There are hundreds of different specialty crop plants grown. All plants have similar parts that are important to their survival. But many times, the plant parts look different. Plant scientists look for patterns in how these plant parts look and have created groups called families. Farmers use plant families to understand the growing needs of plants. Then they can provide the right soil, sunlight, and moisture so the plant will grow strong and healthy.
Gourd Family: Cucurbitaceae
Examples: gourds, watermelon, squash, pumpkins
Characteristics include:
Rose Family: Rosaceae
Examples: Rose, pears, plum, raspberry, strawberry
Characteristics include:
Potato Family: Solanacae
Examples: Potatoes, eggplant, peppers, petunias
Characteristics include:
Use the characteristics listed above for each family, and the pictures on this page, to help match the plant family to its specialty crop.