Daisy family

Daisy family, also known as the Asteraceae or Compositae, is a large and widespread family of flowering plants. The family is characterized by its composite flower heads, which are actually a tight cluster of many small individual flowers, often called florets. These are arranged on a common receptacle, giving the appearance of a single flower. The Asteraceae family includes over 23,000 species spread across 1,620 genera, making it the second-largest family of flowering plants, after the Orchidaceae.

Characteristics

The defining feature of the Asteraceae is the composite flower structure. The flowers are grouped into heads (sometimes called a composite flower) surrounded by bracts. Each head may contain one or both of two types of flowers: ray flowers, which are typically sterile and serve to attract pollinators, and disc flowers, which are usually fertile. The seeds of these plants are typically borne in a small fruit called an achene, which may be equipped with a pappus of hairs, aiding in dispersal by wind.

Distribution and Habitat

Members of the Daisy family can be found in nearly every habitat on Earth, including meadows, deserts, and tropical rainforests. They are especially abundant in the Arctic and the Andes mountains, but are present on all continents except Antarctica.

Economic and Ecological Importance

The Asteraceae family includes many species of economic importance. Several are cultivated as ornamentals, such as the daisy, sunflower, and chrysanthemum. Others are important in agriculture, including the lettuce, artichoke, and sunflower for oil production. Additionally, many species are used in traditional and modern medicine, such as Echinacea and Arnica.

Systematics and Evolution

The family is divided into several tribes, with the largest being the Astereae, Cichorieae, and Heliantheae. The classification has undergone significant changes with the advent of molecular phylogenetic studies, which have helped clarify the relationships within this diverse and complex family.

Conservation

While many species in the Asteraceae family are common, some are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and overharvesting. Conservation efforts are crucial to preserve these species, many of which play key roles in their ecosystems as pollinators and sources of food for wildlife.

Gallery

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See Also

• Flowering plant
• Pollination
• Seed dispersal