Seidlitzia stocksii
Seidlitzia stocksii is a shrub species of the family Amaranthaceae (formerly classified under the Chenopodiaceae).
| Seidlitzia stocksii | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus: | Seidlitzia |
| Species: | S. stocksii |
| Binomial name | |
| Seidlitzia stocksii | |
| Synonyms[2][3] | |
It is locally known as khar, meaning salty.
Taxonomy
It was first described as a new species by Pierre Edmond Boissier in the 1859 Diagnoses plantarum orientalium novarum.[5] Phylogenetic analysis in 2007 revealed that the species did not belong to genus Haloxylon and had to be classified in the genus Salsola,[6] however, the correct name is given as Seidlitzia stocksii in Plants of the World Online.[2] It was recombined with, i.e. moved to, the genus Seidlitzia by Mostafa Assadi in 2001.[1]
Seidlitzia stocksii belongs to the subfamily Salsoloideae of the family Amaranthaceae.
Description
Seidlitzia 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.
Pollination and dissemination
Seidlitzia stocksii is pollinated by small wild bees (Hymenoptera), that were observed to collect pollen (see photo).[7] The winged fruits are dispersed by the wind (anemochory).
Distribution
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.[3]
Uses
Seidlitzia stocksii is used as a source of crude sodium carbonate[3] (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.
References
- I.C.Hedge: Haloxylon.- In: Karl Heinz Rechinger et al. (Edit.): Flora Iranica Bd. 172, Chenopodiaceae: p. 315-326. Akad. Druck, Graz 1997, ISBN 3-201-00728-5. p. 321. (description, distribution)
- "Seidlitzia stocksii". International Plant Names Index. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries and Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- "Seidlitzia stocksii Boiss". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 2017. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- I.C.Hedge: Haloxylon.- In: Karl Heinz Rechinger et al. (Edit.): Flora Iranica Bd. 172, Chenopodiaceae: p. 315-326. Akad. Druck, Graz 1997, ISBN 3-201-00728-5. p. 321.
- "Haloxylon stocksii". International Plant Names Index. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries and Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- "Salsola stocksii". International Plant Names Index. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries and Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- Hossein Akhani, Gerald Edwards, Eric H. Roalson: Diversification Of The Old World Salsoleae S.L. (Chenopodiaceae): Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis Of Nuclear And Chloroplast Data Sets And A Revised Classification, In: International Journal of Plant Sciences, Volume 168 (6), 2007, p. 931–956.
- Gabriele Kothe-Heinrich: Revision der Gattung Halothamnus (Chenopodiaceae). Bibliotheca Botanica Bd. 143, Schweizerbart, Stuttgart 1993, ISBN 978-3-510-48014-2 (German), p. 22.