ASCLEPIADACEAE Meaning and
Definition
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Asclepiadaceae is a noun that refers to a family of flowering plants commonly known as the milkweed family. It is comprised of around 2900 species and is a member of the order Gentianales. The family is widely distributed across the globe, with its highest diversity found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Asclepiadaceae plants are characterized by having succulent stems, opposite or whorled leaves, and their flowers are typically arranged in clusters or umbels. The flowers often possess a unique intricate structure, consisting of five united petals forming a corolla tube with a crown-like appendage. The crown may include hoods, horns, or other ornamentation that serves as landing platforms for pollinators.
These plants play a significant ecological role as they serve as hosts for many butterfly and moth species, acting as food sources for their larvae. Furthermore, some species within Asclepiadaceae produce a milky juice known as latex, which can be toxic or have medicinal properties. This latex contains specialized structures called trichomes that store and release poisonous substances, acting as a defense mechanism against herbivores.
In addition to their ecological importance, Asclepiadaceae species have also been harnessed for their economic value. Certain species are cultivated as ornamentals, prized for their unique flowers and attractive foliage. Others have been traditionally used in traditional medicine for their alleged medicinal properties. Overall, Asclepiadaceae represents a diverse family of plants that contribute to the biodiversity and cultural heritage of many regions around the world.
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An order of gamopetalous plants, which includes the milk-weed, or Asclepias.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ASCLEPIADACEAE
- zsclepiadaceae
- ssclepiadaceae
- wsclepiadaceae
- qsclepiadaceae
- aaclepiadaceae
- azclepiadaceae
- axclepiadaceae
- adclepiadaceae
- aeclepiadaceae
- awclepiadaceae
- asxlepiadaceae
- asvlepiadaceae
- asflepiadaceae
- asdlepiadaceae
- asckepiadaceae
- ascpepiadaceae
- ascoepiadaceae
- asclwpiadaceae
- asclspiadaceae
Etymology of ASCLEPIADACEAE
The word "Asclepiadaceae" has its etymology rooted in Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "Asklepias" (Ἀσκληπιάς), which refers to the Greek god of healing, Asclepius. The suffix "-aceae" in botanical nomenclature denotes a family classification, derived from the Latin suffix "-aceus", meaning "belonging to" or "resembling". Therefore, "Asclepiadaceae" refers to a family of flowering plants that are part of the Asclepias genus, often known as the "milkweed family".
Similar spelling words for ASCLEPIADACEAE
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