Sonchus

Sonchus February 2008-1

Cerrajón herreño (Sonchus hierrensis), La Gomera, España, 2012-12-14, DD 01

File:Sivone.jpg

Sivone

Sonchus is a genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family, commonly known as sow thistles. The genus includes annual, biennial, and perennial herbs with a global distribution. Sonchus species are characterized by their milky sap, simple and alternate leaves, and yellow flower heads that are typically borne in corymbose inflorescences. The leaves can vary from lobed to unlobed, and the stems are often hollow. Sonchus species are found in a variety of habitats, including roadsides, agricultural land, disturbed areas, and natural habitats, indicating their wide ecological tolerance.

Description

Sonchus species are known for their distinctive milky latex, which exudes from all parts of the plant when damaged. The leaves are generally alternate, often with a clasping base, and can be either lobed or entire. The flowers are small, yellow, and grouped in terminal clusters, with each flower head consisting of only ray florets. The fruit is an achene, equipped with a pappus of fine hairs, which aids in wind dispersal.

Taxonomy

The genus Sonchus belongs to the Asteraceae family, which is one of the largest families of flowering plants, including over 23,000 species spread across 1,620 genera. Within the Asteraceae, Sonchus is part of the subfamily Cichorioideae, a group known for its milky latex and flower structure. The genus name Sonchus is derived from the Greek word for "hollow," referring to the hollow stems of many species within the genus.

Ecology

Sonchus species play a role in their ecosystems as a food source for various insects and animals. Some species are considered weeds in agricultural and disturbed settings due to their high reproductive capacity and ability to colonize a wide range of environments. However, they can also contribute to biodiversity in these areas, providing habitat and food for wildlife.

Cultivation and Uses

While most commonly seen as weeds, some Sonchus species are cultivated for their edible leaves or as ornamental plants. The young leaves of certain species, such as Sonchus oleraceus (common sow thistle), can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. In traditional medicine, various parts of Sonchus plants have been used to treat ailments such as inflammation and digestive issues.

Selected Species

• Sonchus asper (spiny sow thistle)
• Sonchus oleraceus (common sow thistle)
• Sonchus arvensis (field sow thistle)

These species represent a small selection of the diversity within the genus, which includes many other species with their own unique characteristics and adaptations.

Conservation

The conservation status of Sonchus species varies widely. While many species are common and even invasive in certain areas, others may be rare and face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts for these plants typically focus on habitat preservation and managing invasive species to maintain ecological balance.

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