PSORALEEAE Meaning and
Definition
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Psoraleeae is a taxonomic subfamily of flowering plants belonging to the family Fabaceae, commonly known as the legume or pea family. This subfamily encompasses a diverse range of plant species, mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions across the world.
Members of the Psoraleeae subfamily are characterized by their pinnately compound leaves and highly symmetrical flowers typically borne in racemes or spikes. The flowers usually possess five petals, with the two lower petals often fused to form a boat-shaped structure. The fruits are typically dry, dehiscent pods that contain seeds.
Psoraleeae plants are well-known for their significant economic and medicinal value. Many species have been used in traditional medicine for their various therapeutic properties. For instance, Psoralea corylifolia, commonly known as babchi, is utilized in Ayurvedic medicine to treat skin diseases, improve digestion, and boost the immune system. Other species within this subfamily, such as Cullen and Pediomelum, have been used as forage for livestock due to their high nutritional value.
In addition to their medicinal and agricultural significance, Psoraleeae plants are also valued for their ornamental qualities. Several species, such as Lupinus and Trifolium, are cultivated and widely grown as garden ornamentals for their attractive flowers and foliage.
Overall, Psoraleeae is a taxonomic subfamily consisting of diverse flowering plants known for their medicinal, agricultural, and ornamental importance.
Etymology of PSORALEEAE
The word "Psoraleeae" has its etymology rooted in Latin and Greek.
The term is derived from the Greek word "psoraleos", meaning "scabby", which refers to the skin condition known as psoriasis. In Greek, the suffix "-eae" indicates a taxonomic family, meaning "belonging to" or "derived from".
Therefore, "Psoraleeae" is a name given to a family of flowering plants that are believed to have therapeutic properties related to skin conditions such as psoriasis.
