Hydrophyllaceae

Hydrophyllaceae is a group of flowering plants. It belongs to the order Boraginales.

This family has many kinds of plants that grow around the world. Scientists sometimes classify these plants in different ways. For example, they have also been grouped as a subgroup called Hydrophylloideae inside another plant family known as Boraginaceae.

These plants show how scientists study and organize living things based on their similarities.

Description

Plants in this family can be small and live for just one year or many years. Some can be small bushes. Their stems can grow flat on the ground or stand up. Most have one main root.

The flowers of these plants usually have both male and female parts. The flowers look the same from all directions and typically have five petals and five parts that help make seeds.

Taxonomy

The Hydrophyllaceae are a group of plants that have been classified in different ways. Traditionally, they were their own family and part of the order Solanales. The name comes from the genus Hydrophyllum, which means "waterleaf."

Later, scientists found that Hydrophyllaceae is closely related to another family called Boraginaceae. In 2016, Hydrophyllaceae was grouped into Boraginaceae. However, some experts still think Hydrophyllaceae is a separate family based on new genetic studies.

Genera

As of December 2025, there are 11 accepted genera in this group. These include Draperia, Ellisia, Emmenanthe, Eucrypta, Hesperochiron, Hydrophyllum, Nemophila, Phacelia, Pholistoma, Romanzoffia, and Tricardia.