Amaryllidaceae family (Amaryllidaceae). Rare bulbous plants from the amaryllis family. Which aquarium plants belong to the amaryllis family

Amaryllidaceae (lat. Amaryllidaceae)- monocots, previously classified as Liliales, but now, according to the APG classification, included in the order Asparagales. They number about seventy genera and more than a thousand species. They are distributed on all continents except Antarctica, but most of them grow in the tropics and subtropics at the foot of the mountains and at altitudes up to 4000m, and only some species of amaryllis prefer a temperate climate. Most of Amaryllidaceae are ornamental plants, some of which were introduced into cultivation a long time ago.

Amaryllis plant family

Amaryllidaceae – perennial herbaceous plants, usually bulbous, occasionally corms. The bulbs are located either underground or on the soil surface and differ not only in shape (ovoid, oblong or cylindrical), size and color of scales, but also in internal structure. And the plants themselves are also sometimes very different from each other, sometimes appearing as a specimen only a few centimeters high, sometimes as a two-meter giant.

The leaf arrangement of amaryllis plants is alternate, in most cases two-rowed and alternate. Leaves collected in a ground rosette are usually sessile, but sometimes with a well-defined petiole. They are flat, linear or thread-like, in rare cases ridged; They are usually leathery; in many species, the leaves are covered with a waxy coating, which gives them a bluish tint. They range in size from a few centimeters to a meter, and even more. Amaryllis leaves contain a lot of alkaloid mucus, as do other parts of plants of this family.

The amaryllis stem is a leafless peduncle, round or flattened in cross-section. At the apex there are two bracts at the base of the peduncle, sometimes free, and sometimes with fused edges. In some, they grow together into a tube that encloses the ovary and the base of the peduncle. The pedicels are located in the axil of each pair of bracts and come in a wide variety of sizes.

Amaryllis flowers are very beautiful and incredible in their diversity. They are collected in spectacular inflorescences, which are more or less pronounced umbrellas. How better care behind the plant, the more flowers there are in the umbrella. The flowers are erect, with rare exceptions bisexual, drooping or curved. To attract pollinators, plants of the amaryllis family use a number of devices: bright colors, spots and stripes on the perianth segments, and a strong aroma. In addition, the flowers secrete nectar very abundantly.

Amaryllis are light-loving and do not tolerate waterlogged soil: the bulbs can rot. This must be taken into account when choosing soil. It should be well drained. It is better to grow plants in small pots, regularly fertilizing the soil only during the period of growth and flowering. Plants need a period of rest, during which it is advisable to remove them from the pot. Amaryllis reproduce by daughter bulbs, which inherit all the characteristics of an adult plant, or by seeds.

Amaryllis suffer from various diseases, but most often from a fungal infection, as a result of which red spots and stripes remain on the plants. As a preventive measure, try to wet the plant as little as possible when watering, and if the plant does get sick, it should be treated with drugs such as HOM, foundationazole and Bordeaux mixture.

Almost all amaryllis are poisonous: they contain alkaloids, which, if they come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes, can cause irritation, and if ingested, can cause poisoning.

The following plants belong to the amaryllis family: , like amaryllis itself, clivia, crinum, eucharis, hemanthus, hippeastrum, nerine, zephyranthes, sprekelia, snowdrop and onion.

Many amaryllidaceae (Amaryllidaceae) - narcissus, amaryllis, crinum, hippeastrum, clivia and others - great flowering plants, both in flower beds and in room conditions. The main reason for their popularity is their gorgeous inflorescences, which can consist of one or several flowers.

The Amaryllidaceae family includes, according to various sources, from 60 to 75 genera and from 800 to 1000 species. According to GRIN, the family includes 66 genera, including two hybrid genera. Listed below are some of them found both in the garden and in an apartment.

