Family of Solanaceae: typical representatives and their biological significance

The Solanaceae family is one of the largest families of modern plants. It includes more than 2300 species, among which there are not only herbs, but also shrubs, and even trees. They are united by a common feature - the presence of a spinal-lingual corolla, which was formed due to the growth of flower petals. Inflorescence of the family Solanaceae do not have, each flower consists of 5 sepals, 5 petals and 5 stamens. Fruit - a box or a berry. This family consists of a large number of poisonous species. But, nevertheless, among them there are a lot of plants, the fruits of which are used for food. Because poisonous substances are localized mainly in the tops, while root crops or fruits are harmless. In addition, the family Solanaceae are used for medicinal, decorative and technical purposes.

Most of the modern food cultures of this family come from South and Central America. They have a thousand-year history. They were brought to Europe for the first time by Christopher Columbus, and later quickly spread to other continents. The family of Solanaceae, whose representatives are found on each garden plot, are the most common food products in the modern world. Potatoes, otherwise called second bread, eggplants, peppers and tomatoes - these are typical, known to almost every member of this family. Although these fruits have a high content of alkali in their composition, they are considered to be an ideal option for balancing the human milk and meat diet. Popular dishes from these vegetables were always mashed potatoes and fried meat, tomatoes with cheese in pizza, eggplant in sour cream.

The Solanaceae family unites many wild representatives, which are considered to be poisonous for both humans and animals. This nightshade is sweet-bitter, nightshade black, capable of causing severe poisoning right up to a lethal outcome with the occasional eating of berries. Belen black, which is also considered a dangerous plant, but is used as a medicine for severe pain and spasms. Leaves of bleached - a valuable raw material for the production of ointments for rubbing. Datura ordinary - causes severe poisoning and skin burns, but a variety of herbal medicines are made from its leaves, since they contain valuable substances - alkaloids. Belladonna, or belladonna, has very beautiful black fruits that seem tasty and edible. But this plant has long been introduced into culture as a medicinal plant.

The family of Solanaceae includes many types of ornamental plants that are grown on garden plots and urban flower beds. For example, petunias are beautiful unpretentious herbaceous plants. Among the florists is very much appreciated physalis ordinary, used in ikebana, dry bouquets and for decorating live flower compositions. The family includes lianas, for example, a saladra, which is widespread in tropical Africa. Its long, thick stems wrap around large trees, climbing to the very top, where they spread their leathery leaves and blossom bell-shaped flowers.

Such a plant of the Solanaceae family, like real tobacco, provokes a bad habit that people can not overcome until now. Slaves of smoking are now the majority of the world's population, but the fight against this predilection is conducted in many states and smoking cessation is actively promoted. The closest relative of the present tobacco is tobacco makhorka. It (as a smoking mixture) is practically unsuitable for use, but this plant produces citric acid, nicotine and nicotinic acid for medical purposes.