Chenopodioideae
Chenopodioideae | |
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Perennial Glasswort (Arthrocnemum perenne) | |
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Subfamily: | Chenopodioideae
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Genera | |
See text. |
The Chenopodioideae is a subfamily of the flowering plant family Amaranthaceae, formerly treated as a distinct family, Chenopodiaceae, and comprising all of the genera formerly included in this family except for those transferred to the subfamilies Salicornioideae and Salsoloideae. The precise circumscription of the subfamily is still uncertain, with research continuing; significant changes may occur to the genera included.[1]
The subfamily as currently circumscribed has a cosmopolitan distribution, with about 1,400 species accepted. It is a particularly significant component of the vegetation of the arid region that extends from north Africa to central Asia.
It includes herbaceous plants and shrubs, sometimes succulent. The species are distinguished by flowers with no petals, and in the fruit being an achene or utricle. Many species accumulate salts in their tissues, and some secrete saltly substance on leaves. They exhibit CAM and C4 photosynthesis.
Food species include several Chenopodium species (Quinoa, Kañiwa, Fat Hen, Good King Henry, and Epazote), Orache (Atriplex spp.), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), and, of greatest commercial importance, the crops derived from Beta vulgaris, Sugar beet, Beet, Mangelwurzel and Chard.
Genera
The subfamily currently includes the following genera:[1][2]
References
- ^ a b APG website:Amaranthaceae
- ^ RBG Kew Vascular Plant Families and Genera: Chenopodiaceae
- Chenopodiaceae in L. Watson and M. J. Dallwitz (1992 onwards), The families of flowering plants.
- Flora of North America: Chenopodiaceae
- Flora of China: Chenopodiaceae
- links at CSDL