Wild Vegetables: Morphology, Phytochemistry and Utility Part 1

The Acanthaceae, also known as the acanthus family, is a large and diverse group of flowering plants consisting of almost 250 genera and about 2,500 species. Some Acanthaceae plants are good sources of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, K, calcium, iron, and potassium. At the same time, some are good sources of essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. However, the presence of Cystoliths (calcium carbonate crystals) is a characteristic feature of this family. At high concentrations, it can irritate the digestive system and potentially reduce nutrient absorption in high quantities. (Gabel et al., 2020).

The Aizoaceae, also known as the fig-marigold family, is a large and diverse family of dicotyledonous flowering plants. It consists of about 135 genera and around 1,800 species. They are succulent plants, meaning their leaves and stems store water, which helps them survive in hot, dry climates. Some Aiozoaceae members are a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium and magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary fibers. However, some members contain oxalic acid, which can interfere with the absorption of minerals like calcium and iron (Lokhande et al., 2013).

The Amaranthaceae family comprises nearly 175 genera and more than 2,500 species. The plants are found nearly worldwide, with some species thriving in tropical regions and others adapted to cool temperate climates. Several species of this family are important food crops, including Amaranth, Quinoa, Beet, etc. and some species are ornamental including cocks comb, globe amaranth, etc. Amaranthaceae members are rich in nutrients, essential amino acids, dietary fibers, vitamins A, B complex (particularly B6), C, E, and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. In addition, some members contain antinutritional compounds including, phytates, oxalates, and nitrates which may cause health issues in humans (Umar et al., 2011). 

The Anacardiaceae family, also known as the cashew family, is a diverse group of flowering plants with over 80 genera and around 800 species. These family members are rich sources of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. In addition, some members are good sources of healthy fats i.e., monounsaturated fats, and some members are rich in antioxidant compounds like carotenoids and phenolic acids. However, some members contain antinutritional compounds like Tannins, Urushiol, and anacardic acid, which can disturb human metabolism if ingested in high amounts (Mitchell et al., 2022).

The Apiaceae family, commonly known as the carrot or parsley family, is a large group of plants known for their hollow stems, compound umbel-shaped flower clusters, and often aromatic qualities. This family includes over 3,700 species across 434 genera, featuring many economically important plants like carrots, celery, coriander, and cumin. While these plants are rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential oils, some members of this family contain phototoxic or even poisonous compounds (Plunkett et al., 2005).

The Apocynaceae family, also known as the dogbane family, is a large and diverse group of flowering plants with over 4,000 species. They are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including herbs, shrubs, vines, and even some trees. Most of the members contain milky latex, which can be irritating or even poisonous if ingested. Some members consist of macronutrients such as carbohydrates, fibers, and proteins and micronutrients such as iron, manganese, zinc, and copper (Maheshu et al., 2014).

The Araceae family, also known as the Arum family, is a large and diverse group of flowering plants comprising over 4,000 species found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Members of the Araceae are renowned for their distinctive inflorescence, which features a fleshy stalk called a spadix, typically encircled by a modified leaf bract known as a spathe. Many species in this family are rich in carbohydrates and dietary fibers. However, Araceae plants also contain calcium oxalate crystals, called raphides, which can irritate the skin and mucous membranes if ingested (Almaaty et al., 2022).

The Asparagaceae family, also known as the Asparagus family, is a large and diverse group of flowering plants with 153 genera comprising 2,900 species worldwide (Stevens 2020). Generally, the flowers are showy and “lily-like” with six tepals. Many Asparagaceae members are good sources of essential vitamins, minerals such as folate, vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber. Some members also contain prebiotic inulin fiber, which helps promote gut health. However, some members contain antinutritional compounds such as Fructans, Saponins, Oxalates, etc. 

The Asteraceae family, also known as the sunflower family or daisy family, is the largest family of flowering plants with over 30,000 species found worldwide. The most distinctive feature is the inflorescence, called a capitulum or head. Many Asteraceae members are good sources of essential vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, folate, potassium, and healthy fats. They are also rich in antioxidants and prebiotics. However, some members also contain oxalates and Sesquiterpene lactones which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals (Song et al., 2020). 

The Basellaceae family, also known as the Madeira vine family, is a small group of flowering plants with 4 genera and 19 species. Basella is a great choice for weight management or healthy eating plans. A 100-gram serving of raw Basella leaves contains only about 19 calories and negligible fat. The members are rich in beta-carotene, Vitamin C, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, folate, dietary fiber, and flavonoids. They also contain anti-nutritional compounds like oxalates and phytates (Kumar et al., 2015).

The Bignoniaceae family, also known as the trumpet vine or catalpa family, encompasses over 800 species across approximately 110 genera. Members are characterized by woody growth habits; many species are vines that climb using tendrils or twining. Their oppositely arranged, often compound leaves create a lush backdrop for their true stars: showy, bisexual flowers. These bell or funnelshaped blooms, with five-lobed petals, come in a vibrant array of colors, making them popular ornamental plants. Some members contain flavonoids, alkaloids, fatty acids, steroids, etc. Some Bignoniaceae members contain iridoid glycosides and naphthoquinones, which may have beneficial properties but can also be toxic (Fischer et al., 2004).

The Burseraceae family, also known as the torchwood or gumbo-limbo family, is composed of about 19 genera and 775–860 species of resinous trees and shrubs. These tropical trees and shrubs are native to Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Members are distinguished by their fragrant, resinous secretions and characteristic bark that flakes but remains smooth (Britannica 2022). Some members showed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins, and triterpenoids.

The Capparaceae family, also known as the caper family, is a group of flowering plants with 33 genera and about 700 species. Some members are rich sources of vitamins, including vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), vitamin C, and vitamin K. They may also contain minerals like potassium, calcium, and iron. Some members may contain anti-nutritional compounds like Glucosinolates and tannins (Kamel et al., 2009). 

The Caricaceae family, also known as the papaya family, is a small but economically important group of flowering plants with 6 genera and about 35 species. Caricaceae members are a good source of vitamins A (in the form of beta-carotene), C, E, and K. It also contains minerals like potassium, folate, and magnesium. However, some members may contain goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid function in high amounts (Carvalho and Renner 2013). 

The Cleomaceae family, which includes 2 genera and 220 species, is predominantly found in hot temperate, desert, and tropical regions (Chase et al., 2016). This family members include species with various traditional uses, such as bioinsecticide, forage, ornamental plant, and for magical, religious, and medicinal purposes (Magalhaes et al., 2023). 

This family comprises approximately 41 genera and 731 species. In contrast to many flowering plants, Commelinaceae species feature a distinctive structure known as a spathe. This modified leaf serves as a protective sheath around the flower cluster (inflorescence) before it blooms. Some Commelinaceae species are excellent sources of vitamins, particularly A and C, and may also contain essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iron. However, certain Commelinaceae plants contain antinutritional compounds, including calcium oxalate crystals and saponins (Faden 1998).

The Convolvulaceae family, commonly known as the morning glory family, boasts a vibrant display of flowering plants. The most interesting character is the flower's corolla, it is typically funnel-shaped, with five fused petals forming a trumpet-like structure. The family consists of 60 genera and 2000 species (Simoes et al., 2022). Some members are a good source of vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, and B vitamin, dietary fibers, and essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron. 

The Cordiaceae family consists of a fascinating group of flowering plants native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Although they were once classified as a subfamily within the larger Boraginaceae family, recent phylogenetic studies have recognized them as a distinct family with unique characteristics. This family includes around 350 species, spread across two recognized genera: Cordia and Varronia (Miller and Gottschling 2007). Some members contain phenolic compounds, flavonoids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, and essential oils. 

The Costaceae family, a vibrant group of flowering plants, stands out within the Zingiberales order for its unique characteristics. Often confused with their close relatives, the gingers (Zingiberaceae), The monostichous (one-sided) spiral phyllotaxy of shoot is the key character of this family, which encompasses around 7 genera and 143 species (Specht 2006). Some members are rich in essential oils, alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, steroids, and phenolic compounds.

The Cucurbitaceae family, is commonly known as the gourd family or cucurbits. It is the second largest fruit and vegetable family. This family encompasses approximately 122 genera and 940 species. Cucurbits are rich in vitamins (Vit. A, C, E, and K), minerals (Potassium, Manganese, and Magnesium), antioxidants (flavonoids, carotenoids, etc.), and dietary fibers. However, they also contain some antinutritional compounds like cucurbitacins, oxalates, phytates, etc. (Schaefer and Renner 2011).

The family Dilleniaceae consists of 10-14 genera and 500 species with four subfamilies (Lima et al., 2014). The members are distributed in tropical and subtropical regions around the world including Australia. Some members are widely used in folk medicines to treat cough, fever, diabetes, diarrhea, and cancer and are also used as hair tonic (Sabandar et al., 2017). Some members produce edible fruits and can be cultivated as ornamental plants.

The monocotyledonous family- Dioscoreaceae, also known as the yam family, is known for their starchy edible tubers. It consists of 9 genera and 750 known species (Xu and Chang 2017). The members are a valuable food source in tropical regions, rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as potassium and manganese. Species contain diosgenin, a steroid saponin that can be toxic in high amounts (Xu and Chang 2017). 

The Euphorbiaceae, commonly known as the spurge family, is a large and diverse family of flowering plants. As the fifth-largest flowering plant family, it comprises approximately 7,500 species distributed across 300 genera (Kemboi et al., 2020). The presence of milky latex is the characteristic feature of this family. Some members are rich in dietary proteins, carbohydrates, fats, oils, vitamins, and minerals. However, some members also contain antinutritional compounds such as triterpenoid saponins, phorbol esters, lectins, etc.