Primrose (Family Primulaceae)

Primulaceae, also called the Primrose Family, is a family of flower

ing plants in Order Ericales. The Primrose Family has about 28 gen-

era and nearly 1,000 species in all.

The family occurs throughout the temperate regions of the world,

but is most abundant in the northern hemisphere.

The economic importance of the Primulaceae comes from the horti-

cultural value of some of its members. Both Primula and Cyclamen

are available in local stores in the spring. Lysimachia is grown for

ground cover and flowers in the summer. Some members of the fam-

ily are poisonous, and a few have useful medicinal properties.

Lysimachia provides a yellow dye, and flowers of Primula veris can

be used to make home-made wine.

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