Kom-poz'i-te. L. Composit-us + ae, pp. of componere, compounded - i. e., referring to the two kinds of florets (ray and disk) composing each flower-head. Herbs, shrubs. Distinguished by being the largest family, by possessing bitter principles, watery or resinous (rarely milky) sap; flowers (florets) 5's, in compound heads surrounded by involucre; calyx superior, tube adnate to ovary, limb often pappose or membranous; corolla epigynous, usually 5-lobed, stamens 5, epi-petalous, syngenesious; ovary inferior, 1-celled; ovule 1, erect; fruit achene; universal; tonic, laxative, anthelmintic (bitter principle), aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, stimulant (volatile oil).

Genera: 1. Grindelia. 2. Matricaria. 3. Anacyclus. 4. Artemisia. 5. Arnica.