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Asteraceae / Compositae (daisy family)

Life > eukaryotes > Archaeoplastida > Chloroplastida > Charophyta > Streptophytina > Plantae (land plants) > Tracheophyta (vascular plants) > Euphyllophyta > Lignophyta (woody plants) > Spermatophyta (seed plants) > Angiospermae (flowering plants) > Eudicotyledons > Order: Asterales

There are 1528 genera and 22750 species worldwide (cosmopolitan), of which 246 genera and 2305 species are native to southern Africa.

See alphabetical list of genera

Tribes in the Asteraceae that occur in southern Africa

Based on Herman et al. (2000).

Genera cultivated in southern Africa with neither indigenous nor naturalised representatives

Species that provide food and cullinary herbs

Anthemis nobilis (Chamomile)

 

Arctium lappa (Burdock, Gobo)

Indigenous to Europe and introduced to Asia and North America. The roots are used medicinally for skin complaints, rheumatism and as a diuretic. Young roots are eaten as a vegetable. Cultivated mainly in Japan. Has been cultivated in southern Africa, but not well known here.

 

Artemisia dracunculus (Tarragon)

 

Cichorium (Endive, Chicory)

 

Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon)

The fleshy leaf bases are eaten as a vegetable and the dried flowers are used for curdling milk. Originates from southern Europe and Northwest Africa.

 

Cynara scolymus (Globe Artichoke)

Originates from North Africa. The flowerhead can be pickled, baked, fried, boiled or stuffed. Young artichokes can be eaten raw. 

 

Helianthus annuus (Sunflower)

Sunflowers originate from North America and are now grown extensively for their seeds which produce vegetable oil that is used in cooking, salad oils and margarines. The residue after oil extraction provides a high protein food source for livestock. 

 
Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem Artichoke)

The tuber is eaten cooked in casseroles and sauces or eaten raw in salads. Originates from North America. Introduced to Europe in the 17th century.

 
Lactuca sativa (Lettuce)

Lettuce originates from the wild Lactuca serriola found in the Mediterranean and Near East and has been transformed from an erect plant with bitter leaves to various cultivars including ones with distinctive heads of chlorophyll deficient leaves. 

 

Publications

  • Bremer, K. 1994. Asteraceae, Cladistics & Classification. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon.

  • Herman, P.P.J., Retief, E., Koekemoer, M. & Welman, W.G. 2000. Asteraceae (Compositae). In: Seed Plants of Southern Africa (ed. O.A. Leistner). Strelitzia 10: 101-170. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria.

  • Hilliard, O.M. 1977. Compositae in Natal. University of Natal Press, Pietermaritzburg.

  • Levyns, M.R. 1950. Compositae. In: Flora of the Cape Peninsula (eds R.S. Adamson & T.M. Salter). Juta & Co., Ltd., Cape Town, pp. -.

  • Merxmüller, H. 1967. Asteraceae. Prodromus einer Flora von Südwestafrika 139: 1-185.

  • Pope, G.V. 1992. 97. Compositae. Flora zambesiaca 6,1: 1-264.

 

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