temperate zone of the northern hemisphere - here, mostly common cruciferous more than three thousand species.It includes annuals, biennials and perennials that have a similar structure.
cruciferous got its name because of the crosswise arranged petals in flowers belonging to his species.Other common symptoms can serve four sepals that make up the cup, four petals making up the corolla, stamens (two short and four long).Inflorescence brush is also a characteristic feature of all plants belonging to the family.Cruciferous form fruit - pods.As for the leaves, then they form a rosette or they are attached to the stem turn.The root system - rod, some members of the family formed root.Erect stem often coated soft or hard hairs.
pollinated primarily by bees and bumblebees, flies and butterflies.This suggests that members of the family - wonderful honey plants with a strong aroma.
Vegetable, oilseeds, fodder, medicinal, ornamental plants as well as weeds - they all belong to this family.Cruciferous weeds - severe headache of agricultural workers: often require special treatment in order to destroy them.However, some of their species are widely used in folk medicine - such as shepherd's purse is used to stop bleeding.It's her property is well known not only in domestic but also in Chinese and Tibetan medicine, so this weed at the same time applies to medicinal plants.Turnips, are also cruciferous serves as raw material for producing high-quality forage, and wallflowers, perhaps - the most striking decorative members of the family.
No person who has not heard of rapeseed oil.Previously, it was one of the most popular products used in America.However, scientists have shown that it contains toxic substances that affect the heart muscle, thyroid and kidney, as well as provoking the formation of fatty deposits.Today, and rapeseed and mustard - popular varieties of technical oils.
Well, perhaps the most interesting group of plants cruciferous - vegetables.Before the advent of potato in Russia, took the rap."Second bread" - so it is called in the people, and almost every Russian folk tale mentioned about this remarkable member of the family.Today, the US is actively engaged in the cultivation of this root crop.
other ancient root vegetable, radish, combined with honey has long been used in Russia as a folk remedy, contributing to the rapid removal of mucus from the respiratory tract in the cold.And salads of radish and its closest relative, radish, long occupied a worthy place on our table.
mustard produced oil not only technical, but also an excellent seasoning.And who in childhood did not treat colds mustard plasters?Modern medicine has long appreciated the healing properties of cruciferous representative.
It is impossible not to mention the most famous family of plants - cabbage.Her wild forms known since prehistoric times.Today the popularity of this vegetable is very high.It is grown on every continent, cabbage cook hundreds of dishes, cook sour soup and bake delicious cakes and juice is used for medicinal purposes.Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage - this is only a small fraction of varietal diversity.Each of its species has its own unique taste and has its fans and connoisseurs.
the way, not so long ago cruciferous renamed, giving it the name in honor of the most famous representative - Cabbage.
