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Which plant products come from members of the Rubiaceae family?
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Gentianales
Great yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea) plants in bloom.
Members of the Rubiaceae family, which belongs to the order Gentianales, provide a variety of economically and medicinally significant products:
- Beverages: The most prominent product is coffee, derived from the seeds of Coffea species. Additionally, noni juice is marketed from the fruits of Morinda citrifolia.12
- Medicinal Substances: Quinine, a treatment for malaria, is extracted from the bark of Cinchona trees. Ipecac, used to induce vomiting, is obtained from the roots of Carapichea ipecacuanha (also known as Psychotria ipecacuanha). Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is used in traditional medicine and as a stimulant.12
- Dyes and Industrial Materials: Common madder (Rubia tinctorum) was historically cultivated for the red dye alizarin found in its roots. Gambier, a substance used in tanning, is produced from Uncaria gambir. Some species also provide useful timber.12
- Edible Fruits: Several tropical species produce edible fruits, such as those from the genus Borojoa and Genipa.1