SALICACEAE - WILLOW FAMILY
Scientific Description:
Deciduous trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate or rarely opposite, simple, stipulate. Flowers unisexual, dioecious, bracteate. Catkins erect or pendulous. Bracts entire or laciniate. Perianth represented by a cupular disc or 1 or 2 nectariferous glands. Stamens 2-many. Ovary superior, unilocular, with 2 or 4 parietal placentae; ovules numerous. Fruit a 2-valved capsule. Seeds with long silky hairs from funicle.
Reference:
Davis PH (1982). Salicaceae, In: Davis PH (ed.), Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands, Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh, 7: 694.
Public Description:
Salicaceae, commonly known as “willow family”, consists of deciduous trees or shrubsand spreads worldwide. Willow and poplar are the best known members of this family.The caterpillar structure of flowers is the most characteristic feature of this family.Medicinally, the Willow family has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, astringent and diuretic properties. The main ingredients of Aspirin, "populine, salicin and methyl salicylate" are derived from members of this family. These properties are the strongest in the inner bark of the trees, but they are also present in the leaves. Like aspirin, the willow family is used in the treatment of fever, headache, arthritis and inflammatory conditions, especially in the urinary tract. If a strip taken from the crust is adhered on the wound, it acts as an antiseptic and stop the bleeding. In addition, the active ingredients have the ability toexpel of worms. Scientific studies have shown that when used as a long-term tonic, aspirin can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and colon cancer. There is a need to further investigate whether willow tea has the same potential. However, high doses of aspirin or willow may irritate the stomach lining.
References:
Anonymous 1 (2016)https://www.wildflowers-and-weeds.com/Plant_Families/Salicaceae.htm/,Accessed date: 02.08.2016.
Anonymous 2 (2016) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salicaceae/,Accessed date: 02.08.2016.
