Rubiaceae (Coffee Family)

1. Coffee (Coffea)- contains the alkaloid caffeine, which prolongs the life of useful hormones, especially adrenaline. Gives us the JOLT we crave in our fast paced lives. Also used as an anti-emetiic to keep you from vomiting. Ipecac (cephealis), also a member of the rubiaceae family, induces vomiting. Quite the sibling rivalry! Coffee can also be used as a fashion accessory because of the glamorization of boutique cafés such as Starbucks over the past 15 years. Quinine (Cinchona)- anti malarial alkaloid, which is used as an anit-inflammatory and fever reducer Coffeaarabica tree Quinine Molecule http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Quinine-2D-skeletal.png Used for medicinal purposes to treat inflammation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Coffee_Tree.JPG Gallium Plant http://www.musingsofamuse.com/2010/07/marc-jacobs-daisy-pop-art-eau-de-parfum-spray.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flowers_February_2008-4.jp Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume, a very popular gardenia scent. Galium- Found mostly in the northern hemispheres. Also known as bedstraw. Bedstraw, also referred to as lady’s straw, was used for red dye in Anglo Saxon England. Gardenia- A flowering plant that produces a beautifully floral aroma used in many perfumes. In some cases, the bloom is used to make yellow dye for food and clothes. Gardenia flower http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gardeniaflower.jpg Quinine Plant http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cinchona.pubescens01.jpg $ Economic Value $ • Coffee is the 2nd most frequently traded commodity on Earth (oil is 1st). • Retail sales of coffee reach about $70 billion dollars per year. • Small coffee farms provide a living for over 20 million people. • Gardenia flowers are frequently used in perfumes and other beauty products for their pleasant aroma. • Many people would not be able to make it through the workday without the friendly jolt from caffeine. Rubiaceae(Coffee Family) Caffeine molecule Celebrities sipping ‘boutique coffee,’ Starbucks http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Caffeine.svg http://www.lowimpactliving.com/blog/2009/02/25/is-starbucks-finally-becoming-a-green-bean 500 genera with 6,000 to 7,000 species • Plant Anatomy • Flowers are regular and typically bisexual • 4 or 5 separate sepals • 4 or 5 united petals • 4 or 5 stamens • Ovaries are usually in the interior of the plant creating chamber-like structures • Most plants produce a capsule or berry with many seeds with the exception of Gallium, which produces fruit with two fuzzy seeds. • Ideal Environment • Mostly Southern-Hemisphere tropical regions • The 20 genera in the United States grow mostly in Florida Cultural Impact • In the past 20 years, coffee’s popularity has skyrocketed • ‘Boutique’ coffee cafés, such as Starbucks and Caribou have turned coffee into a style icon as well as a gourmet indulgence • Popular coffee logos are recognized all over the world and seen as a sign of sophistication. Tropical Environment http://uploads.cycleapp.com/florg7j8oq6o1t/file.jpg Starbucks rules the world http://assets.portfolio.com/images/site/editorial/Flash/interactive-feature/2008/06/starbucks/starbucks-large.jpg 2 coffee beans are produced in each of the red cherries Greatful coffee fans http://www.thebeanstock.com/fun-stuff.html http://www.reggiesroast.com/images/coffee_bean_anatomy.jpg http://www.earthfrisk.com/uploads_user/1000/2/628.jpg • Sources: • http://www.firstscience.com/home/perspectives/editorials/coffee-the-market-part-1-of-2-the-economics-of-coffee-page-2-1_1816.html • Botany in a Day