Kru-sif'e-re. L. Crucifer, fern. pi. fr. cru(x)c, a cross, + ferre, to bear - i. e., flowers (petals) arranged in shape of maltese cross. Herbs, shrubs. Distinguished by pungency or acrid juice, cruciform flowers, tetradynamous stamens, fruit a silique or silicle, 2-celled; sepals 4; petals 4; stamens 6, of which 2 are shorter and inserted lower down; pistil 1, compound, superior; seeds albuminous; temperate, frigid, and tropical climates; antiscorbutic, pungent, acrid (fixed and volatile oils).

Genera: 1. Sinapis. 2. Brassica.