korgblommiga

Korgblommiga refers to the family Asteraceae, also known as Compositae. This is one of the largest and most diverse families of flowering plants in the world, with an estimated 32,000 species. The name Asteraceae comes from the Greek word "aster" meaning "star," referring to the characteristic shape of the flower heads of many species. The Compositae name, which is an older but still valid synonym, comes from the Latin "compositus" meaning "composite," highlighting the compound nature of the flower head.

The defining feature of the Korgblommiga family is its composite flower head, or capitulum. What appears to be a single flower is actually a cluster of many small, individual flowers called florets. These florets are typically arranged on a flattened receptacle and surrounded by a ring of bracts, which resemble sepals. There are two main types of florets: ray florets, which are often petal-like and surround the center, and disc florets, which are usually tubular and packed together in the center. The arrangement and type of florets are key characteristics used in identifying species within this family.

Korgblommiga species are found on every continent except Antarctica, inhabiting a wide range of environments from deserts to rainforests. They exhibit a remarkable diversity in form, including herbs, shrubs, trees, and vines. Many species are of significant economic or ecological importance. This includes common garden plants like sunflowers, daisies, and asters, as well as important food crops such as lettuce, artichokes, and safflower. Many medicinal plants also belong to this family. The pollination biology of Korgblommiga is diverse, with many relying on insects for pollination, while others are wind-pollinated.