Important diagnostics: spiny stems or leaves
Taxon group: monocots
Stem: rhizome
Leaf: position: basal
Leaf: blade: margin: entire
Flowers: inflorescence: raceme, panicle
Flowers: sexuality: bisexual, unisexual
Flowers: symmetry: actinomorphic, zygomorphic
Flower: bract: present
Stamen: number: 6
Stamen: anthers: dorsifixed
Stamen: filaments: free
Pistil: ovary: 3-loculed
Pistil: ovule: 1 per locule, 2 per locule, 3 per locule, 4+ per locule
Ovary: position: superior, inferior
Fruit: types and characters: a capsule (incl. pod, follicle, etc.), fleshy (berry, drupe, pome)
Google Image Search: Link
Dictionary of The Families & Genera of Chinese Seed Plants: Link
Vascular Plant Type Catalog at NYBG: Link
