Ditaxis heterantha facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ditaxis heterantha
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Malpighiales
Family:	Euphorbiaceae
Genus:	Ditaxis
Species:	D. heterantha
Binomial name
Ditaxis heterantha Zucc.
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Ditaxis heterantha is a fascinating plant that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, which is a large group of flowering plants. This plant grows wild in Guanajuato, a state in Mexico. In Mexico, people call it by several names like azafrán, azafrancillo, azafrán de bolita, or saffron pellets. It's quite special because it's used in cooking, especially as a way to color and flavor food, much like the expensive spice saffron. However, it's important to know that Ditaxis heterantha is not related to real saffron (which comes from a plant called Crocus sativus) or to safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), even though both of those are also used as saffron substitutes.

What is Ditaxis heterantha?

Ditaxis heterantha is a plant known for its interesting seeds. These seeds are small, usually about 3 to 5 millimeters across, and they are a dull, dark brown color. They can look a bit like allspice berries.

The Special Seeds

The most useful part of the Ditaxis heterantha seed is its inside, called the endosperm. This part is waxy and a beautiful deep orange color. In Mexico, especially in Guanajuato, people use this orange endosperm to add both color and flavor to their food. For example, it's used in a dish called menudo amarillo.

What's Inside the Seed?

The seeds of Ditaxis heterantha are also quite nutritious. About 40% of the seed is oil, and about 20% is protein. They also contain special natural chemicals called apocarotenoids, specifically heterathin and ditaxin. These chemicals are what give the seeds their bright orange color and contribute to their unique properties.