still on F. Asteraceae?

Question

in spite of their diversity, why is this family less economically important???
pls. site references. thanks..

Answer 1

This family is very successful but hasn't been prized for its economic value to man. Perhaps the greatest value is aesthetic ... they are often beautiful to look at and easy to grow. However, apart from the nursery trade, there isn't a great deal of economic value in this. Very few are used widely as food for man. The main ones are: sunflower seeds and their oil, artichokes and lettuce; lesser ones are Jerusalem artichokes (the tuberous root vegetables) and chamomile (for making chamomile tea). If the economic cost was added up, probably their greatest impact would be as weeds: burrs, thistles and other crop weeds. The Asteraceae are very efficient at dispersal, which makes them great weeds! Some are poisons (pyrethrin insecticide is from this family) and others cause allergies (Goldenrod).