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datisca

Scientific Name: Datisca

Family: Datiscaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Datisca: A Unique Genus in the Plant Kingdom

The genus Datisca, belonging to the family Datiscaceae, presents some interesting botanical features. This family is part of the squash order (Cucurbitales) of flowering plants. Notably, the name Datisca is attributed to Dioscorides in *de Materia Medica*.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Datiscaceae
  • Genus: Datisca
  • The Plant List recognizes 5 scientific plant names within the genus Datisca, with 2 being accepted species.

Species

  • Datisca cannabina: Also known as False Hemp, Bastard Hemp, or Acalbir.
  • Datisca glomerata: Commonly called Durango root.

Considerations for Pets

  • Both the leaves and flowering stems of Datisca cannabina are described as bitter.

Considerations for Children

  • Both the leaves and flowering stems of Datisca cannabina are described as bitter.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Datisca cannabina is found from the Mediterranean region eastward to Central Asia.
  • Datisca glomerata is native to California, Nevada, and Baja California, confined to western North America.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Datisca cannabina is a perennial, growing up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) tall and 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) wide. It features stout stems with attractive pinnate foliage that arches at the tips, bearing long strings of tiny green flowers.
  • Datisca nepalensis can grow to approximately 2 meters tall and have cauline leaves reaching 15-30 cm in length.
  • Datisca cannabina is a tall-growing, ornamental foliage plant with a bushy habit and gracefully arching stems.

Traditional Uses

  • Datisca cannabina has historically been cultivated as a dye plant.
  • The leaves and flowering stems of Datisca cannabina have been described as diuretic, febrifuge, and purgative.

Quirky Facts

  • Datisca cannabina is sometimes referred to as "False Hemp" due to its resemblance to cannabis.
  • The text references 1960s tie-dyed t-shirts and bell-bottom jeans, suggesting a potentially groovy or retro aesthetic associated with the plant.

Genetic and Cytological Information

  • Research has been conducted on sex determination in Datisca glomerata and its relationship to the dioecious species D. cannabina.