Lycium
Lycium
Lycium (pronunciation: /ˈlaɪsiəm/) is a genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family, Solanaceae. It is native to various regions across the globe, including Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The genus is known for its species that produce edible fruits, commonly known as goji berries or wolfberries.
Etymology
The term 'Lycium' is derived from the ancient Greek word 'λύκιον' (lýkion), which was used to refer to a rhamnaceous tree, possibly the European Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). The name was later applied to the plant genus by Carl Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy.
Species
There are approximately 70-80 species of plants within the Lycium genus. Some of the most notable include:
- Lycium barbarum - Also known as the goji, it is a plant species in the nightshade family Solanaceae. The fruits of this species are often used in traditional Chinese medicine and are also popular in food.
- Lycium chinense - This species is native to East Asia and is also known for its edible fruit, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine and food.
Related Terms
- Goji - A term used to refer to the fruit of certain Lycium species, particularly Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense.
- Wolfberry - Another term for the fruit of Lycium species.
- Solanaceae - The nightshade family, which includes the Lycium genus among many others.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lycium
- Wikipedia's article - Lycium
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