Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) Overview

The plant family of Pachyrhizus erosus is unknown.

Jicama is a herbaceous herb that is perennial.

The native region of the Jicama plant is unknown.

The location where Pachyrhizus erosus was first domesticated is unknown.

The tuberous root is harvested, peeled, and cut before use.

Jatropha curcas belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, which includes other well-known plants like rubber trees and poinsettias.

Jatropha curcas is a woody shrub or small tree, meaning it has a sturdy, long-lasting stem and branches.

Jatropha curcas is native to Central America and parts of South America, where it thrives in warm climates.

Jatropha curcas is primarily grown for its seeds, which are used to produce oil for biodiesel and other industrial applications.

The oil is extracted from the seeds through a multi-step process: drying, crushing, pressing, filtering, and sometimes refining.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) belongs to the Burseraceae family.

Myrrh is a woody shrub or small tree.

Myrrh is native to regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

The resin from Myrrh trees is used commercially.

Myrrh resin is collected by making incisions in the bark of mature trees, allowing the resin to ooze out and dry into "tears".

Vegetables where the harvested portion grows underground, including true roots (like carrots) and modified stems (like potatoes).

Plant parts specialized for absorbing water and nutrients, often storing carbohydrates. Examples include carrots, turnips, and radishes.

Underground stems that store food and carbohydrates, but are not true roots. Examples include potatoes, onions, and ginger.

Bulbs are layered stems (like onions), while tubers are swollen, enlarged tips of rhizomes (like potatoes).

All above-ground parts of plants except for the fruit. Examples include spinach, broccoli, and lettuce.

True roots are specialized for absorbing water and nutrients, while modified stems are underground stems that store food and carbohydrates.

A taproot is a single, main root that grows straight down from the plant, storing carbohydrates and nutrients.

A tuber is a swollen, enlarged tip of a rhizome, which is an underground stem, used for storing food and carbohydrates.

Irish potatoes were derived from a single cultivar, which lacked genetic variation and resistance to diseases, making them susceptible to potato blight.

True yams are monocots native to tropical regions, while sweet potatoes are eudicots native to Central and South America. They are often confused, especially in North American supermarkets.

The process of making wine involves crushing grapes to extract juice, fermenting the juice with yeast, and aging the wine in barrels or tanks.

A tiny insect that attacks grapevine roots, causing severe damage and decline.

European grape varieties are grafted onto North American rootstock to protect them from phylloxera infestation.

Red wines are made with the grape skins included during fermentation, while white wines are made without grape skins.

Saccharomyces ellipsoides is the yeast used for wine fermentation, tolerating high alcohol levels.

A hierarchical system used in France to categorize wines based on quality, region, production methods, and reputation. It ranges from simple table wine to prestigious Grand Crus.

The highest level of French wine classification, guaranteeing origin, production methods, grape varieties, and quality control.

The most prestigious category of AOC wines in France, representing single vineyards with exceptional quality and high prices.

A system similar to the French one, categorizing Italian wines by region, production methods, and quality, with levels ranging from simple table wine to DOCG.

The highest level of Italian wine classification representing top-quality wines from specific regions and grape varieties.

The lowest quality German wine, where grapes must achieve a natural alcohol level of 5%, and sugar is added to increase the alcohol content. It can have a region designation, but not a vineyard name.

A quality German wine where grapes must reach a minimum sugar content (MW) of 60, corresponding to 7.5% alcohol. Produced within a specific region and with limited grape varieties.

The highest quality German wine, with grapes achieving a minimum MW of 73 (9.5% alcohol). No sugar is added, and there are sub-regional restrictions.

Fortified wine made from palomino grapes in southern Spain's Cadiz-Seville region. Characterized by strong flavor and the use of the solera system.

Fortified wine produced in northern Portugal near the Duoro River. Partially fermented red wine is added to brandy to stop fermentation, leaving some sugar.

Plants used for treating ailments. They produce valuable compounds like hormones, antibiotics, and pain relievers.

The belief that a plant's appearance indicates its medicinal properties. For example, heart-shaped leaves were thought to cure heart ailments.

A book listing medicinal plants and their uses. Early versions were compiled in Egypt, Arabia, China, and Europe.

Many modern medicines are still derived from plants. About 25-30% of Western medicines are based on plant chemicals.

Chemicals produced by plants and fungi that are not directly involved in basic growth and development. Many are medically active.

The main ingredient in aspirin, originally derived from willow bark.

Complex chemicals like cardiac glycosides and morphine derivatives are difficult and expensive to synthesize, so they are still extracted from plants.

The global market for medicinal plants is estimated at $30 billion USD, with equal shares for prescription drugs and over-the-counter products.

Powerful painkillers derived from opium poppy, including morphine and oxycodone. They are highly addictive and regulated.

Chemicals produced by plants like henbane and belladonna, used to treat various ailments. They affect smooth muscle and dilate pupils.

Most medicinal tropane alkaloids today come from corkwood plantations in Australia.

Chemicals produced by plants that are not essential for survival but provide benefits like defense against herbivores, attracting pollinators, and neutralizing waste.

Nitrogen-containing compounds that affect the nervous system, often found in plants and used medicinally. Examples include caffeine, morphine, and nicotine.

Compounds made from repeating isoprene units, found in plants and often used for essential oils and medicinal purposes. Examples include aromatic oils and cardiac glycosides.

Plant compounds with aromatic rings and hydroxyl groups, known for their diverse roles in plant pigments, poisons, and medicinal drugs.

Plants have been used medicinally for centuries, with both traditional folk medicine and modern scientific research identifying their therapeutic potential.

An alkaloid derived from Cinchona bark, historically used to treat malaria. Also has applications in heart disease treatment.

An amphetamine alkaloid from Ephedra shrubs, used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat respiratory issues, low blood pressure, and coma. Also found in over-the-counter remedies.

An alkaloid from Indian snakeroot, used in traditional Indian medicine to treat mental illness and snakebites. Modern medicine uses it to treat high blood pressure and mental disorders.

Compounds from foxglove used to treat heart conditions, strengthening and stabilizing the heartbeat.

Extracts from plants like Madagascar periwinkle, mayapple, and Pacific yew are used in modern medicine to treat various types of cancer.

A steroid isolated from yams, used to synthesize hormones for contraceptives, fertility drugs, and treating various medical conditions.

Ginseng root has been used for centuries in China to improve health and promote longevity. Modern research suggests it may enhance physical and mental performance under stress.

The coca plant, native to the Andes, was chewed by the Inca for its stimulant properties. Its main active ingredient, cocaine, is a powerful and addictive stimulant.

The senna plant is a natural laxative, used in many commercial products to promote bowel movements.