Flax family
Description
A small family of herbs and some shrubs, mainly from the temporate regions (Linaceae 1).
The alternate leaves are small and simple. The flowers are regular, with 4 or 5 sepals and petals, and the same number of stamens. The ovary is superior. The fruit is usually a capsule.
There are 13 genera.
Use
The genus Linum is of great economic importance, it provides flax and linseed oil.
Described species
Linum usitatissimum, flax, linseed