What is Asteraceae?
Definition of Asteraceae: Asteraceae is a plant family characterized by composite flower heads and alternate leaves and has economic significance in agriculture, medicine, and horticulture.
Asteraceae, commonly known as the aster, daisy, or sunflower family, is one of the largest and most diverse plant families, comprising over 32,000 species. Its defining feature is the composite flower head, consisting of numerous tiny individual flowers grouped together in a central disk surrounded by ray florets. These plants exhibit a wide range of growth forms, from annual herbs to shrubs and trees. Asteraceae species are found in diverse habitats worldwide, from temperate grasslands to tropical rainforests.
They play important ecological roles as food sources for pollinators and as components of various ecosystems. Economically, Asteraceae species are valuable for food (e.g., lettuce, sunflower seeds), medicine (e.g., chamomile, arnica), and ornamental purposes (e.g., chrysanthemums, dahlias).
Asteraceae – Angiosperm Family
Asteraceae, commonly known as the aster, daisy, or sunflower family, is one of the largest plant families characterized by composite flower heads and alternate leaves. It includes a wide variety of economically important plants, such as sunflowers, daisies, and dandelions. Members of this family are used for food (lettuce, artichokes), medicine (chamomile, arnica), and ornamental purposes. Their ecological importance lies in providing nectar and habitat for pollinators, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Table of Content
- What is Asteraceae?
- Biological Classification of Asteraceae
- Diagram of Asteraceae
- Characteristic Features of Asteraceae
- Asteraceae Common Name
- Features of the Flowers
- Floral Formula of Asteraceae
- Examples of Asteraceae
- Economic Importance of Asteraceae