CARYOPHYLLACEAE

the pink family of flowering plants (order Caryophyllales), comprising some 89 genera and 2,070 species of herbaceous plants, mainly of north temperate distribution. The members are diverse in appearance and habitat; most of them have swollen leaf and stem joints. Wood stichwort (Stellaria nemorum) Among the important genera are Stellaria (see photograph); Cerastium; Arenaria (including sandwort); Silene and Lychnis; Gypsophila; and Saponaria (including soapwort). The most valued horticulturally is Dianthus, which includes the carnation, commonly cultivated by florists and also grown in Europe for use in perfumes; sweet William, an old-fashioned garden flower; and the cottage, or grass, pink. See also baby's breath; campion; carnation; chickweed; pink; sweet William.