Medeola virginiana, known as Indian cucumber,[2][4] cucumber root,[5] or Indian cucumber-root,[6][7][8] is an eastern North American plant species in the lily family, Liliaceae.[2] It is the only currently recognized plant species in the genus Medeola.[9] It grows in the understory of forests. The plant bears edible rhizomes that have a mild cucumber-like flavor.
Medeola virginiana shoots consist of two tiers of whorled leaves. The lower tier typically bears between five and nine (occasionally up to 12) lance shaped leaves. The upper tier bears three to five ovate leaves. The leaves have an entire (smooth) margin. Some individuals lack a second tier of whorled leaves. The second tier is produced when the plant flowers. When two-tiered, plants grow to 30 in (76 cm) high. The flowers have yellowish green tepals and appear in late spring. The fruit is a dark blue to purple, inedible berry above the top tier of leaves.[9][10][11] Indian cucumber-root shoots arise each spring from an overwintering tuberlike structure. This structure produces a series of horizontal rhizomes at 45 degree angles which produces a clonal colony of plants in an octagonal pattern.[12]
Two tiers of whorled leaves
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Flowering
Fruiting
The genus Medeola was formerly associated with the lilioid genera Trillium and Paris, which are now placed in the tribe Paridae of the family Melanthiaceae in the order Liliales. Armen Takhtajan separated Medeola from Trillium and Paris, and placed it in its own family, Medeolaceae, which he erected in 1987,[9] based on a description that had been published in 1879 by Sereno Watson. The genera Medeola and Clintonia now constitute the tribe Medeoleae of the subfamily Lilioideae in the family Liliaceae, as narrowly defined in the APG IV system. Molecular, morphological, embryological, and cytological evidence supports a sister relationship between Medeola and Clintonia. The Flora of North America includes both of these in the family Liliaceae.
Some species of Asparagus were formerly placed in the genus Medeola, including:[3]
Medeola virginiana is found from Ontario to Nova Scotia, south to Florida, and Louisiana.[3] It grows in rich, moist forests, thickets, and woodlands.[9][13]
It is listed as an endangered plant in Florida and in Illinois.[2]
This plant produces a crisp, edible tuber that smells and tastes like garden cucumber;[14] it can be washed and eaten raw or cooked.[15] Iroquois used the plant as an anticonvulsant and pediatric aid.[16]
Medeola virginiana, known as Indian cucumber, cucumber root, or Indian cucumber-root, is an eastern North American plant species in the lily family, Liliaceae. It is the only currently recognized plant species in the genus Medeola. It grows in the understory of forests. The plant bears edible rhizomes that have a mild cucumber-like flavor.
Medeola es un género monotípico de plantas bulbosas perteneciente a la familia Liliaceae.[1] Su única especie: Medeola virginiana L., Sp. Pl.: 339 (1753)., es originaria del este de Norteamérica donde se distribuye por el este de Canadá y Estados Unidos.
Medeola virginiana es una especie de hierba que alcanza un tamaño de 30 a 90 cm de altura. Tiene un rizoma blanco y carnoso. Su tallo es erecto, con pelo blanco, que desaparece con el tiempo. Sus hojas en verticilos están dispuestas en dos plantas. Tiene un número de flores que van desde 2 a 9. Observable en la primavera, son de color amarillo verdoso. Los frutos son bayas pequeñas de color oscuro de rojo a azul.
Medeola virginiana fue descrita por Carlos Linneo y publicado en Species Plantarum 1: 339, en el año 1753.[2]
Medeola es un género monotípico de plantas bulbosas perteneciente a la familia Liliaceae. Su única especie: Medeola virginiana L., Sp. Pl.: 339 (1753)., es originaria del este de Norteamérica donde se distribuye por el este de Canadá y Estados Unidos.
Medeola est un genre de plantes herbacées de la famille des liliacées.
Selon ITIS :
Medeola est un genre de plantes herbacées de la famille des liliacées.
Medeola L. é um género botânico pertencente à família Liliaceae.[1]
Apresenta 8 espécies.
