Käivitujalised

Käivitujalised, known scientifically as Pyrolaceae, is a small family of herbaceous perennial plants. The family contains only one genus, Pyrola, which includes around 40 species. These plants are typically found in cool, temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, often inhabiting shaded forests, bogs, and mountainsides.

The defining characteristics of käivitujalised include their evergreen, leathery leaves that form a basal rosette. Their flowers are usually borne on an erect stem and are often nodding or bell-shaped, with five petals. The petals are typically white or pinkish and emit a delicate fragrance. The stamens are prominent, and the style is usually long and curved, often extending beyond the petals.

The genus name "Pyrola" comes from the Latin word for pear, referring to the shape of the leaves of some species. Common names for plants in this family include wintergreen and shinleaf. Käivitujalised are known for their slow growth and often thrive in acidic, nutrient-poor soils. They are not typically cultivated, and their ecological role is primarily as ground cover in their native habitats. Reproduction is primarily through seeds, although some species can spread vegetatively. The conservation status of many käivitujalised species varies, with some being common and others rare or endangered due to habitat loss and climate change.