Linum usitatissimum (Flax, Linseed)

Life > eukaryotes > Archaeoplastida > Chloroplastida > Charophyta > Streptophytina > Plantae (land plants) > Tracheophyta (vascular plants) > Euphyllophyta > Lignophyta (woody plants) > Spermatophyta (seed plants) > Angiospermae (flowering plants) >  Eudicotyledons >  Core Eudicots >  Rosids >  Eurosid I > Order: Malpighiales> Family: Linaceae

Probably native to Asia, is cultivated in southern Africa. Flax is derived from the stem fibers which are durable and of high tensile strength; linseed oil is derived from the seeds and is used in the manufacture of paints, varnishes and printing ink.