Primulaceae

Plant Characteristics

Cultivation

Scientific Names

Read about Primulaceae in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture

Primulaceae (from the genus Primula, from Latin primus (first), in reference to the early flowering of some European species). Primrose Family. Fig. 47. Herbs: leaves mostly opposite or whorled, often dotted or mealy: flowers bisexual, regular, rarely slightly irregular; calyx not bracteate, mostly 5-parted; corolla gamopetalous, 5-lobed, rarely of separate petals; stamens 5, epipetalous, opposite the corolla lobes, often alternating with staminodia; ovary superior, rarely half-inferior, 1-celled, many-ovuled; placenta free-central; style and stigma 1: fruit a capsule opening by valves or by a transverse lid. The family has 28 genera and about 320 species of more or less cosmopolitan distribution, but most abundant in north temperate regions. It is most closely related to the Myrsinaceae and Plumbaginaceae. The herbaceous habit, dehiscent fruit, and many seeds are important distinguishing characteristics. The flowers of this family often have styles and stamens of different lengths in the same species (heteromorphic), e. g., Primula. The free-central placentation is characteristic of this and related families. Rhizomes of Primula were formerly used for diseases of the bladder. Primrose wine is made from the flowers of Primula officinalis and P. vulgaris. Rhizomes of Cyclamen are purgative and emetic. In some countries these rhizomes are used to stupefy fish; roasted they become good food for pigs (sowbread of Europe). Other species have been used in medicine. Many are ornamental plants. Twelve to 18 genera are in cultivation in North America. Among these are the following well-known names: Cyclamen; Dodecatheon (Shooting-star); Androsace (Rock Jasmine); Anagallis (Pimpernel, Poor Man's Weather-glass); Hottonia (Featherfoil, Water- Violet, Water-Yarrow) with aquatic inflated stems and fine leaves; Lysimachia (Loosestrife, Moneywort, Creeping Charlie); Primula (Primrose); Soldanella; Stieronema (Loosestrife); Trientalis (Star Flower). CH The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.

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References

• Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture, by L. H. Bailey, MacMillan Co., 1963

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