to nature journaling, and I’m thrilled to introduce you to Alex Boon. Alex is a nature journaling educator, artist, and content creator from East Devon, UK, whose passion for documenting the natural world is truly inspiring. Alex’s journey into nature journaling started with a treasured copy of The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady and evolved into a lifelong practice that blends art, creativity, and deep observation. Living by the sea in a rural part of the UK, he spends time exploring the natural countryside that surrounds him—filling his journals with sketches, words, and even large-scale maps In this feature, Alex shares his thoughts on keeping multiple journals, how limiting art supplies can actually improve your observation skills, and why a nature journal doesn’t have to be a book at all. Whether you're a seasoned nature journaler or just starting out, Alex’s insights are sure to...
Read more