Flax
Flax
Flax (pronounced: /flæks/), also known as Linum usitatissimum, is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. It is a food and fiber crop cultivated in cooler regions of the world.
Etymology
The term "flax" originates from the Old English flæx, which means "a plant which yields fiber."
Description
Flax is an annual plant, which grows to a height of 1.2m with slender stems. The leaves are glaucous green, slender lanceolate, 20–40 mm long, and 3 mm broad. The flowers are pure pale blue, 15–25 mm in diameter, with five petals. The fruit is a round, dry capsule 5–9 mm in diameter, containing several glossy brown seeds shaped like an apple pip, 4–7 mm long.
Uses
Flax is grown for its seeds, which can be ground into a meal or turned into linseed oil, a product used as a nutritional supplement and as an ingredient in many wood-finishing products. Flax is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. Moreover, flax fibers are used to make linen.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Flax
- Wikipedia's article - Flax
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