Salsoloideae


The Salsoloideae are a subfamily of the Amaranthaceae, formerly in family Chenopodiaceae.

Description

These are herbs, subshrubs, shrubs and some trees. Stems and leaves are often succulent. The ovary contains a spiral embryo. In most genera, scarious wings develop at the outside of the fruiting perianth, allowing for dispersal by the wind.
In tribe Caroxyleae, the stamens have vesiculose anther appendages, discolor with anthers, that probably play a role for insect pollination. In tribe Salsoleae the anther appendages are absent or small and inconspicuous.

Distribution

The area with most species are the deserts and semideserts of Central-Asia and the Middle East. Distribution of the subfamily extends to the Mediterranean, to Middle-Europe, north and south Africa, and Australia, some species have also been introduced to America. Many species grow in dry habitats or tolerate salty soils, some are ruderals.

Photosynthesis pathway

Salsoloideae are plants. Tribe Caroxyleae is exclusively of the NAD-malic enzyme subtype. Most Salsoleae also use the NADP-malic enzyme.

Taxonomy

The type genus of subfamily Salsoloideae is Salsola L. According to recent research, the former classification did not reflect the phylogenetic relationship, so that the subfamily had to be reclassified; it is now split in two tribes, Caroxyleae and Salsoleae. The tribe Camphorosmeae is now treated in its own subfamily, Camphorosmoideae.

Caroxyleae

Caroxyleae Akhani & E. H. Roalson Akhania, with 5 speciesCaroxylon Thunb., with 128 speciesClimacoptera Botsch., with 41 speciesHalanthium K.Koch, with 5 speciesHalarchon Bunge, with one species

Salsoleae

Anabasis L., with 29 speciesArthrophytum Schrenk, with 9 speciesCornulaca Delile, with 5 speciesCyathobasis Aellen, with one species:

Classification in subfamily not sure

Iljinia Korovin, with one species:
  • * ''Iljinia regelii''