Question

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) belongs to the family -
(a) Apocynaceae
(b) Cruciferae
(c) Chenopodiaceae
(d) Asclepiadaceae

Answer 1

Hint: Beetroots are an edible plant that is a part of the Amaranthaceae family that was previously a part of a different family that belongs to the order Caryophyllales. The family also contains spinach and quinoa.

Complete answer:
- The Beta vulgaris or the beet is an edible plant that belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. It was earlier placed in the Chenopodiaceae family which is now a subfamily included in Amaranthaceae. Beetroot belongs to the subfamily Betoideae.
- The Chenopodiaceae, also known as the goosefoot family, is a family of flowering plants.
- A well-known plant of this family is the Red beet.
- The classification of beetroots are as follows: Domain: Eukaryota, Kingdom: Plantae, Clade: Tracheophytes and Angiosperms, Order: Caryophyllales, Family: Amaranthaceae, Genus: Beta.
- Consumption of beetroot has been linked to the reduction of risk of diabetes, heart diseases, and obesity.

Additional information:
- Most species belonging to Amaranthaceae or Chenopodiaceae are annual or perennial herbs or shrubs and few are vines, trees, or succulents.
- The APG II system (2003) included beetroot under Amaranthaceae.
- Apocynaceae is known as the Dogbane family. It includes plants like Frangipani.
- Cruciferae or Brassicaceae is also known as the mustard family. They include cabbages, mustards, etc.
- The Asclepiadaceae is a subfamily in the Apocynaceae and was previously known as a family. It is also known as the milkweed family and includes milkweeds and cynanch.
So, the correct answer is ‘Chenopodiaceae’.

Note:
- Beta vulgaris has various cultivars, including the sugar beet, beetroot, spinach beet, etc.
- They are cultivated for their roots, leaves, and as fodder.