Wild Vegetables: Morphology, Phytochemistry and Utility - (Part 2)

This family is often called the legume or bean family. It is estimated to contain around 20,000 species across over 700 genera. The members are a vital source of food for humans and animals worldwide due to its high nutritional value. They are a rich source of plant-based proteins, dietary fibers, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals including iron, folate, potassium, and phosphorus, etc. Some members contain anti-nutritional compounds such as lectins, phytates, tannins, etc. (MartínCabrejas 2019). 

The Lythraceae family, commonly known as the loosestrife family, comprises approximately 620 species within 32 genera (Xu and Deng 2017). The members are rich in antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, triterpenoids, and phenolic compounds. 

The Malvaceae, commonly referred to as the mallow or hibiscus family, is a diverse group of flowering plants that includes over 4,225 species across 244 genera (Erarslan and Koçyiğit 2019). Some members are a good source of proteins, vitamin C, and minerals like potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, etc.

The Menispermaceae family, commonly known as the moonseed family, is distinguished by a unique combination of features including woody climbers, palmate or pinnate venation, small and inconspicuous flowers, crescent-shaped seeds, etc. This family is represented by about 70 genera and 520 species (Chinh et al., 2015). The members are rich in alkaloids.

The Moraceae family, often called the fig or mulberry family, has several key distinguishing characteristics such as milky sap, syconium fruit and unisexual flowers. The members are mostly tropical trees and consist of 37 genera and 1100 species (Francis 2004).

The Musaceae family, also known as the banana family, has unique morphological characteristics such as large herbaceous growth, pseudo stem, large elongated leaves with prominent midrib and entire margin, berry fruits, and spadix inflorescence covered with spathe. It consists of 6 genera and 130 species (Qamar and Shaikh 2011). The members are rich in carbohydrates in the form of simple sugars (fructose, sucrose, glucose, etc.) and starch, vitamin B, Mineralspotassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and pectin fibers. Some members contain antinutritional compounds such as tannins, lactins, phytic acid, etc. (Qamar and Shaikh 2011). 

This family is also known as the Lotus family with unique features such as aquatic habitat, large peltate and floating leaves, and flowers- large, solitary, conspicuous with numerous petals with colors ranging from white, yellow, pink or red. It consists of one genus and two species (Xue et al., 2012). The members are a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals including potassium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, iron, vitamins, and fibers. However, they also possess antinutritional contents such as nelumbone alkaloids and tannins (Sujitha et al., 2013). 

The Nyctaginaceae family, also known as the four-o'clock family consists of 33 genera and 290 species (Xu and Deng 2017). Some members contain alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, etc. (Pooja et al., 2017).

The Oleaceae family is distinctive, typically consisting of trees or shrubs (rarely lianas), usually featuring peltate secretory trichomes and opposite leaves. Their inflorescences are typically cymes or solitary flowers (Green 2004). It consists of 25 genera and 688 species (Huang et al., 2019). Some members are a valuable source of healthy fats like oleic acid. However, it may also contain a bitter compound i.e. oleuropein. 

The Onagraceae, commonly referred to as the evening-primrose or willowherb family, comprises around 17 genera and 650 species of flowering plants, including herbs, shrubs, and trees (Shawky et al., 2021). The edible members are a good source of Vitamin A and C, Gamma-Linolenic Acid, minerals, fibers, etc. However, some members contain oxalates, and cyanogenic glycosides, which are anti-nutritional compounds (Shawky et al., 2021).

The Orchidaceae family, commonly known as the orchid family, is celebrated for its remarkable diversity and beauty. It is one of the largest families in angiosperms with about 850 genera and 20000 species (Gantait et al., 2021). Some members contain carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, and essential minerals such as potassium, calcium, zinc, copper, iron, etc. In addition, some members contain antinutritional compounds such as phytates, oxalates, and condensed tannins.

The Oxalidaceae (570 species), commonly known as the wood sorrel family, is a small group of flowering plants with typically trifoliate leaves in clover-like arrangement and thickened leaf bases of leaflets. Many members show “sleep movements” i.e., the leaflets get folded together during the night or in response to stress or touch. Some members are rich in Vitamin C, and potassium. The presence of oxalic acid gives a ‘sour’ taste to the plant (Christenhusz and Byng 2016).

The Phyllanthaceae family, abundant in Southeast Asia and warm regions worldwide, includes 2000 species across 59 genera. These plants vary widely, from tiny herbs to towering trees, with some even being climbers. They can be distinguished by having two ovules per ovary chamber and lacking the milky latex sap found in their close relatives, the Euphorbiaceae. Phyllanthaceae members can be a good source of vitamins like C, A, and B complex, along with minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium (Xu and Deng 2017).

The Plantaginaceae family, or plantain family, includes over 1,900 species across about 90 genera. Found worldwide, especially in temperate zones, these plants range from common herbs like plantains and foxgloves to ornamental snapdragons. They lack vertical partitions in leaf hairs, have variable flower structures, and typically spiral or opposite leaves. Some members, like Foxglove, are used in medicine for heart treatments (Hamed et al., 2014).

The Plumbaginaceae family, or leadwort family, includes about 650 species across 27 genera. Found worldwide, especially in salty environments like coasts and steppes, these plants are known for their vibrant pink and blue blooms. They feature chalk glands to expel excess salt, perennial herbaceous forms with basal leaves, and five-petaled flowers. While some have medicinal uses, their primary value is ornamental, with thrift (Armeria) being a popular example (Kubitzki 1993).

