Salsoloideae

Description

These are herbs, subshrubs, shrubs and some trees. Stems and leaves are often succulent. The ovary contains a spiral embryo. In most genera, scarious wings develop at the outside of the fruiting perianth, allowing for dispersal by the wind (anemochory).
In Tribus Caroxyleae, the stamens have vesiculose anther appendages, discolor with anthers, that probably play a role for insect pollination. In Tribus Salsoleae the anther appendages are absent or small and inconspicuous.

Distribution

The area with most species (center of diversity) are the deserts and semideserts of Central-Asia and the Middle East. Distribution of the subfamily extends to the Mediterranean, to Middle-Europe, north and south Africa, and Australia, some species have also been introduced to America. Many species grow in dry habitats (xerophytes) or tolerate salty soils (halophytes), some are ruderals.

Photosynthesis pathway

Salsoloideae are C₄-plants (with a few exceptions in Salsoleae). Caroxyleae is exclusively C₄ of the NAD-malic enzyme subtype. Most Salsoleae also use NADP-malic enzyme.

Taxonomy

The type genus of subfamily Salsoloideae is Salsola L. According to recent research, the former classification did not reflect the phylogenetic relationship, so that the subfamily had to be reclassified. The tribe Camphorosmeae is now treated as own subfamily Camphorosmoideae.