Family Cruciferae

Moderate zone of the Northern Hemisphere - it is here, mainly, the family Cruciferae, numbering more than three thousand species, is widespread. It includes annual, biennial, and perennial plants having a similar structure.

The family of crucifers has its name because of the cross-shaped petals in the flowers belonging to it species. Other common features are the four sepals, which make up the calyx, the four petals that make up the corolla, the stamens (two short and four long). Inflorescence of the brush is also a characteristic feature of all plants that make up the family. Cruciferae form fruits - pods. As for the leaves, they form a basal rosette or they are attached to the stem alternately. The root system is pivotal, in some representatives of the family a root crop is formed. A stalk stem often covers soft or hard hairs.

The plants are polluted mainly by bees and bumblebees, flies and butterflies. This indicates that the representatives of the family are beautiful honey-plants with a strong aroma.

Vegetable, oil-bearing, fodder, medicinal, ornamental plants, and also weeds - they all belong to this family. Cruciferous weeds are a serious headache for agricultural workers: often a special processing regime is required in order to destroy them. At the same time, some of their types are actively used by folk medicine - for example, a shepherd's bag is used to stop bleeding. This property is well known not only in the domestic, but also in Chinese and Tibetan medicine, so this weed is also referred to as medicinal plants. Turneps, also representing the family Cruciferae, serves as a raw material for obtaining high-quality green forage, and gillyflowers, perhaps, are the brightest decorative representatives of the family.

There is no person who would not have heard of rapeseed oil. Previously, it was one of the most popular products used in America. However, scientists have proved the presence in it of toxic substances that affect the heart muscle, the thyroid gland and kidneys, as well as provoking the formation of fatty deposits. Today both rapeseed and mustard are in demand varieties of technical oils.

Well, perhaps, the most interesting group of plants of the family Cruciferous - vegetables. Before the appearance of potatoes in Russia, his place was occupied by turnips. "The second bread" - it was her so-called people, and almost every Russian folk tale mentioned this wonderful representative of this family. Today in the US they are actively engaged in the cultivation of this root crop.

Another ancient root crop, radish, in combination with honey has long been used in Russia as a folk remedy, which facilitates the rapid excretion of sputum from the respiratory tract due to colds. And salads from a radish and its nearest relative, a radish, for a long time have taken a worthy place on our table.

From mustard is made not only technical oils, but also an excellent seasoning. And who in childhood was not treated for colds with mustard plasters? Modern medicine has long appreciated the medicinal properties of this representative cruciferous.

It is impossible not to mention the most famous plant of the family - cabbage. Its wild-growing forms are known since prehistoric times. Today the popularity of this vegetable is very high. It is grown on all continents, hundreds of dishes are cooked from cabbage, sour cabbage soup is brewed and delicious pies are baked, and juice is used for medicinal purposes. Kohlrabi, broccoli, Peking cabbage - this is only a small part of the variety variety. Each of its species has its own unique taste and has its lovers and connoisseurs.

By the way, not so long ago the family Cruciferae was renamed, giving it the name in honor of the most famous representative - the Cabbage.