Hemp family
Description
A small plant family of perennial climbers, occurring in the northern temporate regions (Cannabinaceae 1).They are closely related to the Family Moraceae, but differing from it in having its floral parts in fives, and without latex.
The leaves are opposite or alternate, lobed, with stipules. The small dioecious flowers are wind pollinated and borne in axillary clusters. Female flowers with 5 petals, 5 sepals and a unilocular ovary; male ones with 5 stamens. The fruit is a small nutlet.
There are 2 genera.
Use
Cannabis produces the fibre hemp as well as a narcotic drug. Humulus, a perennial climbing plant, is used to flavour beers.
Described species
Cannabis sativa, hemp
Humulus lupulus, hop