Asteraceae, one of the largest families in the plant kingdom, is widely distributed all over the world, especially in China where it has a rich variety. With their unique shapes and abundant species, asteraceae plants have become important members in gardening and medicinal plants. This article will take you into the big family of asteraceae plants to understand some representative plants in this group.
Asteraceae OverviewAsteraceae plants are a group of perennial or annual herbs, as well as shrubs and trees. Their characteristic feature is the capitulum, a flower head composed of many small flowers, which is one of the most prominent characteristics of asteraceae plants. The flowers of asteraceae plants come in a variety of colors, from white, yellow to red, purple, etc., providing a rich color choice for the gardening world.
Diversity of AsteraceaeAsteraceae plants have a wide variety, with about 2,000 genera and 30,000 species worldwide. There are more than 100 genera and nearly a thousand species in China. Here are some common asteraceae plants:
1. Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema morifolium)
Chrysanthemum is one of the most popular ornamental plants in asteraceae, with a variety of shapes and forms. Chrysanthemum not only has ornamental value but also has medicinal value, as both its flowers and leaves can be used as medicine.
2. Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Chicory is a common asteraceae plant, whose roots and leaves are both edible and have high nutritional value. Chicory also has medicinal effects such as clearing heat and detoxifying, and diuretic and jaundice-reducing properties.
3. Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)
Jerusalem Artichoke is a perennial herbaceous plant, whose tubers are rich in starch and edible. Jerusalem Artichoke also has medicinal value such as clearing heat and detoxifying, and diuretic and jaundice-reducing properties.
4. Leucas aspera
Leucas aspera is an asteraceae plant with medicinal value, and its whole plant can be used as medicine. Leucas aspera has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, and reducing swelling and relieving pain.
5. Chrysanthemum Tea (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Chrysanthemum tea is a kind of tea drink made from chrysanthemum, which has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, improving eyesight, and lowering blood pressure. Long-term consumption of chrysanthemum tea helps maintain a healthy body.
Medicinal Value of AsteraceaeAsteraceae plants have high medicinal value. According to the "Chinese Pharmacopoeia," many species of asteraceae plants have the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving, lowering blood pressure, and anti-tumor. Here are some asteraceae plants with medicinal value:
1. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, improving eyesight, lowering blood pressure, and anti-virus, and is suitable for treating diseases such as colds, headaches, and high blood pressure.
2. Jerusalem Artichoke
Jerusalem Artichoke has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, diuretic and jaundice-reducing, and reducing swelling and relieving pain, and is suitable for treating diseases such as damp-heat jaundice and boils and carbuncles.
3. Leucas aspera
Leucas aspera has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, and reducing swelling and relieving pain, and is suitable for treating diseases such as colds, headaches, and toothaches.
Asteraceae plants are a major group in nature, with their rich species, unique shapes, and diverse uses, bringing a lot of convenience to human life. Understanding asteraceae plants can not only enrich our plant knowledge but also enable us to better utilize these valuable natural resources.
References:
[1] Zhang Zhihong, Wang Lili. Progress in the study of asteraceae plants [J]. Plant Research, 2018, 38 (2): 243-251.
[2] Committee for the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Chinese Pharmacopoeia [M]. Beijing: China Medical Science and Technology Press, 2015.