Mark, here's what the English language Wikipedia says: The name Brassicaceae is derived from the included genus Brassica. Cruciferae, an older name, meaning "cross-bearing", describes the four petals of mustard flowers, which are reminiscent of a cross; it is one of eight plant family names without the suffix '-aceae' that are authorized alternative names (according to ICBN Art. 18.5 and 18.6 Vienna Code), thus both Cruciferae and Brassicaceae are used." I have not checked the subsequent codes to see if this has changed. Jim McKenney