The Most Extensive Assortment of Flora: Asteraceae, the Planet's Preeminent Botanical Family
The Asteraceae family, often known as the "daisy" or "sunflower" family, is a diverse and captivating group of plants that have found a place in gardens and wildernesses across the world. This family, which includes over 23,000 species, is prized by most gardeners for its pretty flowers and wide range of options.
Many common garden favourites belong to the Asteraceae family, such as Asters, blanketflower, chrysanthemums, coneflower, cornflower, cosmos, coreopsis, dahlias, daisies, marigolds, sunflowers, tansy, yarrow, and zinnias. These plants are known for their inflorescences, or multiple flowers, which often attract a variety of pollinators.
The flowers of Asteraceae are unique in structure. What are commonly thought of as petals are actually bracts. The small flowers within each inflorescence are called florets. The fruit of Asteraceae is an achene, a single dry seed that doesn't open. A notable feature of Asteraceae is the pappus, a white, hairy structure responsible for dispersing the achene.
The Asteraceae family also includes less common species such as shrubs and trees that grow in other parts of the world. For example, the daisy tree, a rare tree member of the Asteraceae family, grows in Mexico. Another interesting tree member is the giant sea dahlia, a shrubby plant with daisy-like flowers that grows on the Channel Islands off the coast of California.
In addition to these common and uncommon members, the Asteraceae family also includes some less desirable plants, such as dandelions, goldenrod, thistles, ragweed, ragwort, and cocklebur, which are typically considered weeds.
One of the most unique members of the Asteraceae family is the Hawaiian Silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense). This plant resembles the silver sword leaves in Hawaii and grows in the Maui Craters. The silver sword has rosettes of silvery leaves and a large flower stalk. It is protected by short silver hairs on the leaves to shield it from intense radiation.
Mary Ellen Ellis, the author of this article, has degrees in Chemistry and Biology and specializes in flowers, native plants, and herbs. She has a deep understanding and appreciation for the Asteraceae family and its many fascinating members.
Most Asteraceae are herbaceous perennials or annuals, with some being shrubs and rare trees. One such shrub is Boneseed, a South African shrub in the Asteraceae family that grows in Australia as a weed.
The Asteraceae family is a truly remarkable group of plants, with its diverse members ranging from the common daisy to the rare Hawaiian Silversword. Whether you're a gardener, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of flowers, the Asteraceae family is definitely worth exploring.
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