• Amaryllis (Amaryllis L.) is a popular garden and indoor plant; monotypic genus from South Africa.
• Whiteflower(Leucojum L.) - about ten species of plants from Eurasia and North Africa, similar to representatives of the genus Snowdrop (Galanthus). One of the most famous species is the spring whiteflower (Leucojum vernum) from Central Europe.
• Brunsvigia(Brunsvigia Heist.) - about 20 species from North Africa. The flowers are similar to amaryllis flowers, but smaller size. In some species, the size of the bulb can exceed 30 cm.
• Worsley(Worsleya (W.Watson ex Traub) Traub) is a monotypic genus from Eastern Brazil with blue flowers. Among gardeners, Worsleya is known as "blue amaryllis".
• Hippeastrum Herb. - about 80 beautifully flowering South American plant species that were formerly part of the genus Amaryllis.
• Hymenocallis (Hymenocallis Salisb.) - distinguished by large fragrant flowers. About 50 species of plants from tropical and subtropical regions of the West Indies, Antilles and South America. They are cultivated as ornamental plants mainly in closed ground.
• Zephyranthes Herb. or upstart; has about 35 species.
• Clivia (Clivia Lindl.) is the most popular species, also grown as a houseplant: Clivia miniata. An oligotypic genus (containing a small number of species) of evergreen South African plants.
• Krinum(Crinum L.) differs from other amaryllis primarily in its gigantic size, although there are also small plants among the representatives of the genus. Some species are suitable for growing in a large aquarium or greenhouse with a pond (Crinum natans and Crinum purpurascens).
• Narcissus (Narcissus L.) - about 20 Eurasian species, many of which are early flowering ornamental garden plants.
• Nerine(Nerine Herb.) - 13 to 30 species of perennial bulbous grasses from South Africa. Many species are ornamental garden plants.
• Snowdrop, or Galanthus (Galanthus L.) - about 20 species of Eurasian species are known, blooming in early spring with single white flowers.
• Sprekelia(Sprekelia Heist.) is a monotypic (according to other sources - oligotypic) genus of Central American plants. Sprequelia most beautiful is also known as “Aztec lily” and “Templar lily”.
• Eucharis (Eucharis Planch. & Linden) is a popular houseplant that blooms with large white flowers similar to narcissus flowers. 10-20 species grow in the rain forests of Central and South America, mainly in Colombia.

Dormancy period for amaryllis

Most of the year we are forced to look only at green foliage or even the leafless top of a bulb. Depending on the air temperature in the room, amaryllis inflorescences can delight us from 5 to 14 days. This is where the ancient Chinese proverb is especially relevant: “They grow for a whole year, admire for ten days.” Pollen on the stigma speeds up the wilting of flowers, but if the anthers are removed, the flowering process may be delayed.

Despite the fact that in favorable conditions Many amaryllis can continuously form new leaves; almost all of them require a period of rest to flower. Rest is needed not so much for the formation of flowers (they are formed in the bulb without it), but for the development of the inflorescence. If you do not take care of the dormant conditions for these bulbous plants, the resulting inflorescence will die off inside the bulb, never delighting us with flowering.

Amaryllis flowers are widespread in tropical and subtropical regions of the Old and New Worlds, and depending on their natural habitat, different conditions are required for dormancy. The only exception is tropical crinums: they do not need rest to flower. However, they are extremely rare on our windows.

Amazonian eucharis needs a little rest (1-1.5 months). The growth of the plant should be restrained immediately after the flowering period, watering only as a last resort - if the leaves begin to fade.

Hippeastrums and zephyranthes from the arid regions of the New World have a longer resting period (3-4 months). Watering is stopped altogether, and the bulbs rest in a leafless state. It is often recommended to keep hippeastrum bulbs in a cool room. In fact, this is completely unnecessary; simply not watering the plants is enough.

Valotta, Nerina, Crinum Mura and other natives of South America require not only a dry period, but also a cool period. Bulbs should be kept at a temperature of 5-10°C. Without cooling, these plants may not bloom.

The most difficult and longest dormant period (up to 8 months) is found in Mediterranean daffodils. They need not only dry summer dormancy, but also a relatively damp, cold period before flowering.

On sale you can often see bulbs without roots, which is convenient for transportation. The plants survive, but they do not like the loss of roots. If you are resting the bulbs, you should not remove them from the pot, much less cut off the roots. Even dry soil will protect the roots from excessive drying.

Some amaryllis plants are used medicinally. The juice of some species contains alkaloids that can cause burns if they come into contact with unprotected human skin.

The Amaryllidaceae family includes more than 70 genera of bulbous (or corm) plants, distributed on all continents. Some of them are found in temperate climates, such as snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis), narcissus (Narcissus), but most of them grow naturally in the tropics and subtropics.

Many thermophilic representatives of this family are well known as houseplants( , ), others ( - blue amaryllis, or ) - quite rarely found in home amaryllis collections, they can be seen in greenhouses or at flower shows.

The main reason for the popularity of amaryllis is the incredible beauty of the inflorescences, which can consist of one or many flowers.

