*We often observe Rutaceae plants but to pinpoint the common easily observed character by gross look I find it difficult to tell. I searched some literature and found some important facts in short about Family : Rutaceae Here they are: ** Distinguishing characters (always present)*
Leaf lamina aromatic, usually with ethereal oil glands visible as pellucid dots. Stipules absent. Superior ovary. *Other important characters* Trees or shrubs, less often sub -shrubs or herbs. Flowers usually actinomorphic and small, usually white or cream. Intrastaminal disc usually present. Fruits capsules or schizocarps with 1-5 dehiscent mericarps, often with a detaching endocarp that ejects the seeds when mature, a mechanism analogous to most Euphorbiaceae. http://www.kew.org/science/tropamerica/neotropikey/families/Rutaceae.htm -- Dr Satish Phadke
