Family: Bixaceae Life
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Charophyta > Streptophytina > Plantae (land plants)
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Eurosid II > Order: Malvales
There are no indigenous representatives of this family in
southern Africa but there are two cultivated species in this region, namely
Bixa orellana (Annatto tree or Lipstick tree) and Cochlospermum
vitifolium.
Genera cultivated in southern Africa
Information from Glen (2002). These two genera are each
only represented by a single species in southern Africa, so the species is
listed.
Bixa orellana (Annatto tree, Lipstick tree,
Achiote)
Native to tropical America. Produces seeds that contain an orange-red
dye called annatto, which is used for colouring foods such as cheese,
butter, smoked fish and salad oils. Trees are cultivated in tropical regions
round the world. See
Flora of Zimbabwe. |
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Cochlospermum vitifolium
Native from Mexico to Bolivia. |
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Publications
-
Glen, H.F. 2002. Cultivated Plants of
Southern Africa. Jacana, Johannesburg.
-
van Wyk, B.-E. 2005. Food Plants of the World -
Identification, Culinary Uses and Nutritional Value. Briza, Pretoria.
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