Cleomaceae: diversity and potential of a model family for studies on the evolution of photosynthesis

Understanding the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which plants adapt to environmental factors is essential for improving crop production and protecting biodiversity amid rapid anthropogenic climate change. The Cleomaceae is a family that stands out for its potential to study areas including floral diversity, species richness, and C₄ photosynthesis. Its close relationship to the Brassicaceae allows for comparisons with Arabidopsis thaliana, which will lead to new knowledge that can be transferred to other species, including crops. This proximity paves the way for the investigation of monosymmetric and polysymmetric differences in flowers of the Brassicaceae. The rich variety of Cleomaceae floral forms represents a little studied but highly promising resource for understanding the evolution of key features that influence pollination. Additionally, Cleomaceae contain high concentrations of flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, and anthocyanins, which could contribute to pharmaceutical discoveries and new health treatments. They also have significant potential in elucidating tolerance mechanisms to biotic and abiotic stresses, and can be consumed as food, although not traditionally cultivated. This review describes and discusses opportunities to advance research in various areas using Cleomaceae. Despite promising prospects, effective functional techniques to elucidate the diversity within this group are lacking.