Plant Families

  I often talk about cucurbits, legumes and crucifers.  These are plant families.  Sometimes rather than mentioning each member of a family, like cucumbers, squash, melons, if something is common to all, I refer to the family, such as cucurbits, or cucurbitaceae.  This commonality happens quite frequently.  If a certain disease attacks cucumbers, then it will often affect the other members of that family, and not members of another family. This also holds true with many cultural characteristics.  Even with pest control, cucurbits as a group are sensitive to sulfur sprays. For further reference, here is a list of some of the more common vegetable crops and the family which they belong to.   

·        Amaryllidaceae – chives, garlic, leeks and onions.

·        Cruciferae – broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radish, rutabaga and turnip. 

·        Compositae – artichoke, endive and lettuce. 

·        Cucurbitaceae – cucumber, cantaloupe, honeydew, pumpkin, squash and watermelon. 

·        Gramineae – corn. 

·        Leguminosae – beans and peas.  

·        Lilaceae – asparagus. 

·        Solanaceae – eggplant, peppers, potato and tomato. 

Where to Get the Best Information

 The Cooperative Extension Service of University of Hawai`i at Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) is an excellent source of factual, scientifically based information for commercial growers and homeowners alike.  In Hilo, CTAHR is located at 875 Komohana Street, their phone number is (808)981-5199.  They have both free and priced publications on subjects from Abiu to Zucchini and from Anthurium to Ulu.   Check out their excellent website at www.ctahr.hawaii.edu 

The Extension Office in Kona is in Kainaliu at 79-7381 Mamalahoa Highway; and in Kamuela at 67-5189 Kamamalu Street across from Church row.  In addition, O`ahu, Maui and Kauai have Extension Offices.

Search the web for University Cooperative Extension Offices in your state. Often times a University Master Garden Program is located at the Extension Office. Master Gardeners have a wealth of knowledge for backyard gardeners. In Hilo, call them at (808) 981-5199, Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9 AM till noon. You might also want to inquire about how you can become a Master Gardener.