Pyrethrum
Pyrethrum
Pyrethrum (/pɪˈriːθrəm/) is a genus of several old world plants in the Asteraceae family, which are native to the temperate regions of Eurasia and Africa. The name "Pyrethrum" is derived from the Greek word "pyr" meaning "fire", due to the insecticidal properties of some species in this genus.
Etymology
The term "Pyrethrum" was first used by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 to describe a genus of plants with flower heads similar to those of daisies. The name is derived from the Greek word "pyr" meaning "fire", referring to the insecticidal properties of some species in this genus.
Usage
Pyrethrum has been used for centuries as an insecticide. The active components, known as pyrethrins, are extracted from the flowers of certain species in this genus. Pyrethrins are neurotoxins that attack the nervous systems of all insects. When present in less lethal amounts, they can also serve to deter insects from feeding or laying eggs.
Related Terms
- Pyrethrins: The active components in Pyrethrum used as an insecticide.
- Asteraceae: The family of flowering plants that Pyrethrum belongs to.
- Insecticide: A substance used for killing insects.
- Neurotoxin: A toxin that affects the nervous system.
See Also
- Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium: A species of Pyrethrum from which pyrethrins are often extracted.
- Chrysanthemum: A related genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pyrethrum
- Wikipedia's article - Pyrethrum
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