Boraginaceae
Boraginaceae
Boraginaceae (pronounced boh-rah-gin-AY-see-ee) is a family of flowering plants, commonly known as the borage or forget-me-not family. The family includes a number of familiar plants, including borage, comfrey, and forget-me-nots.
Etymology
The name Boraginaceae is derived from the genus Borago, which is itself derived from the Latin borra, meaning "hair". This refers to the often hairy leaves of plants in this family.
Description
Plants in the Boraginaceae family are typically herbaceous, although some are shrubs or small trees. They are characterized by their hairy leaves and stems, and their blue or purple flowers. The flowers are usually arranged in a distinctive coiled pattern known as a cyme.
Taxonomy
The Boraginaceae family is part of the order Boraginales, and includes about 2,000 species spread across 146 genera. The family is divided into several subfamilies, including the Boraginoideae, Ehretioideae, and Heliotropioideae.
Distribution and habitat
Boraginaceae plants are found worldwide, but are most common in the Mediterranean region. They typically grow in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts.
Uses
Many Boraginaceae plants have been used for medicinal purposes. For example, borage is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, while comfrey has been used to treat wounds and broken bones.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Boraginaceae
- Wikipedia's article - Boraginaceae
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