Beta vulgaris

Linnaeus

Sp. Pl. 1: 222. 1753.

Treatment appears in FNA Volume 4. Treatment on page 266. Mentioned on page 259, 265.
Revision as of 17:28, 18 September 2019 by FNA>Volume Importer

Roots fibrous or fleshy. Leaves: petiole 1/2–2/3 or equaling blade length; blade dark red to green, usually with pronounced midrib, somewhat fleshy. Inflorescences cymes, 1–8-flowered, interrupted towards base. Perianth urn-shaped; segments 3–5 × 2–3 mm; receptacle pelviform. Achenes 5–11 per cluster, 3–5 mm. Seeds 1.5–2 mm.

Discussion

Subspecies ca. 3 (2 in the flora).

Selected References

None.

Key

1 Basal leaves usually longer than 10 cm; stems erect; cymes 2-8-flowered; roots swollen, fleshy Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
1 Basal leaves shorter than 10 cm; stems procumbent to erect; cymes 1-3-flowered; roots fibrous to ± swollen, not fleshy Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima