A Report About the Different Kinds of Herbs

Perhaps, most of the time, if not always, what actually makes plants attractive to common men is the presence of budding flowers. However, not all organisms under the kingdom Plantae bear flowers. Nevertheless, in the vast taxonomy of plants, there is one class that is composed of flowering plants, the Magnoliopsida. Moreover, the latter is more commonly known with the name angiosperm, in which the main feature is the flower that is responsible for the development of seeds for reproduction. In addition to this, this class is so diverse that there are several known species under this. As a matter of fact it is the "largest group of embryophytes, with at least 260,000 living species classified in 453 families" (Soltis & Soltis, 2004). Yet there are still some that remain unidentified. This report centers on some of the most common species under the class Magnoliopsida, also known as the flowering plants. Moreover, at the end of this report, the reproduction of flowering plants, including their methods of pollination will be explained further.

Aralia spinosa (Angelica Tree)

Aralia spinosa belongs to the full taxonomy of kingdom Plantae, division Magnoliaphyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Apiales, family Araliaceae, genus Aralia L. (USDA). A native of North America, this plant is known for its common names, "prickly elder, Angelica tree, Hercules' club, toothache bush or tree (and) Southern prickly ash (improperly so-called)" (Kress, 2008). These terminologies are perhaps attributed to its physical description being "tall, spindly native shrub or small tree...with a thin trunk armed up and down with extremely sharp, treacherous spines" (Gilman & Watson, 1993). In addition to this, as described, "the leaflets are ovate, acuminate, serrate, sessile, and glaucous beneath and the flowers are white, and disposed in numerous umbels, forming a very large panicle" (Kress, 2008).

In terms of biodiversity, Aralia spinosa belong to the Araliaceae or most commonly known as ginseng family, which is consist of "24 species from eastern and southeastern Asia constituting the Aralia sect" (Wen & Nowicke, 1999). Flower blooms in August and September.

In terms of reproduction, Aralia spinosa regenerates through rhizomes that then produce ramets (Sullivan, 1992). The latter is defined by American Hemerocallis Society as "individual plants in a clump, each portion of which is identical with the original parent plant." (2007). Moreover, its "propagation is by seed, sucker-division, or root cuttings" (Gilman & Watson, 1993). The natural propagation, on the other hand, occurs with the flowers being pollinated by bees and other insects (Sullivan, 1992).

Furthermore, the plant produces many dark and juicy berries which attract the birds. Furthermore, it can be said that Aralia spinosa play a role not only to Mother Nature but to mankind as well. In fact, Angelica tree also has medicinal uses. Its bark, roots and fruits can be prepared to formulate effective alternative medicines. For example, conventional wisdom of 1900's claims that the plant is helpful in relieving rheumatism, skin diseases, syphilis, cholera, violent colic and, mouth and throat sore (Grieve, 2008). Aside from being conventionally thought, still some therapeutic claims are accepted by the scientific community. Lastly, in North America and Europe, the plant is used as an ornament or decoration (Sullivan, 1992).

Saponaria officinalis (Soapwort)

The species Saponaria officinalis specifically belongs to the kingdom Plantae, division Magnoliaphyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Caryophyllales, family Caryophyllaceae and group Saponaria (USDA). More commonly, the plant is oftentimes termed casually as soapwort or bouncing bet. The plant is "straggling, hairless... herb, growing up to 80cm" (Purplesage Botanicals, 2008). Further, it has "numerous erect, glabrous, sterile or flower-bearing stems" (Purplesage Botanicals, 2008).Also, this species are found through the United States, although the native of origin is England. In addition to this, the biodiversity consists of "42 genera in Caryophyllaceae, 3 species in Saponaria" (USDA).

Soapworts are herbaceous perennial (Russel, 1997). By perennial, it means that the plant lives for three years or more. In other words, the growing season is at least three years. Moreover, perhaps just like the other Magnoliopsidas, Saponaria officinalis also benefits from birds or insects that will facilitate pollination. Further, a study show that, "several Saponaria officinalis seed RIPs cross-react with each other, but not with RIPs from other species" (as cited in Bass et al, 2004).

Moreover, the group where the species belongs is collectively termed as soapwort, for this reason that the species is also commonly known as such. What is more, the term 'soapwort' is probably attributed to the compound it contains, the Saponin, which creates suds in water and "exhibits a wide variety of both structural diversity and biological activity" (Meesapyodsuk, Balsevich, Reed & Covello, 2007).

Aside from being used as soap especially in the earlier times, soapworts also functions as herbal medicine. For instance, the root or even the entire plant can be used as an "antiscrophulatic, cholagogue, depurative, diaphoretic, mildly diuretic, expectorant, purgative, sternutatory and tonic" (as cited in Plant for a Future, 2000). What is more, "the plant has proved of use in the treatment of jaundice and other visceral obstructions" (as cited in Plant for a Future, 2000). In addition, the molecules of the compound Saponin also have "potentially useful pharmacological activities, including immunogenic, anticholesterolemic, and anticancer activities" (Meesapyodsuk, Balsevich, Reed & Covello, 2007). However, despite its wide-ranging medicinal uses, one should one should be extra careful as it may be toxic if not prepared properly. As a matter of fact, when ingested in excess amounts, it was reported that it can actually destroy the red blood cells in the body and worse, it can even lead to the "paralysis of the vasomotor center" (Jackson & Bergeron).

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree)

The detailed classification of Schinus molle is as follows: kingdom Plantae, division Magnoliaphyta, order Sapindales, family Anacardiaceae, group Schinus L. (USDA). The plant is also commonly known as California pepper tree. Aside from originating in Southern California, the plant is named as such because "all parts... have high oil and essential oil contents that produce a spicy, aromatic scent" (Taylor, 2005). It is also present in Southern Texas. It grows as high as 10 meters, with pendulous branches, white flowers and globular pinkish fruits as some of its distinguishing features (James Cook University, 2007). Moreover, for this genus, Schinus, there are thirty (30) species found just from Mexico to Argentina (Bay Science Foundation, 2008).

Reproduction of California pepper tree is perennial, which means, it grows for three or more years and usually flowers each year" (Bay Science Foundation, 2008). Moreover, for some pepper trees, seeds are usually spread, if not eaten, by birds. This facilitates sprouting of plants. Also, this activity of birds makes pollination possible (Land for Wildlife, 2002). As what will be discussed later, there are external objects that can aid in pollination. Aside from the wind, animals such as bees and birds can also transfer pollens from one flower to another.

Unlike soapworts, the California pepper tree does not have any proven toxic properties. In fact, the chemicals found in it, more specifically in the essential oils produced by it, have wide-ranging health benefits to humans. The plant's useful parts, fruit, bark and leaf can be prepared to be "used for many conditions in the tropics, including menstrual disorders, bronchitis, gingivitis, gonorrhea, gout, eye infections, rheumatism, sores, swellings, tuberculosis, ulcers, urethritis, urogenital disorders, venereal diseases, warts, and wounds" (Taylor, 2005). Moreover, the plant is also proved to be useful as spices for food due to its scent.

Sphaeralcea cisplatina (Red Mallow)

Red mallow belongs to the taxonomy of kingdom Plantae, division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Malvales, family Malvaceae, genus Sphaeralcea A. St.-Hil., and species Sphaeralcea bonariensis (Cav.) Griseb. or Sphaeralcea cisplantina (USDA).

Aside from red mallow, this species is also commonly known for another name, Turk's cap. "Its name is derived from the shape of the small blooms it produces continuously from early summer through late fall" (Chance, 2008). In terms of it biodiversity, there are several known species of red mallows. Some share the same name such as the global mallows and the red mallows. Yet some are given different names. Nevertheless, the differences only lie in the common names but the scientific names for these species are one and the same for all types.

In addition, reproductive strategy of red mallows resembles any Magnoliopsida or flowering plants. The same holds true for pollination. As what will be discussed later on, the process of pollination can be facilitated by external objects such as animals and even wind. For animals, birds and bees are the usual medium of pollen transfer.

Just like the other species discussed in this paper, Turk's Cap or Red Mallow also poses some usefulness to humanity. It is most helpful in relieving certain illnesses such as bronchitis, urinary tract infection. For bronchitis, the plant can be prepared as a tea that when drunk would "diminish the cough reflex and sooth inflamed bronchial and throat tissues" (Kane, 2006). On the other hand, the plant soothes the urinary tract tissues when the Malvacea constituents of the plant get in with them (Kane, 2006). Accordingly, these constituents will later be eliminated through the urine. In addition, the "globemallow's immunological stimulation quickens the tissue's natural process of resolution" (Kane, 2006), hence it is very helpful in reducing swellings from injuries. Nonetheless, despite the therapeutic effects of red mallows, Kane (2006) cautioned that the hairs that the plant contains can cause irritation if blown or rubbed into the eyes. Although, red mallow is generally benign and has no negative effects of overdose, it is still best to the take the precautions.

Reproductive Strategy of Magnoliopsida (Flowering Plants)

As earlier mentioned, the flower is the most remarkable feature of the class Magnoliopsida or angiosperms. What makes it even more significant aside from being colorful and attractive is that it is the venue of the plant's reproduction. Angiosperms reproduce sexually. Moreover, it is through the aid of external objects such as animals and wind that made it possible to transfer pollens from the anther of a flower to the stigma of the others.
A seed is formed when a "pollen that reaches the stigma germinates, forming a tube that carries the sperm cells inside the ovary where it fuse with the egg" (International Rice Research Institute). Subsequently, once the seed germinates, the life cycle of Magnoliopsida starts. The cycle develops upon the formation of the remaining parts of the plant such as the roots, stems, etc. On the other hand, "the ovary of the flower matures" which then becomes the fruit ("Life on Earth Kingdom Plantae"). Finally, the cycle will end upon the death of the plant. Plants have different growing seasons. Some are annuals while others are biennials or perennials. Of course, these all depend on the number of years the plant live, although there are a lot of factors that may account for these differences.

Conclusion

The information presented in this report illustrates the significance of flowering plants apart from serving ornamental purposes. More than just adornments of the landscapes, the Angelica tree, soapwort, California pepper tree and red mallow possess properties that are actually useful for the humanity. Some serve industrial uses. Yet what appear to be more important are the plants' therapeutic effects. Nevertheless, the plants' purpose can extend beyond the industrial and medicinal. There may be more functions in between. What is more, it is also possible that some are yet to be discovered.
Furthermore, the biological composition and biodiversity of the species discussed in this report suggest the possibility of harnessing more uses, thus making them more beneficial to mankind. Hence, some recommendations that this report propose is to conduct a more thorough investigation on the specific details of the chemical and physical nature of these plants in order to develop potential uses. By doing so, all-natural products can be developed that will not destroy the environment and will not cause any further harm.

References

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