In some genera the plants are spiny.
Most species are terrestrial, but some genera contain species that climb on surrounding vegetation.
Some genera (Leptothorax) eat the honeydew that has fallen onto the surface of a leaf.
A fruiting body, almost totally lacking in some genera, is highly developed in others.
Some genera, such as the coconut and babassu palms, are pollinated by both insects and wind.
In some genera the unlobed, usually alternate leaves are reduced to scalelike structures.
Some genera and species in Rosaceae frequently grow on more than one continent, but there are discontinuities in their ranges.
Some genera include noxious weeds, such as dandelion (Taraxacum), ragweed (Ambrosia), and thistle (Carduus, Cirsium, and others).
Within some genera the taxonomy is very complex, relying on general proportions, behaviour, voice, and even parasites (feather lice).
The family is notable for the unique pollination mechanism of some genera (e.g., Elodea, Enhalus, Hydrilla, and Vallisneria).
Orchid leaves are especially varied, and the leaf blades are absent in some genera with enlarged, succulent leaf bases.
