SAXIFRAGACEAE - Saxifrage Family
Perennial herbs
Leaves alternate, without stipules, various shapes
Flowers bisexual,
actinomorphic, in racemes or cymes, usually perigynous
Seed with small embryo surrounded by endosperm
40 genera, 700 species
Closely related to Crassulaceae. Saxifrage means breaker of
stones.
Economic importance: garden
ornamentals
Medicinal uses - some species have high tannin content which may
account for leaf and root teas being used for diarrhea and as a
diuretic, also on wounds. Use of Saxifraga cernua to treat
kidney stones was based on the resemblance of bulblets in the leaf
axil to kidney stones.
Diagnostic characteristics: perennial herbs, flowers 5-merous,
perigynous
IMAGE GALLERY
FLOWERING
PLANT GATEWAY