Sapotaceae and Primulaceae- Introduction

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Sapotaceae
(sapota family)



Sapotaceae includes mostly trees and shrubs with milky sap present in the laticiferous ducts or sac in their vegetative parts. Family includes 40 genera and over 800 species with their main distribution in tropical regions of the world. Only 12 genera and about 50 species have been reported from India, from eastern and southern regions. 
Some selected Indian genera are- 
    • Achras, 
    • Madhuca, 
    • Manikara and 
    • Mimusops.

Economic importance

Chewing gum: 
Chicle for chewing gum is obtained from the coagulated resinous latex obtained from the bark of Achras sapota (Sapodilla plum).

Gutta percha: 
Gutta percha , used for insulation and other similar purposes is obtained from several genera, such as Palaquium (P. gutta), Payena, Mimusops, etc

Edible fruits: Notable edible fruits of Sapotaceae include
    • Achras spot (Sapodilla plum or chiku)
    • Manikara hexandra
    • M. kauki
    • Chrysophyllum cainito (star apple)
    • Pouteria campechina (eggfruit)
    • calocarpum sapota (sapote plum)
    • Dried corolla of Madhuca indica is eaten by man.
Timber:
Valuable timber is obtained from Manikara hexandra, Sideroxylon, Madhuca indica (mahua), Xantolis tomentosa, etc.

Medicinal value:
    • Chicle gum obtained from Achras sapota is used in dental surgery,
    • Seeds and dried fruits of Mimusops elengi (maulsari) are highly effective in curing piles,
    • Oil from the seeds of Madhuca indica is effective in skin diseases and rheumatism.
Oil:
Oil obtained from seeds of Madhuca indica and Diploknema butgracea is used in the manufacture of soaps and candles.




Primulaceae
(Primula or primrose family)

Primula


Primrose family is represented by about 30 genera and 1000 species which are cosmopolitan but chiefly distributed in Northern Hemisphere. They consist of mostly perennial herbs only rarely annual herbs or shrubs; plants generally perennate by means of rhizome (Primula) or tubers. Leaves are often gland dotted or farinose. 
Selected Indian genera are: 
    • Primula, 
    • Anagallis, 
    • Androsace, 
    • Cyclamen and 
    • Lysimachia.

Economic Importance

The family is of no specific economic importance except that of some well known decorative plants it contains. 
    • Some species of Primula may cause contact dermatitis. 
    • Anagallis arvensis is used for curing snakebite, leprosy, gout and even hydrophobia.
    • Cyclamen purpurascence contains glucoside cyclamen which is poisonous.
Some of the commonly cultivated ornamental plants of Primulaceae are the species of:
    •  Primula (primrose), 
    • Androsace (rock jasmine), 
    • Cyclamen, 
    • Dodecatheon (shooting star), 
    • Douglasia, 
    • Lysimachia (loosestrile) and 
    • Omphalogramma.








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