Forb
A forb or phorb is a herbaceous flowering plant that is not a graminoid (grass, sedge, or rush). The term is used in botany and in vegetation ecology especially in relation to grasslands[1] and understory.[2] Typically, these are eudicots without woody stems.
Etymology
[edit | edit source]The word forb is derived from Greek phorbḗ (φορβή) 'pasture; fodder'.[3][4] The Hellenic spelling phorb is sometimes used. In older usage, this sometimes includes graminids and other plants currently not regarded as forbs.
Guilds
[edit | edit source]Forbs are members of a guild—a group of plant species with broadly similar growth forms.[5] In certain contexts in ecology, guild membership may often be more important than the taxonomic relationships between organisms.
In informal classification
[edit | edit source]In addition to its use in ecology, the term "forb" may be used for subdividing popular guides to wildflowers,[6] distinguishing them from other categories such as grasses, sedges, shrubs, and trees.[7] Some examples of forbs are clovers, sunflowers, daylilies, and milkweed.
Forb Adaptation Zones: Kale and turnip are examples of forb adaptations distributed over much of Europe, southern Oceania, northern Asia, and northern North America. In cooler climates, these crops are grown year-round, while in warmer climates, they are used as winter forage.
Examples
[edit | edit source]- Helianthus annuus (sunflower)[8]
- Raphanus sativus (radish)[9]
- Taraxacum officinale (dandelion)[10]
- Valeriana officinalis (valerian)[11]
See also
[edit | edit source]- Dicotyledon – Historical grouping of flowering plants
- Herbaceous plant – Plant that has no persistent woody stem above ground
- Overgrazing – When plants are grazed for extended periods without sufficient recovery time
- Tapestry lawn
References
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External links
[edit | edit source]- United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service link to Growth habits Codes and Definitions.