Ericales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ericales |
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Ericales
Dumort., 1829
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The Ericales are a very large group of flowering plants. Scientists call this group an "order." It includes many different kinds of plants. You might know some of them, like azaleas, blueberry plants, kiwifruit vines, and even tea plants.
This plant order is super diverse. It has tall trees, leafy bushes, climbing lianas (vines), and small herbaceous plants. These are plants that don't have woody stems above ground.
Contents
What are Ericales?
The Ericales are a major group within the dicotyledons. Dicotyledons are a type of flowering plant. They usually have two seed leaves when they first sprout. They also often have flower parts in groups of four or five.
Different Kinds of Ericales
This order is home to many plants you might recognize. For example, the delicious blueberry comes from the Ericales order. So does the popular kiwifruit. The tea we drink every day also comes from a plant in this group.
Beautiful azaleas are also part of the Ericales. These plants are known for their bright, colorful flowers. Another interesting plant is the lúcuma tree. It grows in South America and has a sweet fruit.
Special Features of Ericales
Many plants in the Ericales order share some cool features. These features help scientists group them together.
Fused Petals
A common trait in many Ericales plants is their flowers. Often, they have five petals that are joined together. This means the petals are not separate from each other. Instead, they form a single, cup-like shape.
Helpful Fungi
Many Ericales plants also have a special relationship with fungi. This relationship is called Mycorrhiza. It's like a partnership between the plant's roots and certain fungi in the soil.
The fungi help the plant absorb water and nutrients from the soil. In return, the plant gives the fungi sugars it makes through photosynthesis. This partnership helps both the plant and the fungi grow stronger.
Why are Ericales Important?
Ericales plants are important for many reasons. They provide us with food, like blueberries and kiwifruit. They also give us popular drinks, such as tea.
Many Ericales plants are also grown for their beauty. Azaleas and rhododendrons are famous for their stunning flowers. They make gardens and parks look amazing. These plants also play a big role in their natural ecosystems. They provide food and shelter for many animals.
Images for kids
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Impatiens balsamina
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Primula rosea from the Primulaceae
See also
In Spanish: Ericales para niños
