Soda stocksii
| Soda stocksii | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus: | Soda |
| Species: | S. stocksii
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| Binomial name | |
| Soda stocksii (Boiss.) Akhani[1]
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| 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.
Taxonomy
[edit]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.
Description
[edit]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.
Pollination and dissemination
[edit]
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).
Distribution
[edit]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]
Uses
[edit]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.
References
[edit]- 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)
- ^ Akhani (2020) Front. Plant Sci. 11-546518: 30.
- ^ a b "Seidlitzia stocksii". International Plant Names Index. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries and Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- ^ "Haloxylon stocksii". International Plant Names Index. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries and Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- ^ a b "Seidlitzia stocksii Boiss". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 2017. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- ^ a b c 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.
- ^ "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.