familyDatiscaceae
genusDatisca
Show Lower Taxa
Datisca
Sp. Pl. 2: 1037. 1753.
Gen. Pl. ed. 5, 460. 1754.
Etymology: Cited by Dioscorides as Roman name for a species of Catananche Linnaeus (Asteraceae), applied here possibly alluding to similarity
Synonyms: Tricerastes C. Presl
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 6. Treatment on page 59.
Stems hollow or pithy. Flowers: unisexual or bisexual. Capsules 3–5-angled. x = 11.
Distribution
sw United States, nw Mexico, sw Asia from e Mediterranean region to Himalayas.
Discussion
Species 2 (1 in the flora).
Datisca cannabina Linnaeus, akalbir, of southwestern Asia, is occasionally used as an ornamental; it also yields a yellow dye once used for coloring silk.