Soda stocksii | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Caryophyllales |
Family: | Amaranthaceae |
Genus: | Soda |
Species: | S. stocksii
|
Binomial name | |
Soda stocksii (Boiss.) Akhani
[1]
| |
Synonyms [4] [5] | |
Soda stocksii is a shrub species of the family Amaranthaceae (formerly classified under the Chenopodiaceae).
It is locally known as khar, meaning salty.
It was first described as a new species by Pierre Edmond Boissier in the 1859 Diagnoses plantarum orientalium novarum. [6] Phylogenetic analysis in 2007 revealed that the species did not belong to genus Haloxylon and had to be classified in the genus Salsola, [7] however, the correct name is given as Seidlitzia stocksii in Plants of the World Online. [4] It was recombined with, i.e. moved to, the genus Seidlitzia by Mostafa Assadi in 2001 and then to genus Soda in 2020. [2]
Soda stocksii belongs to the subfamily Salsoloideae of the family Amaranthaceae.
Soda stocksii is a sturdy, glabrous or pruinose shrub 25–80 cm tall, its branches are prostrate or ascending. The distinct, sessile, spreading leaves are terete, fleshy, to 5 mm long and 1,5 mm in diameter. The opposite branches spread nearly horizontally. The inflorescences are wide panicles with 3–12 cm long spike-like branches with numerous flowers. Perianth segments are only 1,5 mm long. The 5 stamens are alternating with ovate staminodes. Fruiting, the perianth segments develop spreading brown wings, circa 6 mm in diameter. The seed diameter is 2,5–3 mm.
Seidlitzia stocksii is pollinated by small wild bees ( Hymenoptera), that were observed to collect pollen (see photo). [8] The winged fruits are dispersed by the wind ( anemochory).
Seidlitzia stocksii is distributed in Afghanistan, Pakistan and West India (Punjab, Rajasthan), where it grows on sandy or loamy saline soils ( halophyte) and limestone hills. [5]
Seidlitzia stocksii is used as a source of crude sodium carbonate [5] (barilla or sajji-khar). The sajji-khar is added as an ingredient for unique taste of papad, a crispy flatbread. The ash of this plant is used as substitute of soap for cleaning clothes and is also taken with water for treatment of internal ulcers.
Soda stocksii | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Caryophyllales |
Family: | Amaranthaceae |
Genus: | Soda |
Species: | S. stocksii
|
Binomial name | |
Soda stocksii (Boiss.) Akhani
[1]
| |
Synonyms [4] [5] | |
Soda stocksii is a shrub species of the family Amaranthaceae (formerly classified under the Chenopodiaceae).
It is locally known as khar, meaning salty.
It was first described as a new species by Pierre Edmond Boissier in the 1859 Diagnoses plantarum orientalium novarum. [6] Phylogenetic analysis in 2007 revealed that the species did not belong to genus Haloxylon and had to be classified in the genus Salsola, [7] however, the correct name is given as Seidlitzia stocksii in Plants of the World Online. [4] It was recombined with, i.e. moved to, the genus Seidlitzia by Mostafa Assadi in 2001 and then to genus Soda in 2020. [2]
Soda stocksii belongs to the subfamily Salsoloideae of the family Amaranthaceae.
Soda stocksii is a sturdy, glabrous or pruinose shrub 25–80 cm tall, its branches are prostrate or ascending. The distinct, sessile, spreading leaves are terete, fleshy, to 5 mm long and 1,5 mm in diameter. The opposite branches spread nearly horizontally. The inflorescences are wide panicles with 3–12 cm long spike-like branches with numerous flowers. Perianth segments are only 1,5 mm long. The 5 stamens are alternating with ovate staminodes. Fruiting, the perianth segments develop spreading brown wings, circa 6 mm in diameter. The seed diameter is 2,5–3 mm.
Seidlitzia stocksii is pollinated by small wild bees ( Hymenoptera), that were observed to collect pollen (see photo). [8] The winged fruits are dispersed by the wind ( anemochory).
Seidlitzia stocksii is distributed in Afghanistan, Pakistan and West India (Punjab, Rajasthan), where it grows on sandy or loamy saline soils ( halophyte) and limestone hills. [5]
Seidlitzia stocksii is used as a source of crude sodium carbonate [5] (barilla or sajji-khar). The sajji-khar is added as an ingredient for unique taste of papad, a crispy flatbread. The ash of this plant is used as substitute of soap for cleaning clothes and is also taken with water for treatment of internal ulcers.