The name of the family was given by the genus Amaryllis. Now this genus is represented in the botanical classification by one species - Amaryllis belladonna. Amaryllis grows in South Africa. It is quite rare in collections. The plant that most lovers of indoor floriculture call amaryllis (and can be found on sale under this name, which causes confusion) is actually hippeastrum. The homeland of hippeastrum is the tropics and subtropics of America.

The taxonomy of these genera is full of confusion and confusion. In 1954, the International Botanical Congress recommended that only one African species, Amaryllis belladonna, be called amaryllis, and that all American amaryllis be classified in the genus Hippeastrum. But for many decades, hippeastrums, clivias, and many other bulbous plants with beautiful inflorescences were called amaryllis, so the name amaryllis is still used. In the literature the names hippeastrum and amaryllis are found as synonyms.

These beautiful plants are very similar - during the flowering period, both throw out thick and long peduncles with umbrellas of large funnel-shaped flowers. In amaryllis, flower stalks bear 6-12 flowers; in hippeastrum, usually from 2 to 6 buds bloom (but there are many hybrids that differ in flower size, number of buds and the presence of aroma). Amaryllis blooms in summer-autumn, hippeastrum blooms in late winter - early spring, but it can bloom twice a year.

The main difference is that the peduncle of hippeastrums is hollow inside, while that of amaryllis is dense. The bulbs are large (8-10 cm for hippeastrum, about 6 cm for amaryllis), the leaves are long, belt-shaped.

Zephyranthes

With all this, there are a huge number of interspecific and intergeneric hybrids with different properties.

The leaves of most members of the amaryllis family are long and narrow, often covered with a waxy coating. The central vein often forms a keel on the lower surface of the leaf. The size of the leaves ranges from a few centimeters to a meter or more.

All members of this family are required (except crinum) for successful flowering. The duration and timing of the rest period differ and depend on natural conditions their homeland. Thus, in hippeastrum, amaryllis, zephyranthes, and sprekels, the dormant period can last 3-4 months, which is explained by the aridity of their natural habitat. Eucharis awakens after a month to flower.

Most amaryllis are fairly unpretentious plants. To successfully grow them at home, it is enough to follow some simple rules.

• All amaryllis plants are light-loving plants and are very sensitive to excess moisture and their bulbs can simply rot from excessive watering.
• Representatives of the family do not like large pots; they need to be fertilized regularly during the period of leaf growth and flowering.
• Despite the fact that they sell dormant amaryllis bulbs without roots (this makes it easier to transport), most of them are difficult to tolerate the loss of roots. Do not remove them from the pot during the dormant period.
• They reproduce by daughter bulbs, which inherit the characteristics of the mother plant.

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Almost all amaryllis species are poisonous. They contain alkaloids that can cause poisoning if ingested, and in rare cases, irritation upon contact with skin or mucous membranes.

Daffodils are perennial bulbous plants from the amaryllis family. This is one of the most common spring flowers, it has about thirty thousand varieties, and is represented by thirteen species.

Daffodils are endowed with a wonderful aroma and a bright, memorable appearance, they grow quickly, are not afraid of cold weather, and are unpretentious, so not a single “spring” flower bed is complete without these beautiful flowers.

IN Ancient Rome daffodils were considered the flowers of winners; in Chinese culture, the flower represents the upcoming New Year, in oriental medicine it is used as a remedy for the treatment of mastitis and rheumatism.

The content of the article:

Planting daffodils: when and how to plant

Daffodils are not capricious flowers and even a novice gardener can cope with their cultivation. The flower is not picky about soil, however, some features of the plant should be taken into account when choosing a place for planting. There is a clear answer to the questions of when and how to plant daffodils; plant them in the fall, in a quiet area well lit by the sun. Daffodils are unique flowers; they adapt to any type of soil. Still, there are some conditions that must be observed when planting some of their species.

So, planting time is determined purely individually, and depends on the climatic latitude. Planting daffodils in open ground in the fall can stretch from August to October, the main thing is that the soil does not cool down and keeps the temperature at + 9-12 degrees. Before the first frost, the narcissus bulb should have time to take root and begin to grow.

How to properly cultivate the soil for planting daffodils

Daffodils develop well on loamy soils, this does not mean that the flower will not grow on fertile soil rich in humus.

Daffodils, like all garden flowers, prefer fertile soil, enriched with humus, with a neutral acidity level. But excessive aeration and light sandy soils are not suitable for planting daffodils, since the bulb can freeze in winter and dry out in summer without proper care.

