Soda stocksii is a shrub species of the family Amaranthaceae (formerly classified under the Chenopodiaceae).

Soda stocksii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Amaranthaceae
Genus: Soda
Species:
S. stocksii
Binomial name
Soda stocksii
(Boiss.) Akhani[1]
Synonyms[4][5]
  • Salsola stocksii Boiss.
  • Seidlitzia stocksii (Boiss.) Assadi[2]
  • Haloxylon stocksii (Boiss.) Hook.f. in Benth. & Hook.f.[3]
  • Haloxylon recurvum sensu (Moq.) Bunge. ex Boiss.

It is locally known as khar, meaning salty.

Taxonomy

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It was first described as a new species by Pierre Edmond Boissier in the 1859 Diagnoses plantarum orientalium novarum.[6] Phylogenetic analysis in 2007 revealed that the species did not belong to genus Haloxylon and had to be classified in the genus Salsola,[7] however, the correct name is given as Seidlitzia stocksii in Plants of the World Online.[4] It was recombined with, i.e. moved to, the genus Seidlitzia by Mostafa Assadi in 2001 and then to genus Soda in 2020.[2]

Soda stocksii belongs to the subfamily Salsoloideae of the family Amaranthaceae.

Description

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Soda stocksii is a sturdy, glabrous or pruinose shrub 25–80 cm tall, its branches are prostrate or ascending. The distinct, sessile, spreading leaves are terete, fleshy, to 5 mm long and 1,5 mm in diameter. The opposite branches spread nearly horizontally. The inflorescences are wide panicles with 3–12 cm long spike-like branches with numerous flowers. Perianth segments are only 1,5 mm long. The 5 stamens are alternating with ovate staminodes. Fruiting, the perianth segments develop spreading brown wings, circa 6 mm in diameter. The seed diameter is 2,5–3 mm.

Pollination and dissemination

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Salsola stocksii, insect pollination

Seidlitzia stocksii is pollinated by small wild bees (Hymenoptera), that were observed to collect pollen (see photo).[8] The winged fruits are dispersed by the wind (anemochory).

Distribution

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Seidlitzia stocksii is distributed in Afghanistan, Pakistan and West India (Punjab, Rajasthan), where it grows on sandy or loamy saline soils (halophyte) and limestone hills.[5]

Uses

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Seidlitzia stocksii is used as a source of crude sodium carbonate[5] (barilla or sajji-khar). The sajji-khar is added as an ingredient for unique taste of papad, a crispy flatbread. The ash of this plant is used as substitute of soap for cleaning clothes and is also taken with water for treatment of internal ulcers.

References

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  • I.C.Hedge: Haloxylon.- In: Karl Heinz Rechinger et al. (Edit.): Flora Iranica Bd. 172, Chenopodiaceae: p. 315-326. Akad. Druck, Graz 1997, ISBN 3-201-00728-5. p. 321. (description, distribution)
  1. ^ Akhani (2020) Front. Plant Sci. 11-546518: 30.
  2. ^ a b "Seidlitzia stocksii". International Plant Names Index. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries and Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
  3. ^ "Haloxylon stocksii". International Plant Names Index. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries and Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
  4. ^ a b "Seidlitzia stocksii Boiss". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 2017. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
  5. ^ a b c I.C.Hedge: Haloxylon.- In: Karl Heinz Rechinger et al. (Edit.): Flora Iranica Bd. 172, Chenopodiaceae: p. 315-326. Akad. Druck, Graz 1997, ISBN 3-201-00728-5. p. 321.
  6. ^ "Salsola stocksii". International Plant Names Index. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries and Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
  7. ^ Hossein Akhani, Gerald Edwards, Eric H. Roalson: Diversification Of The Old World Salsoleae S.L. (Chenopodiaceae): Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis Of Nuclear And Chloroplast Data Sets And A Revised Classification, In: International Journal of Plant Sciences, Volume 168 (6), 2007, p. 931–956.
  8. ^ Gabriele Kothe-Heinrich: Revision der Gattung Halothamnus (Chenopodiaceae). Bibliotheca Botanica Bd. 143, Schweizerbart, Stuttgart 1993, ISBN 978-3-510-48014-2 (German), p. 22.