Ranunculus is not just the yellow meadow flower known in this country as buttercup. The term covers an entire genus of flowering plants, some of which differ greatly. Interesting facts about the buttercup family, which occurs almost everywhere in the world.
Which species belong to the buttercup family?
The buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) includes around 60 genera and 2,500 species. Well-known representatives are buttercup (buttercup), clematis (clematis), columbine, pasque flower, monkshood, anemone, anemone and delphinium. They are mostly robust and distributed globally, except in Antarctica.
How many species of buttercups are there in the world?
The buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) includes a large number of genera, which in turn occur in many different varieties.
The number of genera is 60, distributed among approximately 2,500 species. In addition to the meadow plant buttercup or buttercup, there are numerous flowers that at first glance don't have much in common.
Known species of the buttercup family are:
- Buttercup
- Clematis (Clematis)
- Columbine
- Pasqueflower
- Monkshood
- Anemones
- Anemone
- larkspur
Incidence of buttercup plants
Almost all buttercup plants are characterized by their robustness. They therefore occur worldwide. Buttercup is only not present in Antarctica. Most species are native to the northern hemisphere.
The following types of buttercup occur in Germany:
- Spicy buttercup
- Burning Buttercup
- Bulb buttercup
- Poison Buttercup
- Creeping Buttercup
- Swamp Marigold
- Gold Buttercup
- Crownfoot
Location requirements of buttercup plants
Most buttercup plants found in Central Europe require a slightly moist location. Some like the buttercup can even tolerate waterlogging for a short time.
Buttercup plants cope just as well with sunny locations as they do with semi-shady and shady locations.
All buttercup plants are poisonous to animals
All buttercup plants contain protoanemonin, which tastes very spicy. All species of buttercups are poisonous to animals. Most contain so many toxins that people can also become poisoned.
The majority of species contain poisonous plant sap, which escapes when the flowers are broken. Even contact with bare skin can cause inflammatory reactions in sensitive people. The flowers should therefore not be picked with bare hands. This is especially true for children.
The poison breaks down when the plant is dried. That's why it's not a big deal if cock's clover is included in hay for animals.
Tip
Most representatives of the buttercup family are herbaceous plants that differ in the color and shape of the flowers and leaves. The clematis is an exception as a climbing plant.