Chenopodiaceae

Chenopodium, from the Greek chen goose and pous foot referring to the shape of the leaf, which is said to resemble a goosefoot. Herbs or shrubs usually xerophytic with alternate, simple leaves that maybe much reduced. Flowers small, often with reduced perianth which maybe variously united. Ovary unilocular with 2-3 stigmas; fruit a nut, capsule or berry often with the persistent floral parts forming spines or wings.