Synopsis of the Ericaceae Plants

The Ericaceae plants, also known as the heath family, are part of the order Ericales, the subclass Dilleniidae, the class Magnoliopsida, the division Magnoliophyta, the superdivision Spermatophyta, the subkingdom Tracheobrionta, and the kingdom Plantae. This family has been around for many millennia, and so its origins are hard to trace. They may have arisen in North America or Eurasia, or perhaps even on the Pangean continent of Laurasia (the Americas and Eurasia combined). In the modern world, Ericaceae species can be found anywhere with a temperate climate in either hemisphere. They are most diverse in southern Africa and western China.

Morphologically, the Ericaceae are a diverse group. They do have a few distinguishing and unifying characteristics. All flowers have a fused corona, and most leaves are simple and alternate with a dark green color and a leathery texture. Many have evergreen leaves, and most are woody shrubs while a few are trees or herbs. Beyond this, the family is very diverse. The flowers, while mostly being bell- or urn-shaped, come in a vast array of shapes and sizes. The leaves may also come in a wide range of shapes and sizes depending on the climate a particular species grows in. Some of the Ericaceae are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants. Some don't have chlorophyll, but instead rely on other photosynthetic pigments. This family's members come in quite a wide variety of forms.

The Ericaceae family is a family of moderate size with 100 genera and approximately 3000 species. Three of the most well known genera are Rhododendron, Phyllodoce, and Vaccinium. Rhododendrons and azaleas are ornamental shrubs included in the Rhododendron genus. Heathers belong to the genus Phyllodoce. The Vaccinium genus contains berry-bearing plants such as gooseberry, cranberry, and blueberry.

Let's take some time to talk about Vaccinium cyanococcus, the blueberry. The specific epithet “cyanococcus” literally translates into “blue sphere,” an apt name for these small blue fruits. America is by far the leading exporter of blueberries. Until recently, our exports surpassed those of all other countries combined. Within the U.S., Maine is responsible for growing 25% of our blueberry crop.

Blueberry cultivation and use has been part of American life since long before the Europeans settled this continent. The Native Americans called them “star berries” and believed that they were one of The Great Spirit's greatest gifts to mankind. Culinarily, they ate them raw and used them to flavor and preserve meats. They also used them medicinally to treat coughs and other minor ailments.

Blueberries remain popular today. They are eaten fresh, dried, frozen, preserved, or cooked into a variety of delectable dishes. Plus, they're incredibly healthy. Like all fruits, they are low in calories and fat, and high in vitamins. In addition, blueberries have one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants in any food. They also reduce indigestion and constipation, help prevent some types of cancer, and slow down the loss of memory, vision, and motor skills due to old age. There is so much good-for-you packed into such a tiny, delicious snack. Vaccinium cyanococcus is quite an impressive species out of the Ericaceae plants.



References

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