Gypsophila ()Sunset Western Garden Book, 1995:606–607Gypsophila at USDA PLANTS Database is a genus of flowering plants in the carnation family, Caryophyllaceae. They are native to Eurasia, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.Gypsophila. Flora of North America. Turkey has a particularly high diversity of Gypsophila taxa, with about 35 endemic species.Korkmaz, M., et al. (2012). Habitat properties of some Gypsophila L. (Caryophyllaceae) taxa of Turkey. Biyoloji Bilimleri Araştırma Dergisi (BİBAD) 5(2), 111-25. Some Gypsophila are introduced species in other regions.
The genus name is from the Greek gypsos ("gypsum") and philios ("loving"), a reference to the gypsum-rich substrates on which some species grow. Plants of the genus are known commonly as baby's-breath, or bebe's breath,Gypsophila. Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) a name which also refers specifically to the well known ornamental species Gypsophila paniculata.
Description Gypsophila is one of the most heterogeneous and largest groups in the carnation tribe, Caryophylleae. The genus comprises approximately 150 species of annual or perennial herbaceous, creeping or cushion-forming plants, inhabiting primarily the mountainous steppes in the north temperate part of the Old World with a diversification hotspot in the Irano-Turanian region. These species also show major variation in inflorescence type ranging from many-flowered lax thyrses or panicles (e.g., G. elegans M.Bieb., G. paniculata L., G. pilosa Huds.) to compact head-like cymes ( G. capitata M.Bieb., G. capituliflora Rupr., G. caricifolia Boiss.), and few-(uni-)flowered raceme-like monochasia (e.g., G. bazorganica Rech.f., G. saponarioides Bornm. & Gauba). Each small flower has a cup-like calyx of white-edged green sepals containing five petals in shades of white or pink. The fruit is a rounded or oval capsule opening at valves. It contains several brown or black seeds which are often shaped like a kidney or a snail shell.
Uses A few species are commercially cultivated for several uses, including floristry, herbal medicine, and food. The baby's-breath most commonly used in flower arrangements such as bouquets is the common gypsophila, G. paniculata.Henry, M. Gypsophila paniculata L. (baby's breath): in vitro culture and the production of gypsogenin saponins. In: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants IV (pp. 187-206). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. 1993. G. elegans is also used as a cut flower.Gypsophila elegans. Landscape Horticulture. American University of Beirut.
The genus is a source of saponins that can be used for many purposes, including the production of photographic film and hemolytic laboratory reagents. Their detergent qualities make them useful in soap and shampoo.
G. rokejeka is used to make the dessert halva. Species are also ingredients in liqueur, cheese, and ice cream, providing flavor, aroma, and crispness to foods.Korkmaz, M., et al. Economic importance and using purposes of Gypsophila L. and Ankyropetalum Fenzl (Caryophyllaceae) of Türkiye. In: 2nd International Symposium on Sustainable Development, June 8–9, 2010, Sarajevo.
Several species are hyperaccumulators of boron, and may be planted to absorb the element from polluted soils.
The plant is also used in making a foam-like topping for a popular dessert called "kerebiç" in Mersin province of Turkey.
Ecology Some species are known as weeds, including the "aggressive ornamental" G. paniculata, which invades habitat and competes with native flora.Baby's Breath (Gypsophila paniculata). Plant Health & Pest Management, Ministry of Agriculture, British Columbia.
The plant G. simonii (çöven in Turkish) is widely distributed in Turkey, where it is a native species.
Selected species There are about 150 species in the genus.Gypsophila. The Plant List.
Species include:
Gypsophila acutifolia – sharpleaf baby's-breath Gypsophila arrostii – Arrost's baby's-breath Gypsophila elegans – showy baby's-breath Gypsophila fastigiata – fastigiate gypsophila Gypsophila litwinowii Gypsophila nana – dwarf gypsophila Gypsophila oldhamiana – Manchurian baby's-breath, Oldham's baby's-breath Gypsophila paniculata – baby's-breath, common gypsophila, panicled baby's-breath Gypsophila perfoliata – perfoliate gypsophila Gypsophila petraea Gypsophila pilosa – Turkish baby's-breath Gypsophila repens – alpine gypsophila, creeping baby's-breath Gypsophila scorzonerifolia – glandular baby's-breath, garden baby's-breath Gypsophila spinosa Gypsophila stevenii – Steven's baby's-breath
Gypsophila muralis (annual gypsophila, cushion baby's-breath, low baby's-breath) is now placed in the genus Psammophiliella.
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