In Jordan, large numbers of wild edible plants are widely distributed throughout the country and consumed in various ways. In this study 56 wild edible plants used in local meals were surveyed to determine the plant parts used, the detailed methods of their preparation and preservation as well as their uses. The study showed that the plants used are either eaten raw, cooked by boiling in water, frying in fat or baking to be served as dishes such as stew, turnovers, stuffed and rolled vegetable foods or as cold or hot drinks for certain occasions and seasons. The study also showed that some of these plants are preserved by sun drying to be used out of season for cooking in main dishes, or as spices and appetizers.
Four Ravonoids 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3,3'-dimethoxyflavone (3',3'-di-O-methylquercetin) (l), 5,4'-dihydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone (kumatakenin) (2), 5,4'-dihydroxy-6,7,8,-trimethoxyRavone (xanthomicrol) (3) and 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3,6,3'-trimethoxyflavone Gaceidine) (4) were isolated and identified from the Jordanian Varthemia iphionoides. They have not previously been reported in this genus. The aqueous alkaline solution of these compounds showed little or no activity against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella typhimurium. Compound 2 was active against the fungi Fusarium solani and Candida tropicalis while compounds 1 and 3 were much more active against F. solani, Aspergillus parasiticus and C. tropicalis.
The four related genera: Ainsworthia Boiss., Tordylium L., Synelcosciadium Boiss. and Mandenovia Alava are revised. Data are presented from detailed gross morphology, mericarp surface features and anatomy, and palynology.
The results show: (1) Ainsmorthia and Synelcosciadium are congeneric with the genus Tordylium, and that Mandenovia is a good monotypic genus; (2) Tordylium persicum is synonymous with 7. cappadocicum and 7. aegaeum with 7. pestalozzae; (3) the genus Tordylium is best divided into subgenus Tordylium (including Synelcosciadium) and subgenus Ainsworthia (Boiss.) Drude. The latter is divided into section Condylocarpus (Hoffm.) DC, section Hasselquistia (L.) Boiss. and section Univittata Drude.
A new species of Tordylium is described, and two new combinations made. A taxonomic treatment of the genus ‘Tordylium’, together with a key to the species, is given.
Aerobiology in Jordan has been investigated for the first time during the past few years. Using a Burkard Volumetric pollen trap, daily slides were prepared and studied. Daily and monthly counts for two consecutive years were carried out (July 1982-June 1984. Dispersal rates in four periods a day were calculated as well as the number of pollen grains per cubic metre. The maximum daily pollen count was 73 319 and the minimum daily pollen count was zero, whilst the maximum monthly pollen count was 370 181 in hlarch 1984 and the minimum monthly pollen count w a s 565 in December 1983. Pollen dispersal during the 24 hour day was highest between 9.00 a.m.-3.00 p.m. It was observed that the results obtained mostly correlate with the rainy and dry days.
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