Salix
Salix
Salix (pronounced /ˈsælɪks/), commonly known as willow, is a genus of around 400 species of deciduous trees and shrubs, found primarily on moist soils in cold and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Etymology
The name Salix comes from the Latin word for willow, and is related to the word 'salire', meaning 'to leap or jump', possibly referring to the rapid growth of these plants.
Description
Most species of Salix are known for their slender, graceful form, and their lance-shaped leaves. The flowers of Salix species are catkins, produced in early spring before the leaves. The fruit is a small capsule containing numerous minute seeds embedded in cottony down.
Species
There are around 400 species of Salix, including the weeping willow (Salix babylonica), white willow (Salix alba), and crack willow (Salix fragilis).
Uses
Salix has been used in traditional medicine for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The bark of the white willow contains salicin, a compound that was used to develop aspirin.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Salix
- Wikipedia's article - Salix
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