The Poaceae family, or grasses, comprises over 10,000 species in roughly 700 genera. Dominating grasslands and meadows worldwide, they are essential to many ecosystems. Recognizable by their hollow, linear leaves with parallel veins and spikelet-clustered flowers, Poaceae lack true petals and rely on wind for pollination. This family is vital for food staples like wheat, rice, and corn, and for livestock forage. While some grasses have medicinal uses, their primary value lies in their nutritional content, offering complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, though some contain anti-nutrients like phytic acid (Khan et al., 2019).

The Polygonaceae family, or knotweed family, includes around 1,200 species across 48 genera. Found globally, especially in temperate zones, they feature swollen stem nodes, alternate leaves with sheath-like stipules, and clustered small flowers. Buckwheat, a nutritious seed and flour source, is a culinary star of the family. Other edible members include rhubarb and sorrel, with some species having medicinal uses. Overall, the family offers nutritional value with seeds rich in protein and fiber, though some members may contain anti-nutrients (Brandbyge 1993).

The Portulacaceae, or purslane family, recently underwent a taxonomic revision. Previously, it included around 20 genera and 500 species; now, it comprises only 1 genus, Portulaca, with roughly 115 species. These plants are recognized by their fleshy, often rosette-clustered leaves and showy flowers with five petals. They are rich in vitamins A and C, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and minerals. However, some species may contain anti-nutrients like lectins and tannins (Xu and Deng 2017).

The Rubiaceae family, or coffee family, includes over 13000 species in about 630 genera, mainly found in the tropics. They are recognizable by their simple, opposite leaves with stipules at the base and symmetrical flowers. Economically important members include coffee and madder, with additional medicinal uses and ornamental species. While offering a range of vitamins and beneficial compounds, some members may contain antinutrients (Xu and Chang 2017).

The Sapindaceae family, or soapberry family, includes over 1900 species across 144 genera, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. These plants, ranging from trees to vines, are identified by their compound leaves and typically unsymmetrical flowers. The family includes both sweet fruits like lychee and rambutan and sources of maple syrup. Some species have medicinal uses, but soapberries contain saponins, which can be irritating. While offering vitamins and minerals in some fruits, some members may also contain anti-nutrients (Buerki et al., 2021).

The Smilacaceae family, or greenbrier family, includes around 320 species in the two main genera, Smilax and Heterosmilax. Mostly found in tropical and temperate regions, these climbing vines are recognized by their prickly stems and tendrils near the leaves. Though not widely used in cooking, some Smilax species have historical medicinal uses, notably sarsaparilla root (Conran 1998). 

The Solanaceae family, or nightshade family, includes over 2,000 species across 100 genera, ranging from herbs and shrubs to towering trees found worldwide. They are recognized by their star-shaped flowers with five petals and sepals, and alternate leaves. This family offers a mix of toxic and edible plants, including deadly nightshade, potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants. While some have medicinal uses, caution is advised due to varying toxicity. Nutritionally, they provide vitamins and antioxidants, but some also contain harmful anti-nutrients (Chidambaram et al., 2022).

The Typhaceae family, or cattail family, includes around 51 species in one or two genera (Typha and Sparganium). These wetland plants are recognized by their tall, emergent forms with long, strap-like leaves and dense flower spikes. Despite limited variety, Typhaceae plants have various uses. Some cultures use cattails in food preparations, and their dense pollen has been used as tinder. Medicinally, they have been used for wound healing, though research is limited. Nutritionally, they offer some carbohydrates, but their primary value lies in their ecological role in wetlands (Kubitzki 1998).

The Verbenaceae family, or Verbena family, includes over 1200 species in around 34 genera. Primarily tropical, these aromatic plants range from herbs and shrubs to trees. They feature opposite or whorled leaves and small flowers with four or five petals in spikes, clusters, or racemes. Popular for ornamental and historical medicinal uses, the family is best known for lemon verbena, which adds a citrusy touch to dishes (Atkins 2004).

The Vitaceae family, or grape family, includes over 750 species across 14 genera, primarily in tropical and warm temperate regions. These climbing plants are identified by swollen leaf nodes and tendrils. Tiny flowers clustered opposite the leaves yield the family’s most famous product grapes. Enjoyed fresh, dried, or juiced, grapes are a global culinary staple. While some Vitaceae species have medicinal uses, caution is advised as some contain toxins. Nutritionally, grapes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, while other family members have limited nutritional value (Wen 2007). 

The Zingiberaceae family, or ginger family, includes over 1,300 species across 50 genera, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. These aromatic perennial herbs are recognized by their underground rhizomes, which are often the most valuable part. Key features include the absence of latex and the presence of stipules at the base of leaves. Culinary stars like ginger and turmeric dominate, while cardamom and galangal add unique flavors. Medicinally, ginger aids digestion, and turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. Nutritionally, the family offers vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, though some members may contain anti-nutrients (Larsen et al., 1998).

The Zygophyllaceae family, or caltrop family, includes around 240 species in 22 genera, thriving primarily in dry and hot climates, including deserts and saline environments. These plants are characterized by shrubby or herbaceous forms with opposite or spirally arranged leaves, sometimes spiny or fleshy. Their flowers feature four or five separate petals and sepals, typically with eight to ten stamens. While some species have medicinal uses, culinary contributions are limited. Some members contain nutritional compounds such as steroidal saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, etc. (Sheahan 2007).