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What evidence supports placing Koeberliniaceae in the order Brassicales?
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Brassicales
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea, variety italica).
Although the family Koeberliniaceae is unique among the Brassicales for lacking the order's characteristic mustard-oil compounds (glucosinolates), it is firmly classified within the group based on several other lines of evidence.1
The placement of Koeberliniaceae in Brassicales is supported by the following shared characteristics:
- Ultrastructural features: The family shares specific internal cellular structures with other members of the order, particularly the Bataceae and Salvadoraceae families.2
- Chromosome number: It possesses the same base chromosome number as these related families.2
- Floral morphology: Like other members of its family group, Koeberliniaceae features flowers that lack a nectary and contain only two carpels.2
- Embryo structure: It exhibits a curved embryo, a trait common to many members of the Brassicales order.2