Soda stocksii
Species of shrub
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Soda stocksii is a shrub species of the family Amaranthaceae (formerly classified under the Chenopodiaceae).
| Soda stocksii | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus: | Soda |
| Species: | S. stocksii |
| Binomial name | |
| Soda stocksii (Boiss.) Akhani[1] | |
| Synonyms[2][3] | |
It is locally known as khar, meaning salty.
Taxonomy
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.[2] It was recombined with, i.e. moved to, the genus Seidlitzia by Mostafa Assadi in 2001 and then to genus Soda in 2020.[4]
Soda stocksii belongs to the subfamily Salsoloideae of the family Amaranthaceae.
Description
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
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
Uses
Seidlitzia stocksii is used as a source of crude sodium carbonate[3] (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.