The Most Extensive Plant Clan Globally Speaking Is the Asteraceae Family
The Asteraceae family, often known as the daisy or sunflower family, is an extraordinary group that holds the title of the largest family of flowering plants. With approximately 1,100 genera and over 20,000 species, this family is as diverse as it is vast. This family includes a variety of familiar plants such as artichokes, sunflowers, and Carthamus, which is used to produce safflower oil. But it also encompasses lesser-known species like the South African shrub, Boneseed, that has become a weed in Australia. One interesting characteristic of Asteraceae is that the structures commonly thought of as petals are actually bracts. The small flowers within an Asteraceae inflorescence are called florets. The seeds are dispersed by a pappus, a white, hairy structure. The fruit of Asteraceae is an achene, a single dry seed that doesn't have to open. This family is also economically important, with many species prized for their pretty flowers in gardens. Ornamental species include aster, blanketflower, chrysanthemums, coneflower, cornflower, cosmos, coreopsis, dahlias, daisies, marigolds, sunflowers, tansy, yarrow, and zinnias. Some less known Asteraceae species that grow not only in North America but also worldwide include the genus Euphrasia, with over 350 species primarily found in Europe and Asia. Examples are Euphrasia officinalis and Euphrasia minima. The Asteraceae family also includes weedy plants such as dandelions, goldenrod, thistles, ragweed, ragwort, and cocklebur. The distinctive structure of Asteraceae flowers, despite the huge number of individual species, makes them easily recognizable. The family also includes some unusual plants. For instance, the giant sea dahlia, a shrubby plant with daisy-like flowers, grows on the Channel Islands off the coast of California. In Mexico, the daisy tree, a rare tree member of the Asteraceae family, can be found. Lettuces also belong to the Asteraceae family and are members of the Lactuca genus. A silver sword, a striking Asteraceae that grows in Hawaii, has rosettes of silvery leaves and a large flower stalk, and has evolved short silver hairs to protect it from intense sunlight at high altitudes. Stevia, increasingly grown as an alternative sweetener, is also a part of the Asteraceae family. The author of this article, Mary Ellen Ellis, a gardening expert with over 20 years of experience, encourages gardeners to keep an eye out for native species in the wild. Most Asteraceae are herbaceous perennials or annuals, with some being shrubs and trees being rare. In conclusion, the Asteraceae family is a fascinating and diverse group of plants that plays a significant role in our gardens and ecosystems. Whether you're a gardener or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, the Asteraceae family is definitely worth exploring.