It is not difficult to adjust the soil yourself: add chernozem (1 bucket per 2 sq.m.), lime and nitrophoska (150-200 grams per 1 sq.m.) to poor loams; mix light sandy soil with chernozem and clay in equal parts, add nitrogen fertilizers and potassium; heavy and clogged soils are artificially lightened with river sand (15 kg per sq.m.) and peat. Organic fertilizers are applied to the soil a year before the plant is supposed to be planted on the site, in order to avoid burning the narcissus bulb.

Optimal planting depth for daffodils

The depth of planting a flower primarily depends on the variety and size of the narcissus bulb. Experienced gardeners say that the optimal deepening can be considered to be planting the bulb at a depth three times greater than its size. Thus, for large bulbs, the optimal depth will be about 22 cm, and small bulbs can be planted at a depth of 11 to 16 cm. Larger planting material will give early flowering, and for forcing the bulbs ahead of schedule, plant it 5-8 cm higher than the obtained one when calculating the depth.

Planting daffodils in the fall or the main rules for planting bulbs

You have decided on preparing the soil and choosing a site before planting; now you need to form holes for planting.

Multiply the height of the bulb by three and get the planting depth; take into account the fact that the soil freezes in winter; it is better to deepen it an additional 5 cm than to lose the bulb during wintering.

Before planting, the bulbs are carefully inspected for affected areas, soaked for a minute in a weak solution of potassium permanganate, and dried with a paper towel.

At the bottom of the hole (for drainage), pour 1 cm of river sand, lay the onion root down and lightly press down so that the onion takes root better.

The bulb is sprinkled with ash on top and half filled with soil, the next part of the soil is mixed with phosphorus and potassium and poured into the hole, the surface is lightly pressed down and watered generously.

Caring for daffodils

Caring for daffodils in autumn open ground, should be aimed at creating conditions for rooting of the bulb and protection from upcoming frosts. Applying fertilizers during the hibernation stage of the plant is not required, unless, of course, you followed the rules for planting daffodils and applied fertilizers in the proper amount before planting.

Watering in the fall is also not required, but if the autumn turns out to be dry and warm, weekly watering is welcome. For the winter, the area with daffodils is covered with mulch or spruce branches, and cleared in early spring.

Caring for daffodils consists of watering, weeding, hilling and fertilizing the plant. Fertilizers are applied during the formation of the peduncle. Watering in early spring is not required, since the soil is saturated with moisture from the winter; during flowering, daffodils are watered once a week.

Weeding is carried out as they appear. Hilling should be done as needed, carefully so as not to damage the bulb and the newborn plant. In harsh winters, daffodils need additional shelter: a layer of peat, straw or dry foliage is perfect.

Daffodils are planted once every 5-6 years; the bulbs are dug up, separated, dried and transplanted to a new location. Difficult to separate and small children are left with the mother's bulb. Transplantation is carried out when the plant has completely bloomed, in August and September.

Bulbs for storage do not need to be dug up annually, but they are stored well in a dark, cool and dry place until next year. Before planting, the bulbs are sorted and soaked in a manganese solution.

Species of daffodils, their varieties and characteristics

Narcissus has about a dozen species and more than 20 thousand varieties. They are common in most countries with temperate climates. It grows wild in Europe, Russia, the Alps, and Asia.

The history of the origin of the name of the flower depends on legends Ancient Greece, in one of which, Ancient Greek goddess Nemesis punished the young man, at the request of the nymphs he rejected, and he, seeing his reflection in the water, froze with love for himself and turned into a flower.

The color of daffodils varies depending on the variety and type, the classic shades of white and yellow. The foliage is basal, width and length also depend on the variety. The bulbs are scaly, brown, oval-elongated. The narcissus flower is bright, decorative and unpretentious, and therefore is gaining increasing popularity.

Double daffodils

The “terry” cap of the narcissus lives up to its name with its appearance and adorns the tall peduncle. The perianth is white and yellow, the crown is red, milky or deep orange. The terry species grows well, is unpretentious and looks impressive in any flower bed. The most common varieties: Modern, Indiana, Golden Ducket, Beauty Exotic, Texas, Replit, Menly.

Cyclamenoid daffodils

Reaches a height of 22 cm, and is similar to the cyclamen flower. The narcissus flower itself looks down, the petals puff up upward. The middle is lighter than the main shade, long and thin. It blooms early and gets along well with its neighbors in the flowerbed. The leaves are long and thin, prone to lodging. Common varieties: Jenny, Tete-a-Tete, Baby Doll, Jack Sneel, Andalusia.

Split-crowned daffodils

You won’t be able to pass by the split-crowned daffodils. Their brightness and unusual appearance attracts the attention of others.

The middle of the flower has a dissected crown, creating a volume effect. Color palette the species is varied. Narcissus of this species grows up to 20-25 cm. The peduncle is decorated with a single flower with a diameter of 11.5 cm. Common varieties: Lemon Beauty, Split Crown, Size King, Chantarel, Modesta, Cassata.

Jonquil daffodils

Another representative of daffodils, it has more than five small flowers on a peduncle, with a short, rounded, convex center and long, thin leaves. The species is distributed in temperate latitudes of our country. The colors of the jonquil daffodil are varied, including yellow, milky and pale orange shades.

Common varieties include: Star Hill, Sweetness, Golden, Susie Cherry, Bel Zong and the most beautiful specimen Baby Moon.

Trumpet daffodils

One of the large and widespread groups of narcissists. The middle of the flower is tubular. Flowering is early, the variety of varieties is wide.

The flower is large, on a long stem, the leaves reach 21 cm in height.

The tube and the main shade of the flower occur in different shades. The look is unpretentious, decorative and sustainable. Common varieties are:
Golden Harveys, Celebrity, Christian Andersen, Bonnet, Golden Stark, Mount Hood, Musical Hall, Little Jame, Lunar C.

Large-crowned daffodils

They live up to their name with a large convex crown. The flower is large, bright yellow or white. Crowns come in a variety of colors. The peduncle grows up to 35 cm, surrounded by narrow and long leaves. Large-crowned daffodils are very popular among flower growers and are represented by the following varieties: Smagard, Lagerlef, Cardinal, Velaxes,
Progress, Sound Semiramis, Flower Shea, Royal Orange, Scarlet, Lady Bird, Kentucky.

Small-crowned daffodils

You can recognize the variety by its small, short crown, widening towards the top. Shades of milky, pearl, yellow, pale pink, orange. The peduncle is short, strong and resistant to lodging.

Daffodils of this species are unpretentious and stable. They grow quickly, without additional requirements. They delight with the long-lasting freshness of the bouquet and fit organically into any decor.
Varieties: Jewel, Barrett, Verger, Limerick

Triandrus, triander daffodils

A selective species of daffodils, delicate, with a crown that flares upward. small flower, yellow in color, is located on a narrow and high stem, proudly crowned with a bright cylinder and bent petals. Recommended varieties: Ice, Thalia, Liberty Bells, Hawera, Stoke.

The grace and sophisticated appearance of the narcissus appeals at first sight. It blooms with white, neat inflorescences with a short, skirt-shaped crown framed in bright red.

The flower crowns the tall and thin stem up to 38 cm. The delicate spring aroma and pearly whiteness of the petals will not leave any gardener indifferent. The most successful garden varieties are: Actea, Rome, Margaret Mitchell, Milan and Beauty.

Wild daffodils

The species includes about 50 subspecies, grow in families and cover vast areas. The flowers are small and fragrant, on a short stalk, white and yellow. Wild species found in the Alps, Greece, Romania, Europe, Italy and the forests of Russia.

Daffodils multiflorum

One peduncle of this species contains about 8 flowers. The appearance of the multi-flowered narcissus is unusual and chic, due to the clustering and splendor of the inflorescences. The colors are varied, ranging from soft peach, white and yellow. Despite its appearance, the appearance is not capricious and stable. Common varieties: Medusa, Minnow, Laurent Coster, Scarlet Jam, Elvira, Geranium, Chefulness.

Bulbocodium or bell-shaped hybrids

A beautiful hybrid developed by breeders not so long ago.

The inflorescences are small with a large and wide crown, a delicate aroma and a low-growing peduncle. This daffodil is an ideal pot option.

Growing daffodils at home

Narcissus is one of the few flowers that grows well both in open ground and indoors. Planting and caring for daffodils is not difficult. First, you should choose the variety that best suits you; these can be low-growing and lush types of daffodils, such as multi-flowered or double.

It is better to choose a ceramic or glass pot for planting daffodils, at least 15 cm in diameter, with drainage holes. You can purchase soil at a flower shop or prepare it yourself by mixing garden soil with mineral fertilizers and a small amount of peat.

If you decide to buy bulbs in a store, carefully inspect them and allow only healthy and large material to be planted.

Preference can be given to the following varieties: Inbal, Ziva, Magnet, Avalanche and Bumazhny.

Before planting, the bulbs are soaked in a solution of manganese, in a solution of hydrogen peroxide or potassium permanganate, and then dried.

If you want to get flowering by a certain time, plant the daffodil bulbs 3 weeks before your date. And be sure to add nitrophoska or liquid fertilizer for bulbous flowers to the pot.

A small flat pebble is placed at the bottom of the pot for drainage, soil is poured up to half of the pot, a bed is formed in it, which must be covered with a thin layer of river sand. Then, the bulb is placed bottom down and covered with soil, the pot is placed in a sunny place and watered generously with water at room temperature, and after three weeks you will enjoy the first flowering of the indoor daffodil.

Includes 65 genera, 900 species.

Spreading: predominantly tropical and subtropical countries. Life Forms: perennial herbaceous plants.

Underground organs: bulbs, rhizomes, rarely corms.

Aboveground shoots: the stem is represented by a leafless peduncle.

Leaves:

In the root rosette;

Simple;

Often the leaves are linear or thread-like;

Sessile, rarely petiolate. The venation is arcuate. The leaves are covered with a waxy coating. The leaves often contain mucilage.

Flowers: collected in inflorescences: umbrella, curl or single flowers.

Galanthus snowy

Pollination: entomophilous (insects - butterflies, bees, bumblebees), ornithophilous (birds), self-pollination possible.

Fetus: coenocarpous (dehiscent capsule or berry).

Dioscorea nipponensis - Dioscorea nipponica

Seed distribution: the wind tingles with animals. Meaning.

■ Medicinal.

■ Decorative.

Ungernia Victor - Ungernia Victoris

Life form - bulbous plant. Medical value (medicinal raw materials) - leaves. The main group of biologically active substances are alkaloids. Pharmacological action - treatment of myasthenia gravis, myopathies, paralysis, hypertension.

Order Dioscoreales

Refers to several families.

Family Dioscoreaceae

Includes 6 genera, 700 species.

Spreading: mainly in tropical and subtropical countries,

few species enter the temperate region.

Life Forms: perennial herbaceous plants, shrubs, vines.

Underground organs: tubers, rhizomes.

Leaves: simple, rarely complex (tripartite and five-fingered).

The leaves are often long-petiolate.

The venation is palmate.

Leaf arrangement: alternate or opposite.

Flowers: mostly in inflorescences: raceme, spike.

Pollination: entomophilous (insects).

Fetus:

Seed distribution: air currents, water.

Meaning.

■ Medicinal.

Ecological significance - decorative.

Life form is a perennial herbaceous dioecious liana.

Medical value (medicinal raw materials) - rhizomes with roots.

Pharmacological action: hypocholesterolemic.

Dioscorea Caucasica - Dioscorea caucasica

Life form - perennial herbaceous

dioecious liana.

Medical value (medicinal raw materials) - rhizomes with roots.

The main group of biologically active substances are steroid saponins.

Pharmacological action - hypocholesterolemic.

Order Orchidaceae - Orchidales

Belongs to 1 family.

Orchid family - Orchidaceae

Includes 750 genera, 25,000 species.

Spreading: everywhere (cosmopolitans), but 90% of the species composition is in tropical countries.

Life Forms: perennial herbaceous plants, vines, shrubs. Often achlorophyllous saprophytes. Underground organs: rhizomes, tubers, tuber roots.

Aboveground shoots: The stem is most often characterized by sympodial growth, but monopodial growth is also found. Leaves: simple, vaginal or stem-encompassing. There are two types of leaves on the shoot: scale-like and normal. Leaf arrangement: alternate-two-row or opposite. Flowers: collected in botryoid inflorescences: spike, raceme, panicle, sometimes single flowers.

Pollination: entomophilous (insects), ornithophilous (birds), possibly

self-pollination.

Fetus: coenocarp: capsule or berry.

Seed dispersal : wind, animals, ants.

Meaning.

■ Medicinal.

■ Food (underground organs of some plants of the Orchis genus).

■ Honey-bearing.

Economic value (dyeing for fabrics - yellow color).

Genus Orchis - Orchis

Life form - perennial herbaceous

plant.

Medical significance

(medicinal raw materials) - tubers.

The main group of biologically active substances is polysaccharides (mucus).

Pharmachologic effect -

enveloping.

Lady's slipper - Cypripedium

Life form - perennial herbaceous plant. Economic value: decorative.

Lyubka bifolia (night violet)- Platanthera bifolia

Life form - perennial

herbaceous plant.

Honey-bearing.

Edible (underground parts are edible).

Used in cosmetology (flowers).