linum

Linum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Linaceae, consisting of about 200 species of annual and perennial herbs native to temperate and subtropical regions around the world. The best known and economically important species is Linum usitatissimum, commonly cultivated as flax for fiber and seeds.

Plants in the genus are typically slender with simple to branched stems, alternate linear leaves, and small five-petaled flowers that are usually blue, though white, pink, and red forms occur in some species. Flowers are often solitary on the upper leaf axils and open in daylight. The fruit is a dry capsule containing several seeds.

Taxonomy and notable species: Linum usitatissimum (cultivated flax) is domesticated for linen fiber and linseed oil. Linum bienne (pale flax) is considered a wild progenitor of cultivated flax. Ornamental species include Linum grandiflorum (scarlet flax) and Linum perenne (perennial flax), among others.

Distribution and cultivation: Flax grows in temperate regions and prefers well-drained soils with full sun. It is grown as a short-season crop in many temperate climates, with harvest focused on both fiber-rich stems and seeds. Linseed oil and linseed meal are produced from the seeds, while flax fibers have long been used in textile production. Historically, flax was a major fiber crop in various civilizations, contributing to clothing and